Saskatchewan. Department of Natural Resources. Extension Services Branch

Secondary Agency

Saskatchewan. Department of Natural Resources. Extension Services Branch

• Extension Services Branch
• Saskatchewan. Dept. of Natural Resources. Extension Services Branch

1972-1974

In 1972, the Department of Natural Resources underwent a major reorganization. The Conservation Information Branch; the Museum of Natural History; and the Hunter Safety Program were amalgamated to form the new Extension Services Branch. The branch's primary mandate was to educate the public on the management and utilization of Saskatchewan's renewable resources including fish, timber, and wildlife. The branch was managed by a director, who reported to the associate deputy minister.

The Conservation Information Service was responsible for public education and awareness. The division's activities included: preparing and distributing promotional materials and informational items, including pamphlets, guides, stickers, special publications and "The Resource Report", a weekly collection of press releases and articles featuring departmental activities; operating telephone information lines in Regina, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon and Prince Albert; organizing advertising campaigns; assisting with special events; and producing news programs for radio and television, including the "Northern News" radio program broadcast from Prince Albert to all northern areas.

The Museum of Natural History hosted visitors at its permanent facility in Regina; offered various public education programs; designed, created and installed interpretive displays in provincial parks, recreation areas and regional parks; conducted archaeological research; and administered the provincial historic sites program.

The Hunter Safety Program, formerly under the jurisdiction of the department's Wildlife Branch, offered training on the proper handling of firearms and ammunition, safe hunting practices, game identification and field survival. The program, taught by volunteer instructors and administered with the co-operation of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, was offered to schools, community groups, armed forced cadet leagues and other interested parties. The program's supervisors were located in Regina and Prince Albert.

In 1973, the Hunter Safety Program was renamed the Firearm Safety Program. The Extension Services Branch became responsible for standardizing the department's visual identity through the design, planning and production of displays, printed materials, signs, promotional items and advertising. The "Northern News" radio program was transferred to the newly established Department of Northern Saskatchewan and was produced from La Ronge. On April 1, 1974, the Department of Natural Resources and the Tourist Branch of the Department of Industry and Commerce were amalgamated to form the Department of Tourism and Renewable Resources. The Extension Services Branch continued to operate in the new department with a modified structure and mandate.

The Extension Services Branch was responsible for the Department of Natural Resource's public information and education programs and the firearm safety program. The branch also included the Museum of Natural History, which collected, displayed and disseminated information on Saskatchewan's natural history.

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Rules for Archival Description (RAD)

Final

Authority record created on 2011-06-27. Approved 2012-03-06. Last modified on 2017-11-29.

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