MULTISAR – West
The majority of species at risk (SAR) are found in the Grasslands Natural Region of southern Alberta. However, the Foothills, Parkland, and Rocky Mountain natural regions of southwestern Alberta boast some of the province’s most ecologically diverse landscapes and provide habitat for many SAR including little brown bat, bull trout, grizzly bear, limber pine, western wood-pewee, and westslope cutthroat trout. Best management practices and habitat enhancements occurring on farmlands within this area have enabled many of these species to persist, but there are also many opportunities to further enhance habitat quality for these species while mutually benefitting agricultural operations.
In 2022, we collaborated with a private landowner in southwest Alberta to complete a Habitat Conservation Strategy reassessment on a ranch totalling approximately 22,171 acres. We identified 101 different wildlife species on this ranch, including 12 that are considered Endangered, Threatened, or Species of Special Concern. In total, we had 767 observations of wildlife species and conducted 133 range health assessments.
We also collaborated with a second private landowner in southwest Alberta to complete a Habitat Conservation Strategy reassessment on a ranch totalling approximately 2,196 acres. On this ranch we identified 66 different wildlife species, including 11 that are considered Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern. In total, we had 233 observations of wildlife species and conducted 28 range health assessments.
In 2022, we partnered with four cattle producers to implement five habitat enhancements, including the implementation of rig mats/creek crossings on Ings Creek, a single span bridge across Sheppard Creek, two portable watering units and one portable fencing unit to reduce cattle disturbance on riparian systems, and planting 1,000 riparian shrubs along Cabin Creek.
Our interaction with the ranching community in the southwest continues to grow, and we anticipate partnering with two to three additional landholders each year moving forward. In addition to formulating a long-term detailed plan with each ranch, we will continue to identify key enhancement activities and help the cattle producer to implement these activities as opportunities occur in future years.
Partnerships
Alberta Beef Producers, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Alberta Fish & Game Association – Minister’s Special Licence Program, Alberta Forestry, Parks, and Tourism, Canadian Cattle Association, Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Huvan Construction, landholders in southwestern Alberta, Municipal District of Ranchland No. 66, Prairie Conservation Forum
Annual Summaries
| Title | Year | Category |
|---|---|---|
| MULTISAR – West | 2019-2020 | 2 |
| MULTISAR – West | 2020-2021 | 2 |
| MULTISAR – West | 2021-2022 | 2 |
| MULTISAR – West | 2022-2023 | 2 |