Ecosystem Protection

• Sale of Crown Lands that Contain Native Prairie - Time and time again it has been shown that native grasslands out-produce their cultivated substitutes – plus the native landscape provides valued esthetics, builds soil, cleanses water, supports biodiversity and sustains a ranching livelihood on rangelands. See SES’s call to premiere Wall to celebrate Saskatchewan’s prairie conservation (PDF) and add your voice to the urgent call (PDF).

• When the Oil Patch Comes to Your Saskatchewan Back Yard: A Citizen’s Guide to Protecting Your Rights (PDF) - This SES report addresses concerns of people living in the oil patch. The 85-page publication is a summary of issues confronting landowners and concerned citizens when petroleum development takes place in their neighbourhood. It explains how the regulatory system works, and gives advice about where to look for help.

Print copies are available for $10 (plus $2.50 for postage and packaging) from the SES office. To order contact SES.

• The Pembina Institute for Appropriate Development in Alberta generously supported the effort to create a guide for Saskatchewan citizens based on their own Alberta guide. Pembina is known for its innovative and practical ideas. Please see their website at www.pembina.org for other content relating to the energy industry.

• Land use planning in the boreal forest — SES has participated in the North Central Land Use Planning (NCLUP) process for over five years.  An SES representative served on the Regional Advisory Board, a multi-stakeholder group that was developing a land use plan, from June 2001 until the fall of 2004 when Saskatchewan Environment suspended further meetings. In 2006, SES issued a critical response (PDF) to the province's draft NCLUP.

• Saskatchewan's forests — The boreal forest is a resource of immeasurable value for our province, Canada and indeed, the entire planet, one that must be protected and managed wisely for today and for a sustainable future.

• The Great Sand Hills — Materials for this section are currently being developed.