Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan join forces with ranchers to protect biodiversity in Saskatchewan Français
OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 8, 2020 /CNW/ - As Canadians, we are fortunate to have an abundance of nature in our backyards—a gift that comes with a tremendous amount of responsibility to protect it.
Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, along with Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie–Claude Bibeau, and Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable David Marit, announced a land exchange that will allow the federal and provincial governments to work with the ranching community to conserve prairie grasslands in southwestern Saskatchewan.
This land exchange helps Canada work toward its goal of conserving a quarter of its land and a quarter of its oceans by 2025.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) will acquire Govenlock, Nashlyn and Battle Creek pastures from Saskatchewan, and manage them for the conservation of species at risk and migratory birds, while continuing sustainable cattle grazing. Livestock grazing mimics traditional disturbance by plains bison and maintains the health and quality of the grasslands.
In return, Saskatchewan will acquire federal lands and improvements, such as fencing, barns, and corrals, of equivalent value in 55 former federal community pastures that have transitioned to producer control. This land exchange will simplify and improve land management, enabling the efficient production of beef cattle, while supporting biodiversity.
Govenlock, Nashlyn and Battle Creek pastures cover an area of 800 km2 and are an excellent example of how governments, ranchers, and conservation groups can work together to protect iconic Canadian species. Through collaboration, a strategy was developed to manage the pastures in an economically, socially and environmentally responsible way to support livestock production, wildlife habitat protection and local and Indigenous community interests.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada is pleased to work with the Province of Saskatchewan, ranchers, and Indigenous leaders on this important land transfer in southwestern Saskatchewan. Together, we are protecting iconic Canadian biodiversity, including 10 species at risk, for generations to come. Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard over the years to make this transfer a reality."
– The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
"This is a wonderful story of collaboration between many different groups to preserve the environmentally-significant grasslands and achieve our goal of protecting 25% of Canadian land by 2025. We are especially thankful to the ranchers who will continue their great work as stewards of the pastures on the land."
– The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"Saskatchewan ranchers play an important role in our pasture biodiversity and protecting the environment. Our cattle producers are the best stewards of the land and they serve a vital role in preserving native prairie landscapes."
– The Honourable David Marit, Minister of Agriculture, Province of Saskatchewan
"The certainty of continued access to the pastures for sustainable cattle grazing while maintaining the ecological and environmental benefits of these grasslands is important for ranchers. We look forward to continuing to build on the cooperative relationship we have established with Environment and Climate Change Canada."
– David McLeod, Battle Creek Pasture Patron
Quick facts
- In 2017, the Government of Canada confirmed its desire to acquire and manage these pastures, covering an area of 800 km2.
- As part of this agreement, Canada acquires land from Saskatchewan valued at 64 million dollars for conservation purposes, in exchange for transferring land valued at 64 million dollars to Saskatchewan for efficient operation of pastures as provincial leased lands.
- The area is recognized nationally and internationally for its significant concentration of migratory birds and grassland birds.
- ECCC, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Saskatchewan engaged local ranchers, communities and Indigenous people regarding the transfer of lands and administration.
- First Nations, the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan and ECCC are working to co-develop an Indigenous Advisory Committee to ensure Indigenous Peoples are a core partner in the ongoing management of these lands.
- Patrons from the Govenlock, Nashlyn and Battle Creek pastures were actively involved in the development of the operational model that was used for the past two years and that will continue to be used in the future.
- This area supports habitat for 10 species at risk including Swift Fox, Sprague's Pipit, Chestnut-collared Longspur, McCown's Longspur, Greater Sage Grouse, Burrowing Owl, Ferruginous Hawk, Mountain Plover, Long-billed Curlew and Northern Leopard Frog.
Associated links
Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page
Environment and Climate Change Canada's Facebook page
Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada
Like our Facebook page: CanadianAgriculture
Follow us on Twitter: @SKAgriculture
SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada
Moira Kelly, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-271-6218, [email protected]; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free), [email protected]; Jean-Sébastien Comeau, Press secretary, Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, 343-549-2326, [email protected]; Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 613-773-7972, 1-866-345-7972, [email protected]; Charlotte McGraw, Media Relations Officer, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, 306-787-4031, [email protected]
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