HomeGreat Western Brewing Company Commits to Conserving
Province's Wildlife Habitat 
Ducks Unlimited's Newest Lifetime Corporate Sponsor
Saskatoon SK, April 17 – As Ducks Unlimited Canada's newest lifetime sponsor, Saskatoon's Great Western Brewing Company is moving from beers to bulrushes. Great Western's $10,000 donation is earmarked for a Ducks Unlimited wetland habitat project located approximately 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of the city.
"Ducks Unlimited has an established history of proactive conservation in this province," said Joanne Mortenson, marketing manager for Great Western Brewing Company. "We're pleased to be a part of conservation programs that make Saskatchewan a better place for our wildlife and our people."
Indi Lake, located southwest of Blackstrap Lake, is a 31-year-old Ducks Unlimited project that covers 306 hectares (756 acres). Ducks Unlimited has improved the lake's ability to retain water for wildlife. Additional fundin is required to protect the native grasslands that surround the lake. A group of Saskatoon Ducks Unlimited volunteers, all members of a city fund-raising committee, have adopted the project as a fund-raising opportunity. So far, with Great Western's commitment included, seven of the 10 project sponsors have been secured.
Bob Santo is a habitat specialist with Ducks Unlimited and a member of the committee raising funds for the Indi Lake project.
"We are delighted that Great Western has come on board as a sponsor. Their investment in Indi Lake is one that future generations of people and wildlife will be able to enjoy," Santo said. "We're looking forward to starting our habitat work in the next few months."
Indi Lake produces hundreds of waterfowl every year. It is also a rest stop for the birds during migration. Many songbirds and upland birds like grouse and partridge make their home in the grasslands that surround the lake. Muskrat, mink and other animals native to Saskatchewan can also be found in the area.
Great Western Brewing Company has been operating in Saskatoon since 1989. It is the first brewery in Western Canada to be wholly owned and operated by its employees.
In it's 60-year-history of wetland habitat conservation in Saskatchewan, Ducks Unlimited has invested over $200 million to positively influence approximately 380,000 hectares (950,000 acres) of land in the province. That's an area equal to roughly the size of Prince Albert National Park.
