APAS supports science-based approach to land management
May 11, 2010
(Regina) The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) supports the amendments proposed by the Provincial Government for the Conservation Easements Act and the Wildlife Habitat Protection Act following a briefing held last week.
“We can support the amendments proposed for the Conservation Easements Act and the Wildlife Habitat Protection Act and we have some additional recommendations for implementation that will be communicated to the Ministries of Agriculture and Environment,” APAS President Greg Marshall announced on Tuesday, May 11th following discussion by the Livestock Committee and Board of Directors of APAS.
“It is our view that these proposed changes meet the needs of both agriculture and conservation and we support them on that basis,” Marshall said. “Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers have demonstrated that they are excellent stewards of the environment and these changes recognize the need of sustainable land management."
Marshall expressed support for the establishment of appropriate land management strategies for Crown Lands based on their ecological and risk values. APAS views the use of a science-based ecological and risk assessment tool for categorizing the lands and increased penalties for non-compliance as important and positive features of the changes.
In supporting the amendments, APAS does have recommendations that would enhance the effectiveness of the implementation. CLEAT – the Crown Land Ecological Assessment Tool – must be reviewed to ensure that it is as effective as possible. APAS supports the concept of a dedicated fund financed by a share of land sales revenues to be used for conservation purposes. APAS also supports the re-establishment of a stakeholder’s group to provide advice on Crown Land issues.
For more information, please contact:
Greg Marshall, APAS President
Office: (306) 789-7774 (x151) or Cell: (306) 789-7774 (ext 211) or Email: president@apas.ca
Nial Kuyek, APAS General Manager
Office: (306) 789-7774 (x154) or Cell: (306) 789-7774 (ext 214) or Email: nkuyek@apas.ca