A Longview area ranching family has received the Alberta environmental stewardship award.
Jim and Stephen Hughes of the Chinook Ranch were recognized for their year round grazing program in the Alberta foothills. By developing a grazing plan that mimics growth patterns found in nature, they have improved range conditions and increased the number of cows while keeping costs down.
Their plan improved the ranch’s riparian areas and wildlife habitat. The family is also part of the Pekisko Landowners Association, formed to ensure economic development does not threaten foothills native range.
They co-operate with Alberta Sustainable Resource Development and established a long-term research site to monitor land resources.
