Saskatchewan Provincial Parks
Saskatchewan Provincial Parks have been a mainstay of both recreation and ecological preservation in the province. About 1.4 million ha (3.5 million acres) of the most beautiful, natural and culturally-rich landscapes in Saskatchewan are designated provincial parks, protected areas, recreational and historic sites.
The first six provincial parks, Cypress Hills, Duck Mountain, Moose Mountain, Little Manitou, Katepwa and Good Spirit Lake were established in 1931, one year after control of natural resources was transferred to the provincial level. At that time the provincial government recognized that population trends would cause an ever-increasing demand for outdoor recreation. Most of these original six parks were created out of Forest Reserves established by the Dominion Government in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Parks at Greenwater Lake, Nipawin (now Narrow Hills) and Lac la Ronge were added in 1932, 1934 and 1939 receptively. During the Depression and war years the parks system was not a priority. In the 1950s, with the expansion of automobile use and leisure time, the demand for outdoor recreation expanded. A major study initiated in 1957 led to a massive expansion of the park system. In addition, natural and archeological protection sites, plus recreation areas, were designated. During this period educational and interpretive programs also began.
The 1970s and 1980s saw increasing emphasis on environmental management and ultimately ecosystem-based management in provincial parks. In 1986, Clearwater Lake became the first provincial Wilderness Park. Since then Asthabasca, Wildcat Hills and Clarence-Steepbank Lakes have also been designated in the same category.
In 1986, Saskatchewan developed the Provincial Parks System Plan. Its purpose was to identify how existing and potential provincial parks represent and protect the natural and recreational resources of the province and serve the recreational needs of residents and visitors to Saskatchewan.
As of 2006, Saskatchewan has 34 provincial parks, 8 historic sites, 130 recreation sites and 24 protected areas covering over 1,148,00 square ha. Each of the parks showcases specific natural or historic features, and offers a range of recreational and educational opportunities.
Sixteen provincial parks offer school-focused Education Programs, primarily during the months of May and June. They are designed to interpret the unique natural and cultural features of each park in relation to the Saskatchewan Learning School Curriculum. In some locations pre and post lesson plans have been developed in order to assist teachers with preparing students for their outdoor learning experience.
Fifteen provincial parks offer interpretive programs for park visitors throughout the summer season, helping visitors to learn more about cultural history and the ecosystems they are visiting. Guided programs include tours, cultural and nature hikes, campfire programs and children's programs. Self-use trails, displays and tours are also available for personal exploration.
According to the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Saskatchewan Chapter , conflicts remain between competing uses in some parks. For example, Meadow Lake Provincial Park has fragmentation by numerous roads, trails and cottage subdivisions; Moose Mountain Park allows oil and gas developments and Greenwater Park permits logging.
For more information see http://www.se.gov.sk.ca/saskparks/.
See http://www.sasktourism.com/default.asp?page=187 to view a timeline of Saskatchewan Parks history.
See http://www.cpaws.ca re protection issues.
Sand dunes follow the river at Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Wilderness Park, often described as the world's most northerly desert.