Nature Saskatchewan is keeping a close eye on the provincial government’s crown land sale program.
Although agriculture minister Bob Bjornerud has repeatedly said that land protected by the Wildlife Habitat Protection Act won’t be sold, Nature Saskatchewan isn’t so sure.
The organization generally doesn’t involve itself in political issues, said acting general manager Gary Seib.
“We’ve taken on causes, but in a non-confrontational way.”
But he said sources have told the organization, which works to promote understanding and protection of nature, that the protection policy could change.
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“We’re hearing they could deregister some so it can be sold,” Seib said.
It’s impossible to replace some of the wildlife habitat that would be lost if that happens, he said.
Lorne Scott, a former NDP environment minister and current Nature Saskatchewan’s conservation director, wrote in a recent newsletter that crown land with ecological value should not be sold.
“A significant amount of crown agricultural land in Saskatchewan contains habitat that is critical in preserving our native flora and fauna,” he wrote.
“The lack of concern being expressed by Saskatchewan residents to date regarding the sale of crown owned land is being interpreted as support for the sales program.”
The province intends to sell about 1.6 million acres. It administers more than seven million acres and nearly half of that is protected by the WHPA.
Scott urged members to write to premier Brad Wall and tell him how important the natural habitat on public land is.
Scott of Indian Head was in Ottawa May 15 to receive the Order of Canada membership awarded to him last year for his environmental work.
