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Twenty-eight acres of wetlands are lost every day in southern Saskatchewan alone. This drainage reduces or eliminates a watershed's ability to store water during peak water movement and the end result is flooding.
Ducks Unlimited Canada disappointed by lack of commitment to wetlands in Throne Speech 
Regina, Sask., December 7, 2011 – Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is concerned the provincial government did not specifically reference wetlands or the protection of wetlands, as a part of the solution to Saskatchewan's flooding and water quality problems in the recent Speech to the Throne.
“We are disappointed, as will be our more than 24,000 volunteers and supporters across the province,” says Scott Stephens, director of regional operations for DUC in the prairie region. “Given all the environmental issues wetlands address it is somewhat disturbing that protecting wetlands was not made a key component in the Throne Speech.”
Saskatchewan has one of the highest wetland loss rates in the country. Twenty-eight acres of wetlands are lost every day in southern Saskatchewan alone. This drainage reduces or eliminates a watershed’s ability to store water during peak water movement and the end result is flooding.
“In Saskatchewan, drainage is having a profound impact on downstream landowners and infrastructure, which was obvious this past spring,” adds Stephens. “Currently, Saskatchewan wetlands are not being used effectively and as a result, communities are paying the price in flood damage costs, drought compensation and degraded water quality. Saskatchewan needs an effective provincial policy to protect and restore these valuable wetlands.”
The recent flooding in Saskatchewan caused significant damage to infrastructure throughout the province. In the 2011-12 mid-year financial report released on November 28, 2011, the province estimated flooding costs to be in excess of $240 million. This high price tag is in large part due to expenses like disaster claims and emergency highway repairs. With every wetland drained, those costs will only escalate with the next flood.
On behalf of our supporters and concerned Saskatchewan residents, DUC continues to encourage government to promote wetland conservation. DUC has 70 years of experience assisting government and stakeholders in the development of wetland policies and we look forward to the opportunity to work with government and industry in developing an effective wetland policy for Saskatchewan.
For more information, contact:
Lori Gasper,
l_gasper@ducks.ca
Communications Specialist - Saskatchewan
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Phone: 306-665-7157
