The Nature Conservancy of Canada has announced that the first phase of the Bob Creek Ranch conservation project has been completed.
The NCC says the Bob Creek Ranch is located just off Highway 22 and covers over 2,400 acres. It is next to the Waldron Ranch and King Ranch, two other protected pieces of land.
Officials note this latest move will help create a block of over 43,000 hectares of conserved and protected lands within the headwaters of the South Saskatchewan River watershed.
Additionally, it will secure a permanent connection between the Livingstone Range of the Rocky Mountains to the west and the Porcupine Hills to the east.
The NCC says the area is an important corridor for animals like elk and deer, as well as threatened species like the grizzly bear.
Bob Creek and another stream flow through the ranch property, which is also bordered by the Oldman River. The waterways serve as a habitat for native sportfish. The area also features wildflowers like arrow-leaved balsamroot.
Its conservation was a part of a partnership between the NCC and Waldron Grazing Co-operative, which dates back to 2013, when the 13,000 hectare Waldron Ranch was protected. Then in 2015, the neighbouring King Ranch was conserved.
“Our partnership with the Waldron is a powerful example of what we can achieve together with a shared vision, and we’re excited about this latest project. The significance of Bob Creek Ranch goes beyond its size — it fills one of the last remaining gaps in a vast network of conserved working lands across this iconic and mostly intact landscape,” says Larry Simpson, director of strategic philanthropy for the NCC.
“This is a chance for people to make a difference by helping to conserve an incredible part of Canada that inspires anyone who experiences it.”
The Co-operative, formed in 1962, is comprised of nearly 80 ranching families and owns and manages the land as part of a sustainable ranching operation.
“The Waldron has found a very beneficial partnership with NCC to ensure that these lands will remain just as they are; a beautiful range where cattle and nature can thrive. Continuing this partnership with the purchase of the historic King Ranch and now with the purchase of the Bob Creek Ranch, more native prairie will be conserved,” says Frank Welsch, the Co-operative’s board chair.
“Not only is it a benefit to the shareholders who are gaining access to more grazing, it’s a win for the entire population and community of Alberta and Canada to know that this land will stay just as it is today; a home to an abundance of wildlife, both animal and plant species, along with cattle to maintain the grasses it produces. We look forward to many years together with NCC, conserving these great lands.”
Now that the first phase of the project is finished, the NCC says it is seeking support to help fund phase two.
