Many years ago forward thinking people from Saskatoon and area came up with the concept of Meewasin, a conservation organization dedicated to conserving the cultural and natural resources of our South Saskatchewan River Valley.

With the help of master planner Raymond Moriyama these visionaries came up with a 100-Year Plan. We are now 30 years into that plan and what we have is a "Ribbon of Green" running through our beautiful Meewasin Valley. Some call it "Beauty by Nature" and others "A Habitat for All". We have over 25 square miles in the conservation zone: parks, museums, interpretive centres, canoe launches, the university lands and over 60 km of Meewasin Trail.

By anyone's measure, Meewasin has been an outstanding success and I am both humbled and proud to represent Meewasin as its 7th board chair following six previous chairs of distinction.

When we as a board look at future direction, it will be to follow the 100-Year Plan.

We want to complete our work at the River Landing, Riverfronts one (1) and two (2). We have begun plans to develop a new Meewasin Valley Interpretive Centre. Our recent "State of the Valley Report" shows that while the Meewasin Valley is healthy, vibrant and balanced, there is work to be done. We need to continue to conserve the river valley, to provide public access to it and to educate all about this wonderful resource that belongs to all of us.

I look forward to continue to work with the three participating parties: the City of Saskatoon, Province of Saskatchewan and University of Saskatchewan for the benefit of Meewasin.