Endangered native grasslands conserved near U.S. border

By Lethbridge Herald on October 9, 2024.

Photo by Sean Feegan, NCC staff Dale Adams is seen on his property.

LETHBRIDGE HERALD

A  significant block of native Prairie grasslands in the southern-most point of Alberta is now being conserved.

 Boundary Creek couple Colleen and Dale Adams have signed an agreement with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). It means their 128-hectare (315 acre) cattle ranch will remain a working landscape while spared from any future subdivision, drainage or cultivation.

The Adams Ranch boasts spectacular views and is located about six kilometres north of the Alberta – Montana border and faces the Rocky Mountains. With a lot of competition for land in the area, the family wanted to ensure this cattle grazing site and haven for wildlife remains unspoiled. And they hope their decision will encourage other landowners to preserve their land in partnership with organizations like NCC to ensure the land will always be available for wildlife and sustainable ranching.    

Over 80 per cent of the original, native prairie grasslands in Canada’s prairies have been lost to other uses so NCC along with many partners are in a race to protect the best of what is left, said the conservancy in a Mondy release. 

 This conservation project was made possible thanks to the vision of the Adams family, says the NCC.

It was also supported by many private donors, the Government of Canada through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, which is part of Canada’s Nature Fund, along with the Weston Family Foundation.

The site has been operated as a cattle ranch for nearly 100 years. 

Dale Adams has worked on ranch lands for over four decades and manages the property with  wife Colleen who recently retired as a registered nurse. 

They have 70 cattle on the site which help keep the grasslands healthy through grazing, and it serves as an important link to other nearby lands that together allow a connected corridor for wildlife movement. The Adams Ranch is home to elk, moose, deer, grizzly bear (11 this year) along with black bear, coyotes. Boundary Creek and several other creeks run through the property, providing habitat for many waterfowl and aquatic species. 

“Working on the lands is the only thing I know! There are a lot of recreational pressures on lands in this area. At this rate, there won’t be many of the wild grasslands left so it makes us feel real good knowing that it will stay a ranch forever. Having it preserved and never cut up into acreage or subdivision was our goal. This is a place where you can relax. The view is incredible and makes this area very special. This whole project with NCC has been great,” says Dale Adams in the release.

“The Nature Conservancy of Canada applauds Dale and Colleen Adams for their vision and collaboration along with our funding partners who helped make this project happen.  It reinforces how cattle ranching and conservation can and does co-exist. 

“By working together, we can support working landscapes and local livelihoods for today and future generations of ranchers while protecting endangered, temperate Prairie grasslands and the species at risk that rely on them,” adds Tom Lynch-Staunton, Alberta vice pPresident of NCC> 

This is the second conservation agreement involving the Adams family and NCC.  Another 64 hectare (158 acre) site is being protected on Shanks Lake, south of Magrath.