A historic ranch spanning more than 2,4000 acres could become part of a large, protected area.
Nature Conservancy Canada and the Waldron Grazing Co-operative are partnering to conserve Bob Creek Ranch, but they are needing some support to help finish the project.
The Bob Creek Ranch is located just off the Cowboy Trail (Highway 22) and spans more than 1,000 hectares (over 2,400 acres).
While the ranch is notable for its size, it's also in a strategic location between protected areas, such as the Bob Creek Wildland Park and Black Creek Heritage Rangeland, and some privately conserved lands, such as the Waldron and King Ranches.
Conserving the Bob Creek Ranch, will create a contiguous block of over 43,000 hectares (over 100,000 acres) of conserved and protected lands that are within the headwaters of the South Saskatchewan River watershed.
This conservation project will also permanently connect the Livingstone Range of the Rocky Mountains to the west and the Porcupine Hills to the east, which is a vital corridor for elk, deer, and grizzly bears.
At Bob Creek Ranch's highest elevations, there are sandstone outcrops that are interspersed with gnarled, endangered limber pine, and not only does the Bob Creek and another stream flow through the ranch, it is also bordered by the Oldman River.
These waterways help support native sportfish.
On the property, between the creeks and ridgetops, there are fescue grasslands, which are one of Canada's most threatened, yet least protected ecosystems, which are home to an array of species, such as arrow-leaved balsamroot.
Grasslands help to filter water, provide protection from floods and droughts, as well as store billions of tonnes of carbon.
Not only that, but the agricultural sector relies on native pollinators, and the grasslands provide nesting sited, refuge, and food for those pollinators.
Grazing and fire both help to restore and maintain the health of grasslands and provide suitable conditions for a variety of plants and animals.
The conservation project at Bob Creek Ranch was designed in two phases, and now that the first phase is complete, the Nature Conservancy is looking for support to help fund the second phase, which will complete the project.
"Our partnership with the Waldron is a powerful example of what we can achieve together with a shared vision, and we’re excited about this latest project," explained the Director of Strategic Philanthropy, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Larry Simpson, in a media release. "The significance of Bob Creek Ranch goes beyond its size - it fills one of the last remaining gaps in a vast network of conserved working lands across this iconic and mostly intact landscape. This is a chance for people to make a difference by helping to conserve an incredible part of Canada that inspires anyone who experiences it."
Anyone interested in helping to preserve the Bob Creek Ranch, head over to the Nature Conservancy of Canada website.