ACA acquires land in southeast corner

ACA's most recent land purchaseChinook Conservation Site-is open to the public.

This almost 500-acre conservation site features a diversity of habitat from native grasslands, coulees, and a large riparian area, which is a magnet for many wildlife species.

Generous contributions and a collaborate partnership between Alberta's hunters and anglers, Pheasants Forever Chapters - Chinook and Calgary, Wild Elk Federation, Alberta Fish & Game Association, and financial support from the Government of Canada Habitat Stewardship Program has resulted in significant habitat being conserved in Southern Alberta.

The work is only beginning for the biologists, but everyone involved can already see the fantastic opportunities attached to the site. Before any sort of physical transformation gets underway, bird, wildlife, and vegetation surveys will be done.

The results will help determine what type of enhancements would best benefit species at risk or other wildlife species that frequent the area.

“Like many of our acquisitions, the purchase of the Chinook Conservation Site comes down to generous partners. "As land prices continue to rise," points out ACA Land Management Program Manager, Darren Dorge.

“We’ve partnerships with other conservation groups with similar conservation goals."

Our partnership with the Government of Canada through the Federal Department of Environment and Climate Change, was very helpful in this particular purchase, as was support from Pheasants Forever Chapters – Chinook and Calgary, Wild Elk Federation, and Alberta Fish & Game Association (AFGA).

The 464-acre property lies southeast of Medicine Hat, along Ross Creek.

The work is only beginning, but everyone involved can already see the fantastic opportunities attached to the site.

Before any sort of physical transformation gets underway—a full management plan is always first priority—the MULTISAR (Multiple Species At Risk) team will go in to do a full assessment of the property. There will be bird, wildlife, and vegetation surveys.

The results pave the way for determining what habitats and species are found on the property and determine what type of enhancements would best benefit species at risk or the existing wildlife in general.

Once they finalize the plan, ACA and AFGA will take the lead in the work, and of course, our other partners will be involved.

"We have great partners," says Tyler Johns, ACA Biologist, "and we anticipate they will be actively involved with management of the site."

Collaboration is truly how we make conservation successful.