The Conservation Information Branch was established in the Department of Natural Resources during the 1964/65 fiscal year. Led by a director who reported directly to the deputy minister, the branch's original responsibilities included: preparing and distributing publications, including provincial park brochures and fish and game guides; preparing and distributing news releases and feature articles to the news media; producing television and radio programs, including "Northern News", a radio broadcast from Prince Albert to residents of northern areas six days a week; acquiring and lending audio-visual materials; conducting advertising campaigns; answering requests for information; and preparing and editing the departmental newsletter.
One of the branch's major publications was "The Resource Reader", which consisted of loose information sheets designed to be collected in a binder. It was distributed to field staff, students, teachers and the general public. The major subject areas covered included conservation, wildlife, fish, birds, reptiles, forestry, history and folklore, parks and recreation. The branch also produced "The Resource Report", a weekly compilation of news releases on departmental activities distributed to departmental personnel, the media and various interest groups.
During the 1968/69 fiscal year, the branch began operating a telephone information line in Regina. The "Resource Phone" supplied current information on hunting, fishing, skiing and park reports in season. Additional lines were later set up in Prince Albert and Saskatoon. During the 1970/71 fiscal year, a comprehensive manual governing the implementation of the Department's standard signing system was produced by the branch to accompany the signs that were installed throughout the province.
In 1972, The Conservation Information Branch was reorganized into the Extension Services Branch.
Sask. Dept. of Natural Resources is the controlling agency for Saskatchewan. Conservation Information Branch
Saskatchewan. Conservation Information Branch is the successor of Saskatchewan. Parks and Conservation Branch
Saskatchewan. Dept. of Natural Resources. Extension Services Branch is the successor of Saskatchewan. Conservation Information Branch
1922-1967