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Alberta ranchers benefit from a unique partnership

From a conservation perspective, the Jefferson Conservation Pasture story is interesting and unique. This 3000-acre land restoration project, located in the Jefferson Moraine southwest of Lethbridge, is headed by Ducks Unlimited Canada in partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Alberta Conservation Association. But the partnerships don’t stop there. Neighbouring Soderglen Ranch is one of several local agricultural operations benefiting from the project and is also a key partner.

The partnership with Soderglen Ranch and its General Manager, Scott Lees, began through a conservation easement with the Nature Conservancy of Canada. This easement will protect in perpetuity the ranch’s significant wetlands and native uplands that, among many things, provide premier habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. This led to further conversations: what more could this partnership explore?

Ducks Unlimited Canada assessed the Soderglen Ranch looking for additional habitat benefits that might be realized on areas not included by the conservation easement, such as by restoring wetlands or cropland conversion. Potential was identified, a plan was proposed, and an agreement was struck to allow grazing by cattle from the ranch on portions of the Jefferson conservation lands in exchange for restoring previously drained wetlands and converting the ranch’s own land back to grass.

“Restoring wetlands isn’t just about increasing habitat for ducks and wildlife; it’s about improving water quality, reducing erosion, protecting against weather extremes,” explains Lees. “For us, it has direct economic benefit.”

The Jefferson Conservation Pasture and similar projects benefit landowners while contributing to Alberta NAWMP’s success.

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