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Alberta’s government is seeking public feedback on draft management plans for two important grassland areas in southern Alberta.

Targeted engagement on the draft plans for the OH Ranch Heritage Rangeland and the proposed Pekisko Heritage Rangeland began Aug. 19 and will continue until Nov. 17.

The province says the feedback will help shape how the two areas are managed in the years ahead, with the goal of balancing environmental conservation with economic, cultural and recreational interests.

“Gathering feedback is essential to advance land-use planning in Alberta,” said Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas. “These draft management plans guide how each heritage rangeland is protected and used over time, balancing conservation with continued activities on the landscape.”

The OH Ranch and Pekisko areas support a range of activities, including grazing, low-impact recreational access and traditional Indigenous land use. The management planning process is intended to establish clearer expectations around how these activities will be managed while protecting the distinctive grassland landscapes.

The proposed Pekisko Heritage Rangeland, located southwest of High River and south of the OH Ranch Heritage Rangeland, contains one of the largest contiguous areas of native foothills fescue grassland and parkland remaining in Alberta.

Its draft management plan is intended to establish direction for conservation, grazing, public access and stewardship within the proposed protected area.

Meanwhile, the OH Ranch Heritage Rangeland, located southwest of Calgary near Longview and the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, is receiving an update to its existing management plan.

The revised OH Ranch plan will reflect current management practices, policies and legislation while providing direction for grazing, natural resource management, wildlife and species at risk, recreational access, education and awareness, as well as monitoring and reporting.

The province emphasizes that neither draft plan is final.

Feedback received during the engagement period will be reviewed and considered as the plans are finalized and decisions are made regarding their future implementation.

Balancing Conservation and Ranching

A key element of the management approach is recognizing the role that carefully managed grazing can play in maintaining Alberta’s native grasslands.

According to the province, heritage rangelands are protected areas of public land where native grasslands are conserved while managed grazing continues.

Rather than viewing grazing and conservation as competing interests, Alberta says responsible grazing can help maintain native grassland ecology, protect biodiversity and support the long-standing ranching stewardship associated with these landscapes.

Alberta is home to the largest remaining area of intact grasslands in Canada, covering close to 16 million acres.

The government says protecting these landscapes while allowing appropriate activities to continue will be important in ensuring they can provide environmental, economic and cultural benefits for future generations.

Albertans with an interest in the management of the OH Ranch Heritage Rangeland or proposed Pekisko Heritage Rangeland are encouraged to participate in the engagement process.

Feedback will be accepted until Nov. 17 and will help inform the final management plans.

For more information and to participate in the engagement process, visit the Alberta government’s official website.

(Source: Government of Alberta)