The Nature Conservancy of Canada unveiled a major new conservation area in Saskatchewan at a special exhibit at the Art Gallery of Regina. The conservation project called Wideview Complex covers 1,222 hectares in the Milk River Basin 30 km southwest of Mankota next to Grasslands National Park. The Nature Conservancy purchased five contiguous parcels of land from ranchers to help conserve endangered grasslands habitat.
The Wideview project received federal funding through the Habitat Stewardship Program and the Natural Areas Conservation Program, and provincial government funding through the Fish and Wildlife Development Fund as well as private donations.
“Supporting this important wildlife habitat conservation initiative through the Natural Areas Conservation Program will also help provide great spaces for families to explore by foot and enjoy the natural wonders of this area,” said Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, during a special grasslands exhibit opening at the Regina Art Gallery. Regina-area MLA Gene Makowsky also spoke at the opening on behalf of the Saskatchewan Environment Ministry. The Art Gallery used virtual reality and multimedia to recreate the sights and sounds of the grasslands that greatly impressed the Public Safety Minister. Wartman said that there is no permanent exhibit of the grasslands yet.
The public will have foot access at the Wideview Complex for those wanting to experience the grasslands. “These are working landscapes,” said Wartman, adding that Wideview will allow for managed grazing that ranchers can lease. The Nature Conservancy of Canada is a national private, not-for-profit land conservation organization seeking to protect vital natural areas and the species they sustain. Since 1962, NCC and its partners have helped protect more than 1.1 million hectares, including 60,700 hectares in Saskatchewan.
