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POP: Conservation Easements

POP: Yes
Res #: POP 2-02A
Number: 2
Year: 2002
Midterm: No
Expired: Yes
Responses Received: No
Departments: Saskatchewan Environment

POP2-02A 

WHEREAS, Ducks Unlimited Canada procures control of Saskatchewan Farmland through purchases, leaves and conservation easements; and

WHEREAS, Ducks Unlimited’s control of this land has created issues in rural communities that include but are not limited to: Fire hazard, weed control, drainage and negative economic impacts on the rural communities; and

WHEREAS, Ducks Unlimited had failed to address and resolve these issues to the satisfaction of these rural communities;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that SARM lobby the Provincial Government and the Farm Land Security Board to implement policies that require Ducks Unlimited to resolve these issues satisfactorily in these affected communities before any further procurement of Saskatchewan farmland is allowed through purchases, leases or conservation easements.

Response From the Hon. Clay Serby:

We believe Saskatchewan Citizens support land use that meets our public policy goals with respect to both agriculture and the environment.

We already know that the Crown land administered by Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization (SAFRR) on behalf of Saskatchewan citizens helps to sustain wildlife, as well as contribute to agriculture.

We also believe that groups who have plans to utilize agricultural land for conservation/environmental purposes have to have input from and the support of agricultural stakeholders for conservation projects to be successful. We will continue to work with SARM, farm groups, and conservation groups t ensure land use policies meet all our goals – including growing our agriculture industries so they will help to contribute more to the provincial economy.

We have also indicated to Ducks Unlimited (DU) that conservation projects that can meet agricultural objectives while also meeting conservation goals, are more likely to be acceptable to the agricultural community and therefore more sustainable projects.