| Native prairie plays an important role for Saskatchewan’s agriculture industry. It provides a valuable sustainable grazing resource, habitat for wildlife and grassland birds, carbon storage within its extensive root system, and an impressive source of biodiversity. In Saskatchewan, It is estimated that less than 15% of native prairie remains unbroken. In southwestern Saskatchewan, within the Milk River Watershed, half of the land remains as Native prairie, with another 25% under permanent cover. As a result, this area is considered vitally important as habitat for a significant number of species at risk. Ranchers in this area are tasked with managing grasslands as a grazing resource and as important habitat.
The McDougald Ranch, in the Cypress Hills Uplands, hosted APAS board members in June, showcasing their ranch, the grasslands, and their management practices. The McDougald ranch has a long-standing commitment to managing, conserving, and promoting the importance of native prairie. In recognition of their stewardship activities, the family received the Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) for Saskatchewan in 2006.
In Saskatchewan, as well as on the international stage, native prairie is in the spotlight. The 3rd week of June marked Native Prairie Appreciation Week (NPAW), an annual celebration of the importance and value of prairie. Initially established in 1999, it is promoted annually by many conservation and agricultural organizations. This year is also the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) which highlights the vital role ranchers and land managers play in global food security, climate resilience, and preserving natural ecosystems across the globe. More information on IYRP can be found at here.
Living Lab – Central Prairies, led by the South of the Divide Conservation Action Program and funded primarily by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, is a five-year project in which prairie producers, researchers and other partners have worked together to test and build understanding of beneficial management practices on real farms and ranches across the region. Taking inspiration from prairie ecosystems as a proven model of resilience and long-term productivity, the project has explored how retention of native and naturalized areas, grazing management, perennial restoration and rejuvenation, and polycropping can support healthy soils, thriving landscapes, and productive operations. The results of this project – including honest, real-world producer experiences – will be shared at the Prairie Proven Solutions Conference in Saskatoon on December 15th & 16th. Whether you’re curious about one practice or all of them, this conference is designed for you. More information can be found here.
Submitted by: Krista Connick Todd, PAg – South of the Divide Conservation Action Program Inc. |
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