NCC expanding conservation network in Alberta’s southern foothills through new Waldron partnership
Bob Creek Ranch will link public and private conserved lands in ecologically rich area
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has unveiled its latest project in Alberta. It is asking for help in conserving the Bob Creek Ranch, a stunning Prairie grasslands property, to fill in an important piece of the conservation puzzle in the foothills of southern Alberta.
The Bob Creek Ranch spans 1,027 hectares of ecologically significant and diverse habitat, including fescue grasslands, montane ridges and riparian areas. The property, newly owned by the Waldron Grazing Co-operative, also borders the Oldman River and features two creeks, Bob Creek and Coyote Creek.
This project marks the latest effort in NCC's ongoing conservation partnership with The Waldron, following the successful conservation of The Waldron Ranch in 2013 and The King Ranch in 2015. Both projects enjoyed the support of many individuals, foundations, and government partners, including the Government of Alberta through its Alberta Land Trust Grant Program. Like these two other projects, Bob Creek Ranch will be conserved through a conservation agreement between NCC and the co-operative.
Good deal for ranchers, good deal for conservation
Conservation agreements are a win-win for landowners and conservation, as they ensure lands remain in a natural state forever, while allowing the landowner to continue to use the land in productive ways, such as sustainable cattle ranching. These voluntary legal agreements form the backbone of NCC’s conservation work in Alberta, aligning conservation goals with maintaining productive land use essential to Alberta’s agriculture industry.
NCC is proud to work closely with the Waldron Grazing Co-operative. The co-operative consists of 78 shareholders, most of whom operate their own ranch, but augment their operation by bringing their cattle onto The Waldron for portions of the year. Many of these ranchers and their families have deep connections to this area, with some being the sixth generation to ranch there. Being part of The Waldron allows these individuals to steward, rest and manage their own grass effectively, thanks to the access they have to The Waldron's grass resources. And by being part of the partnership with NCC, these landowners can access stewardship funding for projects on their own grasslands.
Partnering with NCC helps the Waldron Grazing Co-operative in several ways. It provides funding for operations and improvements, including expansion. It also facilitates access to funding for stewardship enhancements, such as off-site watering systems, rotational grazing infrastructure and wildlife-friendly fences to help keep the land and wildlife populations healthy.
A key piece of Alberta’s conservation puzzle
Bob Creek Ranch represents one of the final critical areas in the network of publicly protected and privately conserved and lands in the region (see map via link at bottom), bridging the gap between Bob Creek Wildland Park (established by the Government of Alberta in partnership with NCC and BP Amoco in 1999), the Black Creek Heritage Rangeland (established by the Government of Alberta in 2000) and The Waldron Ranch. Together, these areas form a contiguous block of over 43,000 hectares.
As a result, conserving Bob Creek Ranch will enhance connectivity among these lands, creating a contiguous landscape of intact habitats. This will help maintain crucial wildlife corridors, ensuring the continued safe movement of species, such as grizzly bear and elk.
The grasslands of Bob Creek Ranch are dominated by rough fescue, Alberta’s provincial grass. Rough fescue offers exceptional year-round forage for wildlife and livestock and is considered a symbol of Alberta’s prairie and ranching heritage. Fescue grasslands are one of the most threatened and least protected ecoregions in Canada; by one estimate, fewer than 20 per cent of fescue grassland remain in Alberta’s foothills.
Rough fescue is an amazing natural resource that provides important ecological benefits, such as water filtration, carbon sequestration, and forage for both domestic animals and wildlife. The property also serves as habitat for species of conservation concern, including limber pine (endangered), grizzly bear (threatened), Columbia spotted frog (sensitive in Alberta) and golden eagle (sensitive in Alberta).
The property will continue to be sustainably grazed by cattle under the management of the Waldron Grazing Co-operative. Cattle, other livestock and grazing wildlife are important for grassland health. When properly managed, cattle grazing behaviour can approximate the historic actions of bison, which were a significant factor in the evolution of a healthy Prairie grassland ecosystem. Many species need shorter grass to survive, while others need longer grass. This disturbance, along with fire, helps maintain grassland health and creates diverse habitats for many plants and animals.
NCC is encouraging those wanting to see Bob Creek Ranch stay beautiful and intact forever to support efforts to conserve Alberta’s disappearing Prairie grasslands. The public’s investment will help conserve this critical landscape for current and future generations. NCC is seeking to raise $10M for Bob Creek Ranch and other grassland conservation projects in Alberta this year. Visit prairiegrasslands.ca to get involved.
Quotes
“The partnership we've built with The Waldron speaks volumes about how conservation agreements can be a win-win for everyone involved. By working together, we've proven that conserving places like Bob Creek Ranch isn't just good for ranchers and wildlife, but for all of us. It's a real-life example of how we can balance conservation with sustainable ranching, ensuring a brighter future for Albertans and our natural world.” – Bob Sutton, Regional Board Chair, Nature Conservancy of Canada
“The Waldron Grazing Co-op was formed in 1962 by a group of farmers and ranchers to allow its shareholders to gain access to this amazing property, bring their livestock here, and sustain or grow their operations. 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. 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”. – Frank Welsch, Board Chair, Waldron Grazing Co-operative
About
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the country’s unifying force for nature. NCC seeks solutions to the twin crises of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change through large-scale, permanent land conservation. As a trusted partner, NCC works with people, communities, businesses and government to protect and care for our country’s most important natural areas. Since 1962, NCC has brought Canadians together to conserve and restore more than 15 million hectares. To learn more, visit natureconservancy.ca.
Founded in 1962, the Waldron Grazing Co-operative is one of Canada’s largest and most respected grazing cooperatives, dedicated to sustainable land management and the preservation of native grasslands. Located in the heart of Alberta’s fescue grasslands, the Waldron Grazing Co-operative manages over 26,000 hectares of pristine rangeland, providing high-quality grazing for member ranchers while ensuring the ecological integrity of the landscape. Committed to conservation, the Co-operative works closely with environmental organizations, government agencies and local communities to implement innovative practices that protect biodiversity, combat climate change, and support the sustainable use of natural resources. Through its efforts, the Waldron Grazing Co-operative exemplifies the balance between agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship.
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