GOVERNMENT AND CITY OF MOOSE JAW AGREE TO WORK TOGETHER ON BURROWING OWLS

Released on March 31, 1999

Environment and Resource Management Minister Lorne Scott and City of

Moose Jaw Mayor Ray Boughen today agreed to work together on a

Conservation and Management Plan for Burrowing Owls.



"The conservation plan will include habitat creation, vegetation

management, research studies and public consultation," Scott said.

"It will address immediate conservation efforts and the development of

a long-term plan focusing on protecting the nesting and feeding

habitats of burrowing owls within the City of Moose Jaw, and

establishing buffer areas and travel corridors required to sustain

populations."



The proposed plan will address critical habitat requirements of

burrowing owls, while accommodating future residential and commercial

developments within the City. This plan is to be completed by

November 1, 1999.



The plan also supports the Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre, located

in the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds, by encouraging Moose Jaw's

enhancement as a world-class ecotourism destination. The centre is

promoted as part of the Saskatchewan Bird Trail which includes other

sites such as the Chaplin Lake which is a Western Hemispheric

Shorebird Reserve Network Site.



"This is an example of two levels of government working together

to solve a mutual concern to the satisfaction of both," said

Boughen.



"The support from the City of Moose Jaw will greatly help in our

effort to protect and recover this unique species," Scott said.

"The burrowing owl has been declared an endangered species in

both Saskatchewan and Canada, and only through the combined

efforts of all concerned - volunteers, landowners, municipalities

and government - will they survive."



The government and the City of Moose Jaw signed a memorandum of

understanding at a ceremony at St. Agnes School in Moose Jaw

following a presentation to students on burrowing owls.



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For more information, contact:



Karyn Scalise Pam Sargent

Environment and City of Moose Jaw

Resource Management Moose Jaw

Regina Phone: (306) 694-4427

Phone: (306) 787-2461