Grazing program looks to restore habitat for greater sage grouse in Grasslands National Park

A unique partnership between the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) and Parks Canada could help restore the habitat for species at risk in Grasslands National Park (GNP). Under the partnership, local ranchers will manage grazing portions on the east block of GNP and adjacent private land in southern Saskatchewan. The goal is to restore habitat for three at-risk species: the greater sage grouse, spague’s pipit, and chestnut-collared longspur. “This project is noteworthy because Parks Canada is using cattle to help manage the park,” said SSGA president Shane Jahnke in a statement. “This project demonstrates the important benefits of cattle grazing for the environment.” The project encompasses 40,000 acres of public and private land, most of which is considered critical habitat for the three species. Grazing management will be targeted to achieve habitat objectives for each species. “By combining our conservation efforts in Grasslands National Park with those of local ranchers, we can influence and expand suitable habitat on a scale that would not be possible by any one party working in isolation,” stated Adriana Bacheschi, who is the acting field unit superintendent, south Saskatchewan field unit, for Parks Canada...MORE