In a world where continued urbanization is the norm, and urban sprawl encroaches on natural habitats on an all too regular basis, it is important society work at maintaining wild areas wherever possible.
That might not be as widely recognized when you live in a sparsely populated province the size of Saskatchewan, but even here natural environments south of the tree line are increasingly rare.
So it is gratifying to see local area conservation efforts such as the recent decision by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) to purchase 65 hectares of land which contains ecologically significant wetland habitat two kilometres north of Good Spirit Provincial Park.
The land was deemed a priority conservation site by NCC because of its proximity to the provincial park and because of the threat of increasing habitat loss in the area.
Jesse Nielsen, Manager of the Assiniboine Watershed Stewardship Authority told Yorkton This Week the project being local is important.
鈥淎nytime you can help preserve and protect natural habitat in the Assiniboine Watershed it鈥檚 a big win for the overall health of our watershed,鈥� he said (see our story on the protected habitat near Good Spirit Provincial Park).
鈥淚n terms of Source Water Protection, our association鈥檚 mandate, the more 鈥榥atural鈥� a landscape is, the less threats to our drinking water sources, be it surface or groundwater, and the more benefits that are being provided because of those natural areas; benefits such as groundwater recharge and drought buffering by wetlands, sediment and erosion capture from healthy riparian areas, and habitat for many plants and animals. In today鈥檚 heavily-modified prairie landscape, it鈥檚 great to see organizations such as NCC taking a role in ensuring that natural areas such as that of the Spirit Creek property will remain part of the Assiniboine River Watershed for residents to enjoy and benefit from now and for our future generations to come.鈥�
While this purchase was undertaken by a national organization we in Saskatchewan and in our local region have a number of organizations which should be applauded for conservation work they do especially in light of the recent World Wetlands Day Feb. 2.
For example Nature Saskatchewan 鈥渉as been dedicated to the conservation of Saskatchewan鈥檚 natural environment since 1949,鈥� details their website. 鈥淲e promote appreciation and understanding of our natural world through conservation, education and research. Speaking for the protection and preservation of natural eco-systems and their biodiversity through research and viable conservation practices is our main focus. We strive to connect nature and culture through outreach programs and services. With over 800 members Nature Saskatchewan provides programs and services that provide knowledge and experiences for those who have a love for nature.鈥�
Then there is the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF), with 122 branches across our province, and more than 33,000 members. Per capita, it is the largest wildlife conservation organization of its kind in the world. Established in 1929, the SWF has become an acknowledged leader in the conservation field.
The mission statement of the SWF sums up their efforts rather succinctly in stating it is; 鈥淭o ensure the wild life legacy we leave to our children surpasses that which we inherited.鈥�
The organization may be thought of as a fraternity of hunters, trappers and fishermen, but they have as a primary objective 鈥渢o acknowledge first and foremost that the wildlife of the province is a public resource belonging to all Saskatchewan residents, and to ensure the resource remains equally accessible to all residents of the province.鈥� And from that point the SWF works to promote conservation through practices which promote wise management and use of our natural resources.
Then locally, there is the Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association (YFBTA).
The YFBTA is a not-for-profit charitable organization which works to promote awareness of the importance of wildlife and spaces for wildlife by 鈥減romoting conservation, preservation, awareness and tourism.鈥�
The Vision of the Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association is to be a group engaged in learning about, advocating on behalf of and celebrating the natural world.聽
It is through the efforts of organizations like those mentioned which will help ensure what remains of our wild heritage is protected as best as possible for the good of us all. 聽
