Released on April 15, 2011
The Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport is beginning public consultations regarding a proposal to establish two new provincial parks.
One of the proposed park areas being considering includes the existing Emma Lake and Anglin Lake Recreation Sites and some adjacent Crown Land, located north of Prince Albert. The second proposed park is located south of Hudson Bay. The area being considered includes the McBride Lake, Pepaw Lake, Parr Hill Lake, Saginas Lake and Woody River Recreation Sites and some adjacent Crown Land.
"Government is committed to adding more parks to our provincial parks system to provide more recreation and conservation opportunities," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Bill Hutchinson said. "We also believe it is essential to have broad consultations with Saskatchewan residents so we understand their opinions. With this in mind, we will be listening carefully to municipalities, local businesses, industry, members of First Nations and Métis communities, landowners and lessees. Their input will be very helpful in making a final decision."
The Anglin/Emma Lakes and Porcupine Hills areas were selected because they have the greatest potential to protect important environmental assets and improve outdoor recreation opportunities for Saskatchewan residents and tourists.
"Our provincial parks provide fantastic recreation opportunities and play a major role in conserving Saskatchewan's ecosystems," Hutchinson said. "They also contribute to economic development in nearby communities and help create jobs. Adding additional provincial parks is part of our commitment to enhance our already enviable quality of life and to keep Saskatchewan moving forward."
The public consultations will take various forms but specific open house meetings for the Anglin/Emma Lakes area will be held in the communities of Christopher Lake and Prince Albert. In the Porcupine Hills area, open houses will be held at Hudson Bay, Preeceville and Pelly. There is more information about the locations, times and dates of the open houses along with response forms posted to http://www.saskparks.net/ProposedParks.
The ministry hopes to have a decision as to whether to proceed with the proposed new parks by the fall of this year.
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For more information, contact:
Art Jones
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3506
Email: art.jones@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-550-5927