Media Release
For release April 6, 2015
Saskatchewan Recognizes National Wildlife Week
The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to join the Canadian Wildlife Federation and the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation to recognize April 5 to 11 as National Wildlife Week.
“Saskatchewan’s diverse wildlife is one of our most valuable natural resources and provides a variety of recreational, educational, and economic opportunities for Saskatchewan residents,” Environment Minister Scott Moe said. “Our government is committed to protecting Saskatchewan wildlife and their habitats for future generations. We value and support conservation efforts of our stakeholders and encourage individuals to become involved at a local level.”
April 10, 2015 marks the 150th birthday of the late Jack Miner, one of the founders of Canada’s conservation movement. Miner is credited with saving the Canada goose from extinction. In honour of his invaluable contributions to conservation, this year’s theme focuses on wild migrations. The Canadian Wildlife Federation will use this week as an opportunity to highlight the challenging migratory journeys of Canada’s wildlife, including 20 currently at-risk species.
“National Wildlife Week is a great opportunity to appreciate the unsurpassed wildlife diversity and healthy ecosystems we enjoy in Saskatchewan,” Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation President David Pezderic said. “The 2012 Canadian Nature Survey confirms that over 80% of Canadians participate in nature based activities every year and spend over $40 billion annually on those activities.”
National Wildlife Week, initially proclaimed by Parliament in 1947, is a program created by the Canadian Wildlife Federation for the purpose of celebrating our country’s natural heritage and promoting the importance of its conservation. The spirit of National Wildlife Week is complimentary of the Ministry of Environment’s dedication to the maintenance and preservation of Saskatchewan’s wildlife and natural habitats.
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For more information, please contact:
Darby Semeniuk
Ministry of Environment
Regina
(306) 787-0143
darby.semeniuk@gov.sk.ca
David Pezderic
President
Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation
306-227-6847
sask.wildlife@sasktel.net