Provincial Grazing Reserves and Grasslands Conservation
May 24, 2022
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Wild Lands Advocate Wilderness Watch update by: Ruiping Luo, AWA Conservation Specialist
Click here for a pdf version of the article.
Conservation of Alberta’s grasslands is inescapably linked to the agricultural use of the land. In particular, many grassland ecosystems support grazing livestock and some of the province’s best remaining native prairie landscapes are contained within Provincial Grazing Reserves. As public lands, these reserves are managed under the multiple use framework. Grazing needs are balanced with recreational and industrial uses, as well as conservation goals. While Provincial Grazing Reserves can help preserve native grasslands, how much do these reserves truly protect vulnerable habitats?