By Dori Modney (@Dori_Modney on Twitter)

Rangeland research to continue at two Southern Alberta Agriculture stations

Dec 14, 2016 | 4:42 PM

LETHBRIDGE –   The University of Alberta is partnering with the province to continue research at two Southrn Alberta agricultural sub-stations.

Implementation of a new management model began in 2013, to ensure the Onefour and Stavely research sub-stations continue to conduct research relating to sustainable rangeland management and prairie conservation.
 
The research ranch model evolved from worki with U-of-A and livestock industry representatives, to maintain important grazing infrastructure and provide sustainable grazing opportunities at the sites, which are critical for maintaining the grassland ecosystems.
 
According to Dr. Edward Bork, Director of the Rangeland Research Institute at the U-of-A’s Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, the agreement offers a variety of benefits.

“The signing of this memorandum of understanding allows staff and students to utilize Stavely and Onefour to conduct innovative research and teaching on a wide variety of issues pertinent to rangeland ecology and management. This agreement will support long-term research that promotes rangeland economic and environmental sustainability in Western Canada by taking advantage of the rich generational learnings that Stavely and Onefour offer.”

As well, U-of-A President Dr. David Turpin notes the work at the ranches will establish researah standards for range management into the future

“Stavely Research Station and Onefour have created a deep legacy of ecological and agricultural research in this province. Thanks to this new agreement, that legacy is in good hands. Through our Rangeland Research Institute in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, the U of A will continue to engage with and facilitate partnerships across the province, country and continent, conducting leading multi-disciplinary research and teaching to address issues as diverse as grassland ecology, wildlife management, carbon capture, climate change and water management.”

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The Onefour Research sub-station is a 42,000 acre site (including 39,780 acres of public land, which was established in 1927, just southeast of Medicine Hat. The 89 year old site has conserved native prairie habitats, which support flora and fauna, including species at risk.

The Stavely site is a bit younger, having been established in 1949.  It’s a 980-acre site west of the small community, on the edge of the Porcupine Hills. The research sub-station has helped conserve valuable foothills fescue grasslands and wildlife habitat.