April, 25, 2014 – La Ronge, Saskatchewan – Western Economic Diversification Canada
Today, Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament for Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced a $350,000 federal investment toward the monitoring of caribou herds in northern Saskatchewan. Data collected from tracking Woodland Caribou will help mining and construction firms, as well as local and provincial governments, to cost-effectively prepare responsible resource development plans that include measures to protect the herds.
The Saskatchewan Mining Association (SMA) is partnering with Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) to conduct the comprehensive five-year study. In March, researchers with the U of S Department of Biology 'collared' 120 Woodland Caribou, outfitting them with the latest global positioning satellite (GPS) technology.
Under Environment Canada's Species at Risk Act, Canada's Woodland Caribou population is considered 'threatened'. Until now, limited data on Woodland Caribou prevented industry from developing appropriate plans to alleviate disturbances to the animals' habitat. Information collected from this tracking program is expected to close this data gap, allowing mining and construction companies, as well as government, to develop strategies to protect the herds.. Ultimately, the U of S study is expected to help the Province of Saskatchewan develop a Range Management Plan for Woodland Caribou in Saskatchewan within Environment Canada's national recovery strategy.
Joanne Mysak
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 306-975-5942
Email: joanne.mysak@wd-deo.gc.ca
Pam Schwann
Executive Director
Saskatchewan Mining Association
Regina, Saskatchewan
Telephone: 306-757-9505
Email: pschwann@saskmining.ca
WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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