Released on August 11, 2016
Anglers and boaters travelling to and from their favourite Saskatchewan lakes will be seeing new highways signs reminding them to Clean, Drain and Dry their watercraft to help protect provincial waterbodies from the threat of aquatic invasive species.
“Invasive species have the potential to severely impact our environment,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Nancy Heppner said. “Prevention through education, such as these signs, is a cost-effective way to help control any potential spread.”
The signs were erected along key interprovincial routes to target watercraft owners coming into the province from southern and eastern jurisdictions where these invasive species are prevalent. They read: Stop Aquatic Invasive Species – Clean+Drain+Dry YOUR BOAT.
“Our government’s focus includes increased watercraft inspections, decontaminating high-risk watercraft found entering the province and additional education and awareness efforts such as this signage to help protect our fish populations and aquatic habitats,” Environment Minister Herb Cox said.
New highway construction is scheduled to begin on Highway 12 this week near Martensville. Motorists can expect minor traffic disruptions and delays. Paving work has wrapped up on Highway 11 near Dundurn as well as Highway 6 between Ceylon and Pangman.
A photo gallery featuring current work can be found at www.highways.gov.sk.ca/2016construction.
If you’re planning a trip this summer, check the Highway Hotline at http://hotline.gov.sk.ca/map/. The Highway Hotline provides up-to-date information on construction, emergency road closures, the status of ferries, barges and other road activities.
Information is also available by calling 306-787-7623 in Regina, 306-933-8333 in Saskatoon and toll-free across Canada at 1-888-335-7623.
The Government of Saskatchewan has invested $6.3 billion in transportation infrastructure since 2008, improving more than 11,000 kilometres of provincial roads.
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For more information, contact:
Sonja Orban
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8484
Email: sonja.orban@gov.sk.ca
Jamie Gibson
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3900
Email: jamie.gibson@gov.sk.ca