Largest ecological reserve created

The Pink Lake Representative Area Ecological Reserve, located north of La Ronge, is now official. Environment Minister Ken Cheveldayoff made the announcement on July 3. It is the largest eco-reserve of its kind in the province. Compared to all protected lands, only Prince Albert National Park is larger at 3,874 square kilometres. No commercial or industrial developments, such as forestry and mining, can occur. However, 13 existing permit holders—three recreational cabins, three outfitting camps and seven trapping cabins—will be allowed to remain. Traditional activities by First Nations and Métis people, as well as recreational hunting and angling, will also continue. With the Pink Lake designation, representation in the Churchill River Upland Eco-region increases from 4.9 to 8.2 per cent of the total area.