Two conservation groups are joining forces to address the decline of grassland bird populations.
Birds Canada and the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Foundation (SSGF) have launched the Bird-friendliness Index (BFI) Incentive Pilot Program.
Using the “holistic conservation model,” the new pilot aims to address the needs of birds, biodiversity and the people who make a living on the land.
“This collaboration between the SSGF and Birds Canada will reward Saskatchewan land stewards that are working to not only maintain but improve rangeland health on native grasslands. Healthy rangelands directly support grassland bird habitat and furthermore, support ranchers living on this landscape,” said Brant Kirychuk, general manager, Saskatchewan Stock Growers Foundation.
The new project is supported by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). It will develop a new and durable conservation approach to help keep unique grassland birds from disappearing from the Canadian Prairies.
“Every year, we continue to lose thousands of hectares of grasslands, and with it the disappearance of thousands of homes for grassland birds and other wildlife. This exciting project will implement a novel, innovative approach that can address the threats to grassland birds at scale and with the urgency that is required.” said Kiel Drake, Prairie Region director at Birds Canada.
Central to the project is the BFI, it’s a biodiversity indicator originally developed by the National Audubon Society and adapted to the Canadian Praries by Birds Canada. It measures and communicates the contributions farms and ranches make to bird conservation.
Birds Canada and SSGF will implement the pilot program with ranches and community pastures by establishing 15-year habitat management intended to improve habitat conditions for grassland birds. Restoration agreements may also be put in place which are designed to restore cropland to native grass.
The project will also expand the Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions program. It will strengthen hemispheric collaboration on grassland bird conservation.
Read more: Low-cost Lloyd attracts home buyers