Prince Albert National Park Management Plan Tabled in Parliament
News release
Parks Canada announces plan to connect Canadians to nature in north-central Saskatchewan
June 22, 2018 Waskesiu Lake, SK Parks Canada Agency
The management plan for Prince Albert National Park was tabled in Parliament recently. Reviewed every 10 years, management plans are a legislative requirement of the Canada National Parks Act and guide the management of Parks Canada’s places.
Canada’s national parks are gateways to nature, adventure, and discovery.
The new plan for Prince Albert National Park has five key strategies:
· Indigenous Peoples – Reconnecting with the past, building a future in the park
· Tourism – Great experiences for a wide range of people
· Park Ecosystems – Managing for healthy forests, lakes, and grasslands
· Communication – Outreach, promotion, and connection
· Waskesiu Management – Waskesiu townsite, the hub of Prince Albert National Park
The plan was developed through public consultation and based on input from local residents and organizations, visitors, stakeholders, partners, and Indigenous communities of north-central Saskatchewan. Through this management plan, Parks Canada is meeting its promise to protect and present Canada’s natural heritage while also providing an opportunity for Canadians to experience and discover our environment in new and exciting ways.
Parks Canada is committed to a network of national heritage places that celebrates the contributions of Indigenous peoples, their histories, and cultures, as well as the special relationship Indigenous peoples have with the lands and waters. The Prince Albert National Park Management Plan includes objectives aimed at increasing and improving collaboration with local First Nations and Métis and continued efforts will be made towards achieving these objectives.
Millions of Canadians celebrated Canada 150 in 2017 with free admission to Parks Canada’s places. In 2018 and beyond, the Government of Canada is celebrating families with free admission to all Parks Canada’s places for youth 17 and under. Parks Canada’s national heritage places are a great way for Canadians to experience the outdoors and learn more about our environment and heritage.
The Prince Albert National Park Management Plan is available for viewing on the Parks Canada’s website at: Prince Albert National Park.
Quotes
“Canada’s national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas belong to all Canadians and offer truly Canadian experiences. As the Minister responsible for Parks Canada, I applaud this collaborative effort and I am pleased to approve this management plan for Prince Albert National Park.”
Catherine McKenna,
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
Quick facts
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Based on archaeological findings, Indigenous peoples inhabited the region for more than 8,000 years. The land now known as Prince Albert National Park was used by many First Nations for travel, trade, and cultural sharing.
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Prince Albert National Park is working with partners, Indigenous peoples, and stakeholders to manage the free-ranging Sturgeon River plains bison herd that moves in and around the park’s west side.
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Prince Albert National Park celebrated Canada 150 with a peak season increase in visitation of 13 per cent over the same time in 2016. In summer 2017, approximately 224,000 visitors experienced Prince Albert National Park’s pristine lakes, sandy beaches, and quaint townsite of Waskesiu Lake.
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Prince Albert National Park celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2018. The national park is open year round and offers a wide range of opportunities for visitors to experience in every season.
Associated links
Contacts
Carla Flaman
External Relations Manager
306-930-0218
carla.flaman@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
1-855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca