Sage-grouse Protectors

Wildlands Advocate article, April 2014, by Nigel Douglas. The Sage-grouse Partnership (SGP) and the fate of greater sage-grouse rely on persevering ambassadors of the land like David and Ralph Heydlauff. The Heydlauff family has been ranching on the same lands in southeastern Alberta for over a century.

Wildlands Advocate article, April 2014, by Nigel Douglas.

The Sage-grouse Partnership (SGP) and the fate of greater sage-grouse rely on persevering ambassadors of the land like David and Ralph Heydlauff. The Heydlauff family has been ranching on the same lands in southeastern Alberta for over a century. Their ranch is home to many grassland species at risk and stewardship from the Heydlauffs is needed to protect them from extirpation. Unfortunately the financial resources for wildlife friendly ranching are lacking in this province.

“The continued presence of sage-grouse is a direct result of the light grazing regime maintained by the Heydlauffs. “Through the years we’ve found out that what’s good for cattle habitat is good for sage-grouse,” says Ralph.”