Wildlife Habitat Protection Act (WHPA)
The Saskatchewan Wildlife Habitat Protection Act, created in 1994 was intended to classify and protect critical wildlife habitat while allowing the "traditional" pioneer uses of haying and cattle grazing by agricultural lessees. At the passing of the Wildlife Habitat Protection Act it was illegal to clear, break, or drain any of the lands under WHPA protection. It also remained illegal to sell WHPA designated land to private land owners or entities.
Changes to Protected lands in 2014
In 2014 the Saskatchewan government under a new initiative aimed at balancing the economic growth while continuing to advocate for responsible land management offered agricultural leases the option to purchase certain parcels of previously protected land under the WHPA designation. This lead to a reclassification of WHPA land and the separation of it into three groups.
New and expanded compliance options for enforcing conservation easements including stop-work orders, equipment seizures, injunctions and fines, as well as increased penalties for contraventions were created. Maximum fines for an individual are $100,000 and $500,000 for a corporation.
Changes to Protected lands in 2014
In 2014 the Saskatchewan government under a new initiative aimed at balancing the economic growth while continuing to advocate for responsible land management offered agricultural leases the option to purchase certain parcels of previously protected land under the WHPA designation. This lead to a reclassification of WHPA land and the separation of it into three groups.
- 1.7 million acres have high ecological value and remained under WHPA designation and protection.
- 1.3 Million acres was designated as having moderate ecological vale and may be eligible for sale with with the protection of a Crown Conservation Easement.
- 525,000 acres was classified has having lower ecological value and may be available for sale without restriction.
New and expanded compliance options for enforcing conservation easements including stop-work orders, equipment seizures, injunctions and fines, as well as increased penalties for contraventions were created. Maximum fines for an individual are $100,000 and $500,000 for a corporation.
| wildlife_habitat_protection_act.kml |
