Habitat Trust
In 1978, a group of concerned sportsmen decided that if we were to have wildlife in the future for our children to enjoy, we must set aside critical wildlife habitat now. That group of sportsmen were correct in their prediction and thanks to them, the Habitat Trust Fund was established. This fund is administered by the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, a non-profit, non-government, charitable organization.
The Habitat Trust Fund is a success story envied by all other conservation organizations in Canada. It was established for the purchase, retention, and enhancement of critical wildlife habitat across the province to preserve as much land as possible for wildlife and future generations to enjoy.
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Tens of thousands of acres have been purchased by the Federation, and over 10,000 acres have been received in outright donations. Hundreds of thousands of trees have been planted on separate parcels throughout the province to provide food and shelter for wildlife. Fisheries projects such as fish stocking, stream enhancement, trout ponds, etc. have also been carried out on Habitat Trust lands, thanks to the dedication of local branches and concerned members.
Taxes are paid on all Habitat Trust lands. Thousands of dollars are also spent each year combating invasive weed and insect infestation on these properties. SWF members keep an eye on the Habitat Trust Fund lands and report any problems and/or misuse to the SWF Central Office.
The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation strives to be a responsible landowner and a good neighbor. There are a number of hay, cultivation, and grazing leases contracted with local landowners on Habitat Trust Fund lands across the province. These lands are carefully monitored to ensure proper land use.
Signage
All Habitat Trust Fund lands have signs in plain view to show the community that the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation's conservation dollars are at work in their area. These signs are erected as soon as the land is purchased.
Funding
Money is raised for the Habitat Trust Fund by individual tax deductible donations, Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation branch donations, and fundraising events across the province.
One of the major annual contributions made is from the SWF's Hide Collection Program. Hunters are asked to donate their big game hides to their local SWF branch. The program is coordinated through the SWF Central Office, and proceeds from the sale of these hides are used to secure wildlife habitat through the Habitat Trust Fund. For a Hide Collection location near you - click here
Another Annual fundraiser is the Habitat Trust Golf Tournament.
Land Donations & Wills
The Habitat Trust Fund has been legally established to accept memorials. Wildlife and our natural resources are held dear to many people in Saskatchewan, and often donations in memory of a loved one are directed to the Habitat Trust Fund. As well, land or money can be left in wills and estates by people wishing to preserve our natural heritage. Every year there are concerned individuals that step forward and donate a "special" piece of property that has given them an immense amount of pleasure over the years. This land is held in perpetuity for wildlife and future generations to enjoy, and a cairn is erected on donated parcels that are 160 acres or larger.
Hunting
Hunting is allowed on Habitat Trust lands unless it was a condition of a donation not to allow it. Persons hunting on Habitat Trusts lands must be on foot and must have purchased a license issued by the Saskatchewan government. The hunter must hunt according to season dates and regulations outlined in the current game guide. Vehicles may only be used to retrieve big game animals.
Recreation
Habitat Trust lands are open all year round to groups and individuals who would like to observe nature. Youth groups from local branches, school groups, and Scouts have used these parcels as part of their learning experience. They are great areas for bird watching, hiking, identifying plants and animal tracks, or to just get away from it all.
Stop and visit one of the hundreds of Habitat Trust Fund parcels across the province.
Enjoy nature at its finest, realizing how fortunate we are to still have an abundance of wildlife and open spaces here in Saskatchewan. Help pass the legacy on!
For more information on the Habitat Trust Fund, or to help "put a little back" into our wildlife resources by making a contribution, please contact the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation at: Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation
9 Lancaster Road
Moose Jaw, SK S6J 1M8
Phone: (306) 692-8812
Fax: (306) 692-4370
E-mail: sask.wildlife@sasktel.net
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