GOAL 2: TO CONSERVE THE REMAINING PRAIRIE RESOURCE

Objective 1: Complete and maintain an inventory of native prairie

Steady progress has been made on this objective. New high resolution satellite imagery is available and is being purchased. This acquisition is being coordinated by AAFC/PFRA and will be completed within 5 years. SE has created a new Geomatics Unit to coordinate GIS and LandSat data. SAF is working on a GPS/GIS Initiative that integrates GPS data collection by staff with GIS databases.

Objective 2: Continue to develop a system of managed conservation areas

SE has had difficulty meeting its RAN objectives in areas of the province that are largely cultivated. SE reports that Saskatchewan has ratified the Southern Conservation Land Policy, which will target land acquisition by ENGOs into areas of the province where less than 12% of the landscape unit is protected by the RAN. It provides a definitive science based approach to determining whether or not lands have conservation value. While no lands have yet been purchased, the framework is in place to allow progress to be made.

Objective 3: Encourage voluntary stewardship to conserve native prairie

This objective continues to receive a great deal of ongoing attention by PCAP partners. Work by DFO, SWA, NS and EC continue to advance the stewardship agenda. The work to develop a Conservation Directory has been completed.

Objective 4: Ensure that the remaining native prairie is protected from cultivation and development

Excellent progress has been made on this objective. One of the four actions is considered complete. Work is ongoing in the review of all Crown land proposed sales involving native prairie. Conservation Easements (CEs) are filed on lands sold by tender, but not yet on lands sold to lessees. Note that Action 4a refers to land remaining under Crown control, while Actions 4b and 4c specifically address protection of Crown lands that are being sold.

Objective 5: Improve the use of Conservation Easements and other tools to conserve native prairie that accommodate and respect agricultural interests

CEs have become a major tool for protecting native prairie. In 2005-6 NCC protected 21,413 acres, DUC protected 12,172 acres and SWF protected 2,024 acres. To improve the ease of their use and reduce costs, CEs will receive an exemption from review under The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act if they meet the terms of the Southern Conservation Lands Policy. That said, four of the seven Actions under this objective are ranked as a 1 or a 2, indication that the Partners should focus on improving progress here.

Objective 6: Ensure that property taxation and assessment policies are favorable to native prairie conservation

Several initiatives have moved the taxation issue forward. DUC and SARM have completed a 3-year tax credit program in the RM’s of Emerald and Morse. This was a voluntary program that placed benefits on native or naturalized prairie, demonstrating that tax incentives are well received by landowners. Progress has been made towards the development of a “conservations lands” category with the ratification of the Southern Conservation Lands Policy and the development of Conservation Lands Section within the “Provincial Interests Statement” for the revised Planning and Development Act,1983.

Objective 7: Adopt and improve regulations, policies, programs and economic instruments that reward rather than penalize stewardship and conservation of native prairie ecosystems

Results for this objective were mixed. While there is a government wide legislative and regulatory review underway which is mandated with reforming outdated and conflicting laws and regulations, the partnership felt that little progress had been made promoting adherence to the wetland policies. The development of the Southern Conservation Lands Policy streamlines the government’s objectives regarding the RAN, the Biodiversity Action Plan and the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and conflicts with legislation and regulation regarding the ownership of land. Additionally, watershed management and planning are making good progress. Note that Action 7a is somewhat redundant with other Actions under this Objective.

Objective 8: Encourage government and industry to improve regulations, monitoring and technology to minimize negative impacts on native prairie

Good progress has been made by SAF with the petroleum industry on leases on native prairie. SAF has also developed an Environmental Liability Check List that is to be used when it acquires or disposes of land. SP has modified its Environmental Screening Tool and processes in order to identify critical issues necessary to minimize the impacts of land use and rare and endangered species, and to develop management plans. Additionally, SP has developed new environmental training for delivery to its employees. NS has developed a value of biodiversity information sheet for each of the ranching and farming industries.