(Editor's note: readers provide a valuable service in responding to what they see in the newsletter - both in providing feedback and in sharing background information on stories and issues that might not otherwise be known about. Bruce MacLaren writes:)

"The final pages of the January-February newsletter are what I wish to write about. The establishment of P.E.I.'s conservation strategy is good news indeed. Knowing Gilbert Clements this will not be something to put in a file and gather dust. I do not know John McClellen but judging by the group he has put together he knows what he's doing.

The topics listed are excellent. No. 1, Environmental Education, is really important. We are far too inclined to take our environment for grant- ed and do not realize it must be protected. No. 2, Community Involvement, is of the utmost importance. Without it the strategy has little hope of success. No. 6, Funding, is really a sticky one. Too many of our people, un- less they can see a quick gain for themselves, will not be interested.

Really what I started out to write about was the area of Soil Conser- vation and Degradation. In 1909 an Experimental Farm was established at Charlottetown and began operations in 1910. This was a federal project, and in more recent years joined forces with Science Service to become the pre— sent Research Branch.

The first Superintendant of the Experimental Farm was the late Dr. J.A. Clark. From the time he was appointed and on into his retirement, Dr. Clark was interested in conservation.His pet "hobby" if I may call it that was soil erosion. At every opportunity he emphasized the need for control of soil erosion and had many useful suggestions as to how it could be achieved. Regrettably his words too often fell on deaf ears. As a matter of fact there were times when people, behind his back, made fun of his efforts.

In any case, here we are 77 years later and soil erosion is still a major problem in the province and indeed in the world. With regard to Dr. Clark I know whereof I write. From 1929 to 1970 I was employed at the Exp. Farm and later the Research Branch.

Somehow I think the members of the strategy group should be aware of Dr. Clark's efforts if they are not already familiar with them.

Sincerely,

CN F R.B. MacLaren

Conference dq+es

PLEASE NOTE: To accommodate the visit of HRH Prince Phillip to Saskatchewan June

4 and 5, the Centennial Celebrations at To EE§5X ! Last Mountain Lake Bird Sanctuary will now :31f' ’ take place FRIDAY, JUNE 5, instead of Mon- SASflHEWAN i day, June 8. Please note that changes have EEE?‘_

taken place in tours and program. f‘-‘ ' i

This year's conference, June 4-7, celebrates 100 years of Conservation in Saskatchewan in honour of the 100th anni— versary of the bird sanctuary. For more

information, contact Dan McAskill at 569-4351.