A coalition of scientists, conservationists and other concerned citizens hopes the next government formed will tackle wetland issues.

Wetlands For Tomorrow gathered Thursday morning to call on election candidates to remember the environmental impacts happening across the province.

“This is an issue that needs to be inclusive and bring everyone to the table, address everyone’s concerns and deliver fair and equitable policy,” said Lorne Scott, a member of Wetlands For Tomorrow.

Kerri Finlay, a biology professor at the University of Regina, said she is regularly contacted by people concerned about wetlands, especially people from rural areas.

“It’s the producers and the farmers who are saying, ‘I’m really worried about this.’ There are people who are concerned about the impact of drainage on their land,” she said.

Saskatchewan does not have a wetlands policy, unlike the two neighboring provinces.

“(In Manitoba) if I drain a wetland, I have to replace it. Alberta has a little different policy, but at least it has something and recognizes the value of wetlands,” Scott said.

Moving forward, the coalition hopes that political and non-political parties can come together and address the issue.

“I don’t think it’s a partisan issue at all. Everyone really has a common goal: wanting good quality water indefinitely into the future,” Finlay said.