BC Grasslands 2 Message from the Executive Director

BCGrasslands “The voice for grasslands in British Columbia” JULY/AUGUST 2000

Working toward a provincial strategy

GRASSLANDS CONSERVATION COUNCIL OF BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWSLETTER The GCC Established in 1996, the GCC is a Message from the Chair strategic alliance of organizations and individuals, including government, range management Our challenge is evident specialists, ranchers, agrologists, It seems that everyone you talk to these days stresses the value and importance of what we do and grassland ecologists, First what we represent as the Grasslands Conservation Council. Nations, environmental groups, recreationists and grassland To the government, we are seen as a key liaison, to academics, we are liked for our stress on sci- enthusiasts. This diverse group ence and research, to ranchers, we are valued for our support for sustainable working grasslands shares a common commitment and to environmental/naturalists groups, we have a recognizable role in contributing to protecting to education, conservation and stewardship of British Columbia’s key species and sites. grasslands. So the challenge doesn’t seem to be our value or our necessity, the challenge is in transferring the excitement about what we are doing into certainty. The GCC Mission is to: • foster greater understanding and We are entering our fifth year of existence. The first three years were entirely voluntary as we slowly pieced the appreciation for the ecological, Council together.We have now received official Society status, applied to be a registered charity and have had a paid social, economic and cultural Executive Director (Bruno Delesalle) in place for just over a year. importance of grasslands throughout BC; At our recent conference in Penticton, our Strategic Plan was outlined. This is our guide for the future, focused on • promote stewardship and fostering public understanding of BC’s grasslands, supporting sustainable ranching, ensuring the long-term health of sustainable management the grasslands and conserving representative grassland ecosystems. This plan is ambitious yet realistic. To obtain a practices that will ensure the copy of this plan, please contact our office in Kamloops. long-term health of BC’s grasslands; It would seem a shame to lose this energy, in spite of our obvious importance. Not to be doom and gloom, but I • recommend changes to policy can’t stress enough the unstableness of our financial situation. Unless significant financial support comes through and legislation that support over the next few months the future of the GCC remains uncertain.We have made a number of grant applications continued ranching and sustainable range activities; and and are confident that they will be received well, but until we know for sure it is an uncertain situation. •promote the conservation of We need your support—send in your memberships, attend the grasslands symposiums, encourage others to join representative grassland and anyone you know who has access to wealth and loves the grasslands, have them get in touch with Bruno or ecosystems, species at risk and their habitats. myself. Membership has two values: your membership fee supports core costs and many funders prefer to support member-based organizations. GCC Board of Directors I am proud to be the Chair of this organization.As I have stated many times the care and concern for grasslands EXECUTIVE have been lost in the forest-dominated culture of BC.Yet it is these grasslands that harbour many of Canada’s rare Bob Peart,Vancouver CHAIR and endangered species as well as a culture and history that we can’t afford to lose. Jim White, Kamloops In closing I want to welcome our new Board members, thank the volunteers who helped with our recent successful VICE CHAIR conference in Penticton and publicly thank Bruno Delesalle for the wonderful job he has done over the past few Nichola Gerts ,Victoria SECRETARY months. Dennis Lloyd, Kamloops —Bob Peart, Chair, Grasslands Conservation Council of BC TREASURER

BOARD Agnes Jackson, Kamloops Alf Bawtree, Celista Summerland Symposium and tour of White Lake Ranch a success Bill Turner, Victoria Bob Scheer, Kamloops More than 110 people participated in this year’s cussing the conservation ranch concept and how this Cindy Haddow,Victoria Darrel Smith, Invermere Sustaining Healthy Grasslands Symposium, held June 9th fits into a provincial strategy for grassland conservation Dave Zehnder, Invermere and 10th in the Penticton area. The theme of the was initiated, but warrants further discussion. Dr. Michael Pitt,Vancouver Symposium was “Long Term Strategies for Grasslands The majority of participants at the symposium would Gary Tipper, Cranbrook Conservation—Working Toward a Provincial Strategy” agree that grasslands are important and that various Greg Tegart, Kelowna John Holmes, Gang Ranch and the weekend consisted of a symposium at the Pacific regions are taking significant steps in tackling important Judy Guichon, Quilchena Agri-Food Centre in Summerland on the Friday and issues, such as forest encroachment, weed control, subdi- Katherine Gizikoff, Merritt field tour of White Lake Ranch on the Saturday. vision of grasslands, and appropriate range management Kristi Iverson, Lac la Hache Maurice Hanson, Kimberly The Friday symposium featured many excellent pre- practices. However, a need remains to clarify the objec- Mike Kennedy,Lillooet sentations from ranchers, conservation organizations, tives for and the process by which an integrated provin- Phil Youwe, Kamloops academics and scientists, government ministries and cial strategy would be developed.As this topic requires Tom Dickinson, Kamloops First Nations. Summaries of these presentations are fea- further debate and definition, the GCC will pursue the tured throughout this newsletter.As well, historian and provincial grassland strategy with its partners over the COVER PHOTO: BOB NEEDHAM, former MLA Bill Barlee gave an eloquent and fun pres- next few months. MINISTRY OF FORESTS entation on the importance of grasslands and ranching. Thank you to all the speakers, resource people, partici- Although the heaviest rain fall of the year stifled pants, GCC Directors and volunteers for a great sympo- planned discussion on the Saturday , the process of dis- sium! BC Grasslands 2 Message from the Executive Director

The Grasslands Conservation Council…taking great strides forward! Looking back to the first Grasslands Conservation Council meeting at Big Bar Ranch in 1996, the Do you have a GCC has come a long way.When I started my job as Executive Director for the GCC, I began by asking various key people and organizations whether we really needed another conservation comment? organization in BC.Are grasslands not already covered by some other organization? The response Something to say? received was consistent and clear: one, the GCC is long overdue; and two, the GCC has an important role to play in the conservation and stewardship of British Columbia’s grasslands. A story to tell? During the past year, support for the GCC has only strengthened. I believe this will continue as our organization establishes its niche and proves to government and other environmental non-government organizations that we BC Grasslands would love mean business. The GCC is clearly built of people who have genuine concerns for grasslands and tremendous energy to hear it! to make the GCC a successful and action-oriented conservation organization. In future issues of this news- The GCC held its annual Sustaining Healthy Grasslands Symposium in Summerland on June 9 and 10th. It was a letter, this section will be reserved for Letters to the great success, albeit a little soggy! Over 110 participants took part in the two-day event and the response has been Editor, a forum for discussion positive and very enthusiastic. The symposium was well attended by ranchers, environmental organizations, govern- on British Columbia grassland ment, First Nations, and consultants from across the province. issues. Letters should be word As there were many interesting presentations and discussions at the symposium, this first issue of the new processed, no longer than BC Grasslands newsletter features some of these presentations. 300 words and preferably in In the last year, the GCC has: an electronic file (MS Word). Deadline for submissions for • Completed the GCC Strategic Plan 2000–2003 (Copies are now available from the GCC Office) the next issue of BC Grasslands • Received Society Status (in August 1999) and is waiting for its Charitable Tax Number will be November 30, 2000. • Achieved a significant increase in membership (800% increase over 1999) Send your submissions to: • Actively participated in development of the Laurie Guichon Memorial Grassland Interpretive Site, near Merritt BC Grasslands (ongoing) Letters to the Editor • Completed inventory, mapping and fencing for the Hamilton Commonage Demonstration Project (ongoing) 727 Dominion Street • Secured funding for the Sustaining Healthy Grasslands Symposium 2000; BC Grasslands Mapping Project; and a Kamloops, BC V2C 2X8 GCC Grassland Portable Display FAX (250) 374-5721 • Initiated the ATV Committee and created a background document requesting that government put in place a system of licensing All-terrain Vehicles (ATVs) so people using their vehicles in closed areas or in a manner E-MAIL [email protected] damaging to the environment can be held accountable. (Process is ongoing). The GCC has many exciting challenges ahead. First and foremost is the need to secure program funding for the ...continued (see Executive Director, page 11)

Though slightly dampened by A sincere thank you to the rain, Saturday’s field tour of following funders for making White Lake Ranch brought this symposium possible: together ranchers like Wilson Clifton (below), conservation • Beef Cattle Industry Development organizations, government, Fund scientists and academics to begin discussions on the conservation • The Real Estate Foundation of BC ranch’s role in the provincial • Ministry of Environment, Lands grassland conservation strategy. & Parks PHOTO LEFT: JANET SOUTHWELL PHOTO BELOW: BRUNO DELESALLE •The Nature Trust ofBritish Columbia • Agriculture Canada – Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre •Ministry ofForests • Beef in BC Magazine • Southern Interior Forest Extension and Research Partnership

3 Why do we need a provincial strategy for Grassland Conservation?

By Mike Pitt, University of British Columbia general population tends to view grasslands as useless North American grasslands have been severely altered deserts. and reduced by agricultural production and livestock grazing since European settlement. On the Canadian Achieving ecologically and economically Prairies, as much as 99% of the original tall-grass prairie sustainable ranching “Relative to other has already been lost—primarily to the plow. In 1933,Aldo Leopold wrote,“most of what needs doing British Columbia’s native grasslands have also been must be done by the farmer himself. There is no conceiv- regions in Canada, altered substantially by the combined toll of human able way by which the general public can legislate crab- smaller proportions activities, including hydroelectric power, intensive agri- apples, or grape tangles, or plum thickets to grow on culture, off-road recreation, urbanization, livestock graz- these barren fence rows, road sides and slopes, nor will of BC grasslands have ing, fire suppression, forest encroachment, and invasion the resolutions or prayers of the city change the depth of been converted to by alien weeds. It is likely that no large, contiguous areas next winter’s snow nor cause cornshocks to be left in the permanent of unaltered grassland remained in British Columbia fields to feed the birds.All the non-farming public can after 1930.As such,“ancient” grasslands represent a do is to provide information and build incentives on agriculture. This much more endangered space in British Columbia than which farmers may act.” means we still have do “ancient”or old-growth forests. Leopold’s call for cooperation still rings true in the British Columbian grasslands are unique to BC— 21st century, as sustainable grassland management cer- the opportunity to species and habitats contrast sharply with the prairies. tainly requires an holistic approach. The philosopher manage our In the Cariboo, extensive bluebunch wheatgrass vegeta- Eric Hofer commented “we usually see only the things grasslands as large, tion occurs at its northern-most limit in North America. we are looking for.”All of us fall victim to seeing only These grasslands are truly rare, containing a mixture of what we’re trained to see, or what we want to see. relatively intact, northern and southern plant species. BC grasslands also Naturalists see butterflies. Range managers see forage. naturally functioning contain more than 25% of the provincial wildlife species Wildlife biologists see bighorn sheep.A truly holistic ecosystems.” of concern, and support more threatened or endangered approach, therefore, is possible only if all people and dis- species than any other habitat. ciplines work together. Relative to other regions in Canada, smaller propor- The Grasslands Conservation Council of BC (GCC) tions of BC grasslands have been converted to perma- was established in 1996 to provide such a strategic alli- nent agriculture. This means we still have the opportuni- ance of organizations and individuals. The Council envi- ty to manage our grasslands as large, relatively intact, sions government, range management specialists, ranch- naturally functioning ecosystems. Specific management ers, agrologists, grassland ecologists, First Nations, envi- needs and goals, however, vary between the Okanagan, ronmental groups, recreationists and grassland enthusi- the Kootenays, the Thompson and the Cariboo. asts all working cooperatively towards a common goal. Successful conservation of our valuable grassland habi- British Columbia’s grasslands will continue to be tats, therefore, requires an integrated Provincial strategy. influenced by human activities. Simply “preserving”a few small grasslands behind a fence will not likely The role of the ranching industry in achieve our collective, long-term goals for sustainable, long-term conservation of BC grasslands healthy grassland ecosystems. Good grazing manage- Humans comprise a natural part of grassland ecosys- ment, therefore, provides a unifying theme for all those tems. To ignore this human presence is artificial and who love grasslands. The White Lake Field Tour, which shortsighted. For example, at least 80% of BC grasslands took place on the Saturday, June 10, during the are privately owned. If ranching becomes uneconomical, Sustaining Healthy Grasslands Symposium, provided an or ceases to be an attractive lifestyle, then these private- excellent opportunity for everyone to see and talk about ly-held ranches would face mounting pressures to sub- the kinds of grazing management essential to maintain- divide. ing the historical, cultural, aesthetic, biological and eco- Without a healthy cattle industry, therefore, grassland nomic values of British Columbia’s grasslands. biodiversity in British Columbia might actually decrease. Sprawling suburbs exert extreme pressure on grasslands. “Ancient” grasslands represent a much more Mountain bikes, all-terrain vehicles, and increased recreational use would dramatically intensify the challenge of endangered space in British Columbia than do maintaining grassland habitats, particularly because the “ancient” or old-growth forests. BC Grasslands 4 Hamilton Commonage: collaboration on the range yields results

The Hamilton Commonage Demonstration Project is yielding results. The project team has: • identified several management priorities, including increasing late successional stages in both grassland and riparian systems, improving riparian condition, and establishing a long-term monitoring program; • completed inventory and mapping of water availabili- ty and quality, infrastructure (roads, hydro lines, etc.), seral stage distribution, weeds and recreational use, while partially completing inventory and mapping of wildlife species of concern, riparian areas and assess- ments, and aspen copses; • collaborated with the Guichon Ranch to incorporate newly acquired information into the grazing management plan for this year; • established four new exclosures with electric fencing that will begin addressing some of the biological and habitat concerns around aspen copses and riparian Using electric fences around By Bruno Delesalle, Grasslands Conservation Council areas; and small ponds and aspen The Hamilton Commonage, located 23 kilometres east of • established one new pasture with electric fencing copses will assist the Merritt, includes 6,475 hectares of rolling grassland. This around Rush Lake that will be used for fall grazing Guichon Ranch in achieving its objective for improved expansive landscape consists of a patchwork of grass, wet- only. riparian and aspen habitat lands, riparian areas, rocky outcrops, and forests that support Most of the changes to date have focused on alter- condition. a diversity of wildlife habitat and grazing lands for livestock. ations of the grazing management plan to improve for- PHOTO: DENNIS LLOYD In 1998, a group of environmental organizations, gov- age utilization, and some limited fencing of ecologically ernment agencies and Nicola Valley’s Guichon Ranch sensitive areas.Watering developments are still being began working together with the Hamilton Commonage considered for the future. Over the next two months, the Demonstration Project to develop a management strate- GCC and its partners will develop an integrated monitor- “We wanted to collaborate gy that would maintain and enhance biological diversity ing strategy with the Ministry of Environment, Lands with the Guichon Ranch to on the Hamilton Commonage. and Parks and the Ministry of Forests to monitor As more than 70% of BC’s grasslands are on private changes in the commonage over time. create a long-term vision land, working with ranchers, First Nations and the range A field tour of the Hamilton Commonage Demonstra- for the Hamilton management community to develop and implement eco- tion Project is planned for September 16, 2000.A copy of logically and economically sustainable range manage- the final report for the project will be available at that Commonage grasslands ment practices is deemed critical to ensuring steward- time. For more information about the project call Dennis and to improve how the ship of BC’s grasslands over the long-term. Lloyd, Ministry of Forests at (250) 828-4129, e-mail: land is managed by The main goal of this project is to demonstrate the [email protected] or call Bruno Delesalle at economic and ecological benefits of stewardship. (250) 374-5721, e-mail: [email protected] applying various land The objectives of this project are to: management tools and • revise the Guichon range use plan and develop a strat- practices…working egy to conserve and enhance bio-diversity on the Hamilton Commonage, The Hamilton Commonage towards a win-win for • establish a longer-term monitoring program on the Demonstration Project wildlife and ranching.” Hamilton Commonage, was made possible through • evaluate the Forest Practices Code and Associated the cooperative efforts —Dennis Lloyd, Guidelines through this project (are they realistic and and contributions of : Ministry of Forests practical?), •Vancouver Foundation • identify inventory and research requirements, and • EcoAction 2000 • improve communication,knowledge,and working •Guichon Ranch relationships. • Canadian Parks & Wilderness Society • The Land Conservancy of British Columbia •Ministry ofForests • Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks

5 The ecological significance of the South Okanagan

By G.G.E. Scudder, Department of Zoology, University of their geographic range. These species have unique of British Columbia genetic constitutions, making them well adapted to deal- The South Okanagan is an important area for grassland ing with stress and change—important traits for sur- conservation in British Columbia. Low elevation areas vival in a changing world. south of the Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park and The habitats of many of these rare species, as well as Summerland provide vital habitat for some 20 species of many other components of the native biota in the South plants and animals currently listed as nationally endan- Okanagan, are now at risk, mainly due to habitat loss gered, threatened or vulnerable. One third of the provin- and invasion by alien species. cially Red-listed and half of the provincially Blue-listed Wetlands and riparian habitats have been nearly oblit- vertebrates occur in this area, along with some 35% of erated, with only 15% remaining. Likewise, the grassland the provincially listed endangered vascular plants. shrub steppe habitat has suffered dramatically from The South Okanagan is a rarity—a richness and human settlement. Over the past century, more than 60% endemic species hot spot for invertebrates in Canada. of the antelope-brush (Purshia tridentata) ecosystem has Over 275 rare species of insects and other invertebrates been destroyed and converted to vineyards, orchards, Antelope-brush is prime have been recorded to date, with more than 65% of these croplands or urban residential and industrial areas.And habitat for vineyard growing occurring nowhere else in Canada. Sixteen endemic much of what is left has been disturbed and invaded by in the South Okanagan. More invertebrates also occur in the South Okanagan. alien species, such as cheatgrass, Dalmation toadflax and than 60% of the antelope- According to research, many rare species around the knapweeds. Just 9% of remaining antelope-brush is rela- brush ecosystem has been lost to agriculture, and urban world now exist only at the periphery of their former tively undisturbed. and industrial development. range. Likewise, in the South Okanagan a high percent- Very little antelope-brush habitat is found within the PHOTO: KEVIN DUNN age of the plant and animal species at risk constitute currently protected areas.What habitat has been set peripheral or marginal populations at the northern edge ...continued (see South Okanagan, page 14)

Launching the BC Grasslands Mapping Project

By Bruno Delesalle, Grasslands Conservation Council Over the past year, it has become increasingly evident that providing a clear provincial picture on

BRITISH the abundance, distribution and status of British Columbia’s grasslands is an essential step for COLUMBIA the GCC and its partners. The BC Grasslands Mapping Project plans to bring together existing information from around the province to build a provincial grassland geographical information system (GIS) and associat- Fort St. John ed maps. This will ensure both government and non-government organizations have accurate

Burns Lake and consistent information about BC’s grasslands. The mapping project will answer the following Grassland Prince Ecosystems questions: George • How many hectares of native grasslands remain in British Columbia? How many hectares have Williams Lake been lost to cultivation, urbanization, and forest encroachment? Kamloops • What types of grasslands occur in BC and where do they occur? • What is the land status of BC’s grasslands? (How much is privately owned, Crown Land, First

Cranbrook Nations Land, within the ALR, within municipal boundaries, federal lands, etc.) Osoyoos Victoria • What are the current and potential threats to grasslands? • Which endangered species are associated with BC’s grasslands and where are they located? Ensuring accurate and This project will produce a useful product and tools for government, non- consistent information about government organizations and individuals involved in grassland education, BC’s Grasslands is essential communications, research, monitoring, conservation and stewardship. This The GCC would like to thank the for effective planning, grassland information is essential to resource management, planning and following funding partners for management, decision- decision-making processes around the province and will benefit the sustain- their support of the BC Grasslands making and the conservation Mapping Project: of grasslands in BC. ability of grasslands and their wildlife. For additional information on the BC Grasslands Mapping Project, please • Habitat Conservation Trust Fund contact Bruno Delesalle at (250)374-5721 or e-mail: [email protected] •Vancouver Foundation • BC Parks BC • BC Environment Grasslands 6 White Lake Ranch is an example of Conserving the conservation ranch concept which conserves large areas of Canada’s rangeland while continuing to support a sustainable relationship desert country between grazers and grasses. PHOTO: THE NATURE TRUST The South Okanagan-Similkameen area is a unique and beautiful habitat, home to 23 species of plants and animals currently listed as nationally threatened, endangered, or vulnerable as well as one third of all provincially Red-listed species. In addition, the South Okanagan-Similkameen watersheds act as a A personal voyage of corridor for species migrations between the dry grasslands of the interior of the province and the wilderness discovery on a desert areas of the western United States. Since the last ice age, the Okanagan-Similkameen corridor has South Okanagan ranch been the principle portal of entry for dry-adapted plants and animals colonizing interior British By Elin Kelsey My discovery of the South Okanagan Columbia. Like many of those who travel to the South wilderness began as I sat on a bus rum- However, the South Okanagan-Similkameen area Okanagan each year, I come from the other bling through the area beside Lloyd is rapidly being urbanized. The resulting reduction side of the tollbooth.Wilderness for me Thomas, a second-generation rancher of and fragmentation of natural habitats is leading to a comes in the guise of dramatic seashore BC’s interior, and took a look at the land- crisis in this environmentally pivotal area. estuaries and the endless accordion pleats scape through his eyes. The discovery To meet this rising environmental crisis, nine of rugged coastal mountains. The cool, widened when he, another South Okanagan conservation organizations and government agen- clear lakes and the rolling shrublands of rancher,Wilson Clifton, and I joined con- cies have joined to form the South Okanagan- BC’s interior beckon each summer, but servation planner Gary Runka at a unique Similkameen (SOS) Conservation Program. The always as a destination for rest and relax- ranching and conservation planning work- Program aims to maintain the rich biodiversity of ation; a warm sunny holiday filled with wine shop hosted by the US Nature Conservancy the area, including species at risk, and a viable eco- tastings and pick-your-own fruit forays. in southern Arizona early last summer. logical corridor between the deserts to the south I never thought to look for wilderness in Today—thanks to an unusual partner- and the grasslands to the north.With this prospec- the South Okanagan because I never ship between the Nature Trust of British tus, the Program partners invite the participation of expected to find it there.So when I was Columbia, the Nature Conservancy, govern- all organizations and individuals interested in the invited by the Nature Trust of BC to attend ment agencies and local ranchers like Lloyd realization of these aims. a weekend conservation workshop in the and Wilson—the South Okanagan wilder- The SOS Conservation Program will expand com- South Okanagan last year, I was a little ness and cattle ranching operations that munity involvement, promote ecologically sustain- skeptical.What conservation priorities have helped to sustain it are a part of a able land use, enhance stewardship on private and would I discover in this arid landscape? North American endeavor to protect ranch Crown land, and negotiate acquisition of key habi- However, when The Nature Trust’s conservation. tats.As well, the Program will seek strong communi- Executive Vice-President, Ron Erickson, It is only now, as I appreciate the rare and ty support and involvement to help find a balance called to say that we would be meeting at fragile beauty of the South Okanagan, that I between wildlife requirements and human needs the local chapter of the Cattleman’s realize the scope of attention scientists, con- and aspirations. Association, my skepticism shifted. Now servationists and ranchers have devoted to Four key habitats have been proposed for SOS I was downright intrigued. this region over the years. Decades of re- Conservation Program activities including wetland Less than year later, I can hardly believe search reveal just how unique the area is for and riparian; grassland/shrub-steppe; coniferous that there was a time when I could not see wildlife. More than 30% of BC’s threatened forests; and rugged terrain.As progress indicators, the ecological richness of the South or endangered species live in the South area criteria have also been proposed for Crown land Okanagan.A time when I did not know Okanagan. Two-thirds of the province’s 448 conservation, private land acquisition, and steward- that the hot, dry, shrub grasslands hugging bird species are dependent on the region for ship. the highway through the South Okanagan part or all of their life cycle. The South and Lower Similkameen valleys are one of Okanagan is home to the richest diversity of Based on the Executive Summary, South Canada’s most endangered ecosystems.A reptiles in British Columbia.And an aston- Okanagan-Similkameen Conservation Program— time when I thought that the interests of ishing 23 species of invertebrates are found A Prospectus. ranchers and the interests of conservation- here and nowhere else on earth. ists were worlds apart. ...continued (see Personal Voyage, page 15)

7 lodgepole pine trees. Part of the strategy to address the encroachment issue includes the development of a detailed fire management plan. Detailed strategies have been developed for each range unit to ensure the continued restoration of the grasslands. The plan also includes a monitoring strategy to ensure plan objectives are being met. Riparian areas are key features for both wildlife and cattle within the grassland environment. To improve the condition of some significant riparian areas, Grazing Enhancement Fund funds were obtained for fence post installation around several ponds and lakes that had been affected by cattle. Electric fencing will be used to keep cattle out of these wetlands during times when cattle are in the area. Within the Churn Creek Protected Area, there are three distinct herds of California bighorn sheep, two of which are migratory.There are also about 2,000 to 3,000 mule deer that winter One of the three benchmark areas within the Churn Creek Protected Area, this area will be off in or near the Protected Area.Additionally, limits to grazing and available to the public for fishing, hunting, horseback riding and hiking many rare and endangered species, including only. PHOTO: CHRIS HAMILTON Lewis’s woodpecker, flammulated owl, Townsend’s big-eared bat and the western small-eared myotis are known to occur within the Protected Area while many other endan- The Churn Creek Protected Area gered species are known or suspected to use the area. Critical habitat maps have been developed Management Plan is approved for all rare and endangered vertebrates (exclud- ing fish). Access within the Protected Area includes an By Kristi Iverson, Consulting Ecologist assessment of all ecosystems associated with intensive use zone around the main road and The Management Plan for the Churn Creek the grasslands.Although seral stage assess- some roads through forested areas where Protected Area has now been approved and ments showed that Churn Creek grasslands fall motorized recreation is permitted. Over 82% of many aspects of it are being implemented this short of Forest Practices Code guidelines, many the Protected Area will be managed as a non- summer. areas of late seral and climax grasslands are motorized, natural environment zone.ATVs are The Churn Creek Protected Area spans represented, particularly in the lower and mid- not permitted within the Protected Area and 36,747 hectares and is located on the west side dle grasslands. Upper grasslands are predomi- snowmobiles are limited to two routes along of the Fraser River, directly south of the Gang existing roads.Additionally, three benchmark Ranch. The area has significant representation “Implementation of the Churn Creek areas have been designated. These benchmarks of lower, middle and upper grasslands in addi- Protected Area Management Plan will will have no grazing and only minimal use by tion to extensive Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine the public, having been chosen to represent a forests. be a positive step towards ensuring wide range of grassland ecosystems with very John and Joyce Holmes have operated Churn continued improvement of the health minimal affect on the ranching operation. Creek Protected Area as a working ranch for Permitted recreational activities include fishing, BC Parks since 1998 and have just secured a of the grasslands and protection of hunting, horseback riding and hiking. Churn 10-year tenure for running the ranch and hay rare and endangered species.” Creek has a limited capacity for increased visi- fields. Churn Creek will continue to contain a tation and as such, information and promotion- working ranch with an allocation of 3850 nantly mid-seral. This is partly a result of his- al strategies will be minimal. Animal Unit Months of grazing and several irri- torical cattle grazing for the entire grazing sea- Implementation of the Churn Creek Protected gated alfalfa hayfields, while the Range Section son on a large area that was formerly fenced Area Management Plan will be a positive step of the Ministry of Forests will manage the graz- private land. towards ensuring continued improvement of ing. Within the upper grasslands, there has been the health of the grasslands and protection of The Management Plan includes a detailed significant encroachment of Douglas-fir and rare and endangered species. BC Grasslands 8 What’s happening with the Cariboo-Chilcotin Grasslands Strategy?

In our current forestry-domi- “open range”shown on initial Ministry of Forests inven- nated society, increasing for- tory maps (completed between 1963 and 1975 for most est lands should have been a grassland portions of the region) be used as a bench- positive thing. But these mark area. growing forested areas are Open range is an inventory mapping classification occurring at the expense of a that does not include grasslands too small to map but much smaller and much does include scattered trees and stands of trees too small rarer area—our grasslands. to map within a larger grassland area. Tree cover guide- The need to address in- lines for the benchmark area are based on a goal of growth, or increased tree restoring this area to a condition that characterized it densities in forest stands prior to European settlement. Most large old trees and adjacent to grasslands, is very snags would be retained while most smaller trees and Forest encroachment on important. Forest encroachment has significantly regeneration would be removed. Removal of young, grassland in Churn Creek reduced the area of open grasslands and open range recently established trees is a priority. Protection Area within the Cariboo-Chilcotin over the last 100 years. Implementation of the recommended benchmark will PHOTO: PETER FOFONOFF Across the Cariboo-Chilcotin region, an estimated provide an open grassland area sufficient for meeting 20,000 hectares or more (11%) of open grasslands have livestock a.u.m. targets set in the Cariboo-Chilcotin been encroached by forest since the early 1960s.And Land Use Plan (CCLUP), as long as tree densities and probably a much larger area of open grassland was lost forage production in forests adjacent to the grasslands to forests between the late 1800s and 1960s. The preven- are also restored to earlier levels. It is unlikely that both tion of grassland wildfires following European settle- a.u.m. targets and range management guidelines in the ment has been a principal cause of forest encroachment. Forest Practices Code can be met without reducing these The loss of grassland area due to forest encroachment tree densities. has profound implications for livestock grazing and bio- The recommended benchmark is significantly smaller diversity.Cattle herd size, or Animal Unit Months than the area of grassland on the pre-European settle- (a.u.m.), allocations set in the 1960s cannot be main- ment landscape.As a result, there may be increased risks “Forest encroachment tained at current levels for much longer. The diminishing to biodiversity and endangered species habitats com- of grasslands is grassland area results in reduced forage production and pared to the earlier landscape. However, these risks an inability to meet Forest Practices Code range man- would be significantly higher if no effort were made to resulting in the loss agement guidelines, which have cattle increasingly con- control forest encroachment. If encroachment were left of critical habitat area centrated onto smaller grassland areas. to continue at its present rate, grasslands in the Cariboo- as well as a loss of The Cariboo-Chilcotin grasslands are a major part of Chilcotin would cover only about 63% of their current the biodiversity of British Columbia.Although they area 120 years from now. This would have an unaccept- habitat quality.” occupy less than 2% of the Cariboo-Chilcotin area, they able impact on biodiversity due to loss of habitat and support approximately 30% of the provincial species of increased grazing pressures on the remaining grasslands concern. Forest encroachment of grasslands is resulting and wetlands. in the loss of critical habitat area as well as a loss of Other recommendations presented by the the habitat quality due to increasing concentrations of live- Cariboo-Chilcotin Grassland Strategy Working Group stock grazing on remaining grassland and riparian include designating the Ministry of Forests as the lead areas. agency for implementing grassland restoration on the The Cariboo-Chilcotin Grassland Strategy Working benchmark area; incorporating the recommended grass- Group has been preparing a regional grassland strategy, land benchmark area into the current landscape unit which would serve as a strategic framework for grass- planning processes in each forest district; and initiating land conservation in the Cariboo-Chilcotin. This strategy treatments to control recent forest encroachment on focuses on establishing and maintaining a benchmark priority sites as soon as possible. grassland area and controlling forest encroachment into this area. Based on the Executive Summary of the Interim Report From a selection of eight options for a grassland on Grassland Encroachment and In-growth, submitted benchmark area, the Cariboo-Chilcotin Grassland by Peter Fofonoff, Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Strategy Working Group has recommended the area of Williams Lake.

9 Preserving working ranches A look at land trusts and conservation covenants

By Nichola Gerts, The Land Conservancy of BC weeds and disruptive influences to wildlife and “Supporting the purchase of develop- As environmentalists we still raise a few eye- ranching communities. The Land Commission ment rights would allow the rancher to brows when we talk about our love of ranches receives many requests for removal from the retain land title and maintain a and beef production in British Columbia.We ALR and enough of these requests are success- are conservationists—and as such devote much ful to further fuel the speculative market.Agri- ranching operation while removing the of our time to the protection of wildlands and cultural lands, particularly those in the path of developable potential from the land.” concerns for ‘species-at-risk.’ development, always sell for more than their Four years ago, The Land Conservancy (TLC) agricultural production alone would justify. part of a carefully designed strategy of estate of BC began to focus attention on grassland sys- Because of this speculative sale potential, planning. tems in British Columbia. Classically under-rep- most ranch properties have significant capital Whether purchased or donated, the value of a resented in protected status and lacking profile, gains.It is very difficult to save for retirement or covenant is determined by placing a value on we chose to investigate how a land trust could ensure that the property is passed on through the rights it restricts. For example if current work to protect the future of grassland systems. the family—particularly if the heirs do not regulations allow fifty homesites on a particular Our focus has shifted from looking at the want to continue the family tradition. ranch and if each of these sites is worth $30,000 small picture of pristine protection to the large But there is something that can be done. a covenant which reduced the number of home- landscape view of grasslands in BC.As 70% of Land trusts are able to use estate planning, sites by ten would have a value of $300,000. our grasslands are privately owned, far less can along with conservation agreements and their However, for those with small cash income, a be done by our government to achieve the respective economic benefits, to help secure pri- tax receipt is worth little in offsetting farm provincial goal of setting aside 12% of each vate properties. These avenues are frequently income and many development rights have ecosystem to protection. High costs inhibit the used in the United States, and legislation has already been removed by the ALR. Once purchase of lands from private ownership. recently passed in British Columbia and Alberta removed, these lands cannot be donated or sold The solution to addressing this problem lies which allow land trusts to follow a similar suit. for any value, setting agricultural properties with land trusts. Through our work we have A conservation covenant allows a property apart from other private holdings in the happily become involved with the ranching owner the right to remove certain privileges province. community, working on the premise that large from their property and in doing so they can While the conservation community is actively working ranches preserve grassland systems often change the property value. Conservation seeking avenues to support activities like the and help our province support nearly a third of covenants are a voluntary agreement between a purchase of development rights, there are other our endangered species. Saving ranching is syn- landowner and a land trust which can be donat- activities that are equally important to main- onymous in a sense with saving our remaining ed for a tax receipt or sold to provide funds, taining ranches. Incentives through tax reforms grasslands. taking away unwanted speculative value while are one suggestion, while greater recognition at Conservation/preservation of ranches presents retaining full ownership of the ranch as a ranch. a provincial and federal level for the contribu- its own challenges, not unlike the protection of In the US a number of agencies have well tion that agriculturists are making to conserva- wild lands, but with several economic twists. funded Purchase of Development Rights pro- tion and the protection of species, and mainte- Highest and best use is the method used to grams. In Montana, for example, the US Fish nance of open space is another.As a community evaluate the price of a particular property. and Wildlife Service has a budget of $2 million we can begin lobbying for effective changes.We When we look at ranches we are faced with the per year for these purchases. Currently, there is also encourage people to take estate planning value of the property for development, not agri- no such program in British Columbia.We are seriously, incorporating future goals into ranch culture.And while the Agricultural Land actively seeking avenues to raise monies that planning. Reserve (ALR) does help to maintain some would support the purchase of development The Land Conservancy has just completed a agricultural values, it still allows for large prop- rights. This would allow the rancher to retain Canadian version of a publication by the erties to be broken up into individual parcels, title and maintain a ranching operation, while Sonoran Institute—Preserving Working Ranches which in turn can be sold and lost to cattle pro- removing the developable potential from the in the Canadian West—and will be offering free duction. land. copies through our office. It is a great way of Most ranch land in BC is in the ALR. How- Here in Canada, it would often be advanta- becoming informed about what types of proj- ever, even lands within the ALR have a specula- geous for a rancher to sell some development ects are working in maintaining ranches, and tive value since many are comprised of a large rights and donate others so that the tax receipt explains options and ‘tools’ for estate planning. number of parcels which can each be sold indi- from the donation can be used to offset the cap- For a copy, contact Nichola at The Land vidually.Once sold, these are usually taken out ital gain on the sale of rights, i.e., sell $500,000 Conservancy BC, 5793 Old West Saanich Road, of production and can become a source of and donate $500,000. These decisions would be Victoria, BC V8X 3X3 or call (250) 385-9246. BC Grasslands 10 Laurie Guichon Memorial Grasslands Interpretive Site

By Elizabeth Salomon- leads from the highway to the Lundbom Commonage, de-Friedberg, Nicola which is used for grazing and as a popular summer Watershed Community recreation area. The features of this location include Round Table rolling hills of grasses, a small forested area to the north, The Laurie Guichon* clumps of trees and other vegetation in depressions Memorial Grasslands found around the site, and a wetland area just to the Interpretive Site is a north of the entrance. project of the Nicola The preliminary site plan was developed, keeping in Watershed Community mind a long-term vision for this site and assuming that Round Table the interpretive facility will receive moderate to high lev- (NWCRT). The pur- els of use over time. The plan recommends a four-phase pose of this initiative development. Phase 1 includes the construction of a is to educate the resi- parking lot, pit toilets, the design and construction of the dents of the Nicola main kiosk, and the trail from the parking lot to the watershed about the main kiosk. The Grasslands Interpretive Site Committee Members of Nicola interior grasslands and to demonstrate the importance plans the completion of Phase One in 2000. Watershed Community of grasslands and their integral role in the social and Over the past couple of months, the site plan has been Round Table and Grasslands economic fabric of the area. staked out on the ground with markers; a preliminary Conservation Council survey With the death of Laurie Guichon in July 1999 and the design for the main kiosk has been adopted; and potential trails and signage opportunities on the creation of the Laurie Guichon Memorial Fund, the research has been undertaken with respect to costs of Lundbom Commonage. NWCRT renewed its commitment to the project and set building the main kiosk and the pit toilets.As well, the PHOTO: BRUNO DELESALLE about finding a site.After an extensive review and Committee is putting the finishing touches to the budget assessment of possible locations, a site was selected and for Phase One.A number of other activities are also a preliminary site plan developed. The home of the underway including the development of sign text, final- Grasslands Interpretive Site will be the western end of izing the liability insurance, and getting the necessary the Lundbom Commonage. approvals before construction can begin. The entrance to the site will be directly off the east side of Highway 5A at Lundbom Road, approximately *Laurie Guichon was an integral member of the Nicola 11 kilometres past Merritt city limits. Highway 5A con- Watershed Community Round Table from its beginning nects to Highway 97C from the Okanagan (Kelowna and and it is to honor his memory and his work to promote the area); and, in the opposite direction, to Highway 5 (the principles of the Round Table that this site will bear his Coquihalla) from the Lower Mainland. Lundbom Road name.

Executive Director (from page 3)

next three years. To this end, the GCC will continue to develop proposals and forge new partnership and alliances that will enable the Council to: • Address an urgent need for broad education and increased awareness about the ecological, social, economic and cultural importance of grasslands in British Columbia, while continuing to address priority issues such as ATV licensing, weed control and the loss of grassland to fragmentation and development. • Carry on working with partners to establish a provincial grasslands Geographical Information System. • Encourage and facilitate communication and the flow of information amongst organizations, individuals, and the different regions of the province (via web site, newsletter, and others). • Continue to build the capacity of the GCC through fundraising, increasing our membership base, and developing a strong volunteer base. I welcome the new Board of Directors and look forward to working with this great group of people to deliver the GCC Program Plan. Together we will tackle the many challenges ahead, as we move the GCC from a fledgling organization to one that has a clear long-term vision with the capacity to coordinate, support and implement grassland conservation and stewardship around the province. —Bruno Delesalle, Grasslands Conservation Council

11 Thompson Okanagan badger study seeks further input

by Helen Davis, Artemis Wildlife distribution and density of remaining badger popula- Where do badgers occur in the tions. During the summer of 1999, five male badgers Thompson and Okanagan were captured and five untagged badgers were killed on regions? How many of them are roads or highways in the Kamloops area last year. In there? How do badgers eke out an early May, a female badger was killed on the highway existence in grasslands? Can just south of Barriere and an autopsy revealed she had badgers and people coexist? kits at the time. These are just a few questions Badgers are very distinctive looking, known mostly for being posed by members of the their black and white facial markings. Badgers are one of Thompson Okanagan Badger the largest members of the weasel family, weighing from Project. The project, being run by 6 to 14 kilograms, about the size of a medium-sized dog. Helen Davis and Corinna They are stout, shaggy animals, with a short tail. Hoodicoff of Artemis Wildlife Probably the most distinctive feature about badgers is Consultants, aims to learn more about badgers, their life that the face has a white stripe along the midline of the Badgers are very distinctive history, and where they occur in our region. head from the nose to the base of the neck. The rest of looking, known mostly for their black and white facial What we do know about badgers in our region is fairly the body can be silver-gray to yellow-brown with some markings. Badgers are one limited. Badgers are one of the rarest carnivores in the black and buff mixed in. Badgers eat marmots, which of the largest members of province and are currently a Red-listed (threatened) they are often mistaken for, and ground squirrels. the weasel family, weighing species. Population numbers are very low, believed to be Burrows and hair are good indicators of the presence from 6 to 14 kilograms. between 300 and 1000 in total for the province. Badgers of badgers in an area. Badger burrows, with their large PHOTO PROVIDED BY HELEN DAVIS historically occurred in the Thompson and Okanagan plumes of excavated soil at the entrance, are often the valleys, Boundary region, and East Kootenays in areas of only sign that badgers are present because badgers are bunchgrass and open forests of ponderosa pine and active mostly at night. Douglas-fir, but just how many still call these areas These burrows are important to other animals that home is unknown. use them after badgers abandon them, especially to the The badger project will first update the current distri- endangered burrowing owl. Badger burrows have bution map for the species so that managers can deter- entrances 20 to 30 centimetres in diameter and often mine where to focus conservation efforts. In the first have badger hairs caught on vegetation or in the soil at year of the project, over 150 badger sightings were col- the entrance. Deep, wide claw marks in the side of bur- lected throughout the region, ranging from Grand Forks rows are also indicators of it being dug by badgers. to Barriere. Have you seen a badger? We need your help. If you see Next, a research study is underway to shed some light or have seen any badgers or badger burrows (even in the on the biology of badgers at the northern edge of their past 10 years), please call the toll-free badger hotline range in North America. The research team will be (1-888-223-4376), e-mail the study at focusing much of their efforts on following a few badg- [email protected], or visit the Badger ers fitted with radio transmitters. By following these ani- Website at www.artemiswildlife.com (follow the mals researchers hope to determine birth and death “Badgers in BC”link.) rates, causes of death, habitats used by badgers, and the

BC Grasslands 12 Grassland monitoring in BC deserves a higher priority

By Don Gayton, Southern Interior Forest Closer to home, I have paid homage to the The fate of the FRBC-funded Range Refer- Extension and Research Partnership Hamilton Commonage Exclosure, erected in ence Areas (RRA) Program is a case in point. Can prescribed burning rejuvenate grasslands? 1938, and the Milroy Exclosure near RRAs are permanent, fenced installations Is needle-and-thread grass a climax species? Skookumchuk, built in 1949.As I contemplate with detailed long-term vegetation monitoring Can we favor native bunchgrasses by delaying these long-term grassland monitoring sites, and plots, designed to define rangeland communi- livestock turnout? What is the impact of the lat- the people behind them, I see a kind of altru- ties and successional patterns, and track the est biocontrol insect for knapweed? ism, a concern about the future. I also see a impacts of disturbances such as livestock graz- Long term ecological monitoring of British sense of confidence, in both our society and our ing, wildlife, weeds, fire and forest ingrowth. Columbia grasslands, which provides the RRA Program staff established and monitored answers to questions like these, is a goal few some 260 exclosures, plus upgrading and would argue with. But if that is true, then why “The resurrection of a BC grassland remeasuring another hundred existing exclo- is grassland monitoring such a low priority? monitoring program would be a sures. Before we delve into that question, let’s step measure of our success as land The range and distribution of the RRAs are back for a minute, to look at the romance of truly impressive, from the Sikanni Chief area grassland monitoring. managers and conservationists.” northwest of Fort St.John, to the Junction Why romance? Because grassland monitor- Range south of Riske Creek, to the spectacular ing, besides being an eminently practical activi- governments, that the monitoring transects we Nicola Grasslands near Merritt, and to the ty, is fascinating in its own right. Some of the laid down in 1930, or 1938, or 1949 or 1998, will ponderosa pine savannas of Grasmere. people who have taken this ecosystem on to be maintained and preserved. Confidence that Funding for the RRA Program was recently assimilate its rhythms, learn its processes, and we can keep the data, perpetuate the integrity of cancelled, and the staff moved to other jobs. understand this one tiny orbit in the great installations and treatments, maintain the line- Many are questioning how the province can whirring orrery of the universe, are real heroes. age of experimental design, and last but not operate without a functional grassland ecologi- I have had the opportunity to stand in Nine- least, remember to send someone back out cal monitoring program. Mile Prairie, outside of Lincoln, Nebraska, a there to remeasure our work and harvest the The resurrection of a BC grassland monitor- rolling piece of tallgrass that could have been fruits of our monitoring labor. ing program will be a measure of our success as the inspiration for Andrew Wyeth’s painting It is a fact of life that ecological processes land managers and conservationists. It will also Christina’s World.What it did inspire was the take longer than careers, longer than lifetimes. demonstrate an understanding of the time pioneering work of J.E.Weaver, a founding It is also a fact that our governmental institu- frames of ecology, which moves to its own father of grassland ecology, who used Nine-Mile tions operate on timelines of fiscal years and clock, not ours. as a laboratory for his ideas on succession. I elections, and that we ourselves have become have also stood amongst the sagebrush and conditioned to megahertz-fuelled, nanosecond Don Gayton, M.Sc., P.Ag., is an ecosystem man- Idaho fescue of Marcellus Prairie, in central information response times. This disparity of agement specialist with the Southern Interior Washington, where Rexford Daubenmire per- timelines may be one reason that grassland Forest Extension and Research Partnership, fected his now-famous vegetation measurement monitoring has such high consensus, but such based in Nelson. technique. low priority.

The GCC will facilitate the development of a long-term monitoring strategy for the Hamilton Commonage this fall with the cooperation of the Guichon Ranch; other local ranchers; Ministry of Forests; Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks; and biologists and agrologists currently implementing monitoring programs on the Commonage. Left, Astrid van Woudenberg and Dona Falat at work on vegetation surveys in the new exclosures built in 1995 and 1996. PHOTO: BRUNO DELESALLE, COURTESY OF DUCKS UNLIMITED

13 This Newsletter Grasslands stewardship in the The Allan Brooks Nature Centre BC Grasslands is a bi-annual publication of the Grasslands East Kootenays growing with open this summer Conservation Council of British Columbia (GCC). BC Grasslands is help of TLC By Debbie Clarke, Allan Brooks Nature Centre intended to serve as a platform Situated on a knoll overlooking a spectacular panoramic for informing readers about GCC By Nichola Gerts, The Land Conservancy activities and other grassland Through working with ranchers in the East Kootenay, it view of the North Okanagan, the Allan Brooks Nature programs across BC and Canada, became apparent to The Land Conservancy (TLC) that Centre opened its doors on July first. as well as providing a forum on The Centre hopes to play an important role in the grassland ecology, range smaller acreage/ranchette owner involvement would be management, grassland the key to effective conservation measures. interpretation and restoration of North Okanagan grass- conservation and stewardship. This inspired TLC to launch the East Kootenay land ecosystems and native plant landscaping. The goal BC Grasslands and the GCC of the Centre is “to promote the enjoyment, understand- welcome submissions of letters, Grassland Stewardship Program which would sustain or articles, story ideas, artwork and enhance natural values of privately held grasslands in ing, and stewardship of the North Okanagan’s unique photographs for each issue. the East Kootenay Rocky Mountain Trench, through both and diverse natural environment.” Articles should be no longer than a landowner contact program and raising community Located five minutes from downtown Vernon, at the 600 words (300 words for letters north end of the Commonage Rangelands—a stunning to the editor) and submitted as awareness of stewardship and conservation options. electronic files (preferably Landowner participation is voluntary and the focus is on ridge of rolling hills which runs between Kalamalka and MS Word 95 or newer). extending tools to private landowners in order to help Okanagan Lakes—the Allan Brooks Nature Centre cov- BC Grasslands reserves the ers approximately 3.6 hectares and includes two build- right to edit submissions for maintain or enhance the condition of the property. clarity and length. However, every TLC’s contact team conducts a visit with the landown- ings that were previously home to an Environment effort will be made to work with er, walking through the property and discussing grass- Canada weather station. contributors to ensure content The Commonage consists of grassland habitat with remains unchanged. Deadline for land ecology, weeds, in-growth and encroachment, the next issue of BC Grasslands is wildlife, and any restoration or management concerns several small ponds (containing rare, threatened, and November 30, 2000. which may apply.Following the visit, the landowner fragile habitat types), and is a regionally important area Contributions, comments and receives a package with further information about the for birds supporting a provincially significant year- inquiries can be made to: round raptor concentration as well as numerous provin- BC Grasslands, topics discussed, a collection of identified and mounted Grasslands Conservation Council plants collected on site, suggestions for stewardship, and cially listed plant and wildlife species. of British Columbia a map showing major features of the property. The Nature Centre is named after Allan Brooks 727 Dominion Street (1869–1946), a talented and well-recognized bird painter Kamloops, BC V2C 2X8 Community response during the first year was tel / fax: (250) 374-5721 encouraging and landowners contacted for a re-visit and wildlife artist who lived in the Okanagan Landing e-mail: [email protected] have been very enthusiastic and receptive to our on- area of Vernon in the early 1900s. Newsletter Production going support and encouragement in their stewardship Displays featured at the Nature Centre include a diora- Bruno Delesalle efforts. ma of representative North Okanagan ecosystems; PUBLISHER/WRITER hands-on interactive displays and activities; an interpre- Niki Paillé tive trail; a series of displays, kiosks and changing EDITOR/WRITER Randy Morris exhibits focusing on grasslands in the North Okanagan; PRELIMINARY ARTICLE COORDINATION as well as a dedication to Mr. Brooks.

South Okanagan (from page 6)

aside is too small, too fragmented, too isolated and too for future maintenance of the crucial ecological corridor vulnerable for successful conservation of the species that linking the central interior grasslands of British inhabit these areas. None of the protected areas are sur- Columbia with the inter-montane grasslands to the rounded by effective buffer zones either, and all are sub- south in the western United States. ject to continued disturbance of some kind. As most of the remaining natural valley-bottom habi- Grassland and grassland shrub steppe conservation in tat of the South Okanagan is privately held or on First the South Okanagan is an urgent priority.More lands Nations lands (with the Crown Lands primarily at the need to be earmarked for endangered species protection. higher elevations), a successful conservation plan in this Landscape linkages need to be established to connect area of the province will involve many stakeholders.An core conservation areas and provide movement corri- innovative program and strategy, along with consider- dors. Elevational landscape connections are also needed able cooperative effort will be needed to guarantee both to permit altitudinal movement of plants and animals conservation and sustainable land use in the valley and with climate change. These actions will all be necessary surrounding terrain.

14 Personal Voyage (from page 7)

But what of the link between ranchers and conservationists? To read the anti-cattle propaganda circulating the south-western United States, you could easily conclude that putting cattle on native grasslands is the quickest way to destroy a biologically diverse area. “Analysis by both Yet careful analysis by both grassland ecologists and cattle ranchers confirm that properly controlled grazing grassland ecologists actually enhances grassland biodiversity.The secret is having large tracts of land where cattle grazing can occur on a rotational basis, and sensitive areas can be protected from heavy use. and cattle ranchers It is the common goal of conserving large areas of rangeland, and supporting a sustainable relationship between confirms that properly grazers and grasses, that has become the mandate of the South Okanagan Range Land Conservation Program. controlled grazing There is no end to the creative ways that ranchers and conservationists are joining together to sustain rangeland habitat. actually enhances And getting started now is critical. The South Okanagan grasslands comprise less than 1% of BC, yet they exist grassland biodiversity.” within a region that is currently experiencing the fastest population increase in the province. The exponential rate of urban development in the South Okanagan is destroying critical natural habitat, and causing multi-generation family ranches to subdivide into suburban ranchettes or urban subdivisions. The Nature Trust of British Columbia and its partners are now hard at work establishing the funds and co-opera- tive arrangements necessary to achieve the South Okanagan Range Land Conservation Program and, in doing so, to re-establish and conserve the sweeping rangelands that define the Canadian west.

Reproduced from The Nature Trust of BC newsletter, The Nature Legacy, #14, Winter 1999-2000.

Sharp-tails in decline COLUMBIAN Over the past 20 years, the Thompson-Nicola, Okanagan and Kootenay regions have seen a dra- Sharp-TailedSharp-Tailed matic decline in breeding populations of Columbian sharp-tailed grouse. This has resulted in increasing concern about the loss of their habitat which Grouse includes grasslands, aspen forests, shrubby thickets Grouse and riparian areas. Look for the Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse brochure to be released by the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks in September. The brochure introduces the reader to the sharp-tailed grouse and presents an overview of their habitat requirements throughout the year. The brochure features the beautiful wildlife photography of Roy Chester, Kamloops, BC.

15 Thank You GCC Message Board The Grasslands Conservation Council of If you have an event or message you would like to add to the BC Grasslands GCC Message Board, British Columbia would like to thank the contact our office at (250) 374-5721. Deadline for submissions is November 30, 2000. following funding organizations and donors for their generous support: Our next issue Coming events • Brian Barrett • Beef Cattle Industry Development Fund Keep a look out for our next issue of BC Raffle • Cattle Horn Fund Grasslands, coming in late 2000 or early in This fall, the GCC will be holding a fundraising • Douglas Lake Ranch 2001. The theme of this issue will be “Threats to raffle for a beautiful BC Grasslands wildlife • Endswell Foundation grasslands in British Columbia.”Issues to be print by Kamloops photographer, Roy Chester. • Federation of BC Naturalists Foundation explored include: losing large ranches to subdi- The draw is set for November 18 and tickets • GG Runka Land Sense Ltd. vision—what does this mean for the future of will be available from the GCC office and the • Habitat Conservation Trust Fund BC’s grasslands?; what tools are needed for con- Board of Directors. For more information, con- • Ministry of Environment, Lands & Parks servation and stewardship?; the ATV issue and tact Niki or Bruno at (250) 374-5721. •Ministry ofForests need for licensing; and weeds and their impact Field Tour • Real Estate Foundation of BC on grasslands. • Bill Stewart Anyone interested in contributing to this A Field Tour is planned for the Hamilton • Trans Mountain Pipe Line Ltd. coming issue with an article, photos or artwork Commonage Demonstration Project, on • Vancouver Foundation can contact the GCC office. September 16, 2000.Anyone interested in joining this tour should contact Bruno Delesalle at Special Thanks Heads up! (250)374-5721,e-mail:[email protected] The GCC would like to extend a special Directors Meeting We’re moving to a new office this fall. The GCC thank you to Ducks Unlimited for donating A reminder that the Fall GCC Directors Meeting is currently exploring opportunities to share their Interior Wetlands Program database will be held Monday, October 16, 2000. which has served as the basis for the office space with a local business, organization Grasslands Conservation Council contact or government agency.It is an important step Banquet database. for the GCC.We will keep you informed. Coming in November! The 1st Annual GCC A special thanks to the GCC volunteers, Fundraising Banquet. Dates, location and guest The GCC is looking for volunteers to help with especially Janet Southwell, Niki Paillé and speakers are still to be announced. Information our various projects and upcoming events. For Susan Weilandt for all their hard work. on this, and other GCC items and events will be information, or to offer your expertise, please included in the next GCC Member Update “Working together for the call us at (250) 374-5721 or e-mail: mailout. [email protected] conservation of BC’s grasslands”

Grasslands are unique, vital and life-sustaining ecosystems that provide shelter, food and protection to a wide variety of plants, Yes! I would like to join the GCC in the conservation of animals and insects. Over 76% of BC’s native grasslands have been lost and more than 30% of the animal species on BC’s threatened BC Grasslands, Canada’s most endangered ecosystem. or endangered list are closely associated with grasslands.

NAME (PLEASE PRINT) HOME PHONE

ACT ADDRESS WORK PHONE

NOW POSTAL CODE E-MAIL FAX The ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Grasslands MEMBERSHIP: Individual: $20 Corporate: $250 Sponsor: up to $500 over $500 $ ______Conservation PAYMENT ENCLOSED: ❑ Cheque ❑ Money Order Council Mail to: Grasslands Conservation Council of British Columbia, 727 Dominion Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2X8 needs your Phone/Fax: (250) 374-5721 • E-mail: [email protected] help! GCC annual memberships are valid for the calendar year

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING BC’S GRASSLANDS