Conservation protection secured for southwestern Alberta grasslands

“These grasslands have been here for thousands of years, and if we take care of them, they will continue to benefit wildlife and people. Our family would never want to see this property subdivided and turned into acreages,” said Bectell. “We’re pleased to know our land will remain intact and continue to be managed in the way we have done for generations.”

According to the NCC, an important feature of the property is its extensive prairie grasslands, which makes up nearly 80 percent of the area. It provides vital functions such as water filtration, carbon storage, and soil protection.

The Conservancy adds that the Bectell’s land provides habitat for many species of wildlife, including several that are listed under Canada’s Species At Risk Act, such as ferruginous hawk, grizzly bear, horned grebe and American badger.

The property also features populations of western blue iris, an at-risk plant species.

NCC Regional Vice-President Tom Lynch-Staunton said the partnership is a testament to the power of collaborative conservation efforts.

“The Bectell family’s commitment to protecting their land and its environmental values will undoubtedly leave a legacy. Yet again, stewardship-minded ranchers in Alberta are helping lead us toward our nation’s ambitious conservation goals,” said Lynch-Staunton.

The NCC now has a contiguous block of nearly 2,900 hectares of conserved lands west of the St. Mary River near the Canada-U.S. border.

The agency plans to conserve more than 500,000 hectares across Canada by 2030, an area the NCC said is around six times the size of Calgary.

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by David Opinko

Conservation protection secured for southwestern Alberta grasslands

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