One of the former federal pastures in southwestern Saskatchewan has signed an historic agreement with Nature Conservancy of Canada to guide long-term conservation of community pastures.
Lone Tree pasture was among the first to be divested by the federal government after the 2013 grazing season, and dozens are following for the next three years. Under Ottawa’s administration, the pastures were managed for species at risk, drought and other conservation objectives.
The pilot agreement signed by NCC and Lone Tree pasture shareholders is designed to develop best practices for pasture management and conservation, the parties said in a news release.
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“In efforts to balance livestock production with long-term conservation, it is hoped this partnership will help foster rapport with other community pasture shareholders and NCC staff,” said the release.
The knowledge and experience of pasture patrons and managers will be used to develop the best practices, and the economic well-being of producers will also be included in a guide that could be used by other pastures.
A management plan will be in place for the 2015 grazing season.
Lone Tree includes 15 shareholders who graze about 1,100 of cattle on 34,000 acres.
“We both want the same thing,” said pasture spokesperson Clint Christianson.
“We want this land to be at least as healthy and functional well in the future.”
