More than 500 acres added to Buffalo Pound Lake conservation area

The Nature Conservancy of Canada and K+S Potash Canada are expanding a conservation area north of Moose Jaw, adding 515 acres of native grassland at Buffalo Pound Lake. (Gareth Dillistone/CTV News)

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and K+S Potash Canada are expanding a conservation area north of Moose Jaw, adding 515 acres of native grassland at Buffalo Pound Lake to help protect drinking water for about one-quarter of Saskatchewan’s population.

The new agreement brings NCC’s total conservation area around Buffalo Pound Lake to 2,655 acres, according to the organization.

They say the protected land helps safeguard the health of the lake, which is a key drinking water source for Regina, Moose Jaw and several surrounding areas.

Buffalo Pound Lake is a vital natural asset for Saskatchewan. According to NCC, the native grasslands surrounding the lake help filter water, reduce flooding and support biodiversity.

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The area also stores carbon and provides habitat for species at risk and other wildlife, including native grassland birds and badgers.

NCC said the project is part of a long-running partnership with K+S and the Government of Saskatchewan. The funding has helped protect and manage 1,655 acres of conserved habitat to date.

Chief operating officer at K+S Potash Canada Gisela Gips, said the company is committed to responsible resource development and environmental stewardship.

“Our partnership with NCC,” said Gips. “Demonstrates how industry and conservation organizations can work together to achieve meaningful, measurable results through offset agreements that benefit both the environment and local communities.”

NCC said the Buffalo Pound area remains under pressure from shoreline development and other land-use changes, making conservation work increasingly important.

The organization said the expanded area helps sustain a healthy ecosystem while supporting local recreation and agriculture.