Prairie Conservation Action Plan

Introduction

The first Prairie Conservation Action Plan (PCAP) was released by the World Wildlife Fund in 1988 in consultation with the governments of Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. It was a five year "blueprint for action" aimed at prairie-wide efforts to conserve and manage native prairie species. More recently, each of the three prairie provinces has renewed its commitment to PCAP and has prepared its own updated action plan. The Canadian Wildlife Service, along with other government and non-government agencies, has assisted in the development of these plans.

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Prairie Conservation Visions

Alberta (2006 - 2010)

The biological diversity of native prairie and parkland ecosystems in Alberta is conserved for the benefit of current and future generations.

Manitoba (1996 - 2001)

A mosaic of productive agricultural lands in which there is an abundance of native prairie and aspen parkland habitats, wetlands, natural waterways, grasslands, natural forests and woodlots, intermixed with industrial and urban developments, green corridors and natural reserves that conserve biodiversity and provide a sustainable resource base for the maintenance of the social and economic well-being of its residents.

Saskatchewan (2003 - 2008)

The native prairie is to be sustained in a healthy state in which natural and human values are respected.

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Prairie Conservation Action Plan Goals

Alberta

• Research: Enhance the information base for Alberta’s native prairie and parkland landscapes.
• Stewardship: Conserve Alberta's native prairie and parkland landscapes.
• Education: Increase awareness of the values and importance of Alberta's native prairie and parkland ecosystems.

Manitoba

• Adopt economically viable land use and management practices on natural habitats.
• Manage water use to reduce potentially negative effects on current and long-term water quantity and quality.
• Adopt land and water management practices that sustain healthy functioning wetlands and adjacent natural vegetation.
• Protect existing riparian areas and rehabilitate degraded ones.
• Preserve biodiversity through identification and preservation of natural prairie and aspen parkland areas.
• Diversify to include economic activities related to wildlife (birds, mammals, plants) and native prairie habitats.
• Increase understanding of the values of retaining native prairie and aspen parkland ecosystems and alternative land management practices and economic activities.
• Manage wildlife habitat in urban environments.

Saskatchewan

• To sustain a healthy native prairie grazing resource.
• To conserve the remaining prairie resource.
• To maintain native prairie biological diversity.
• To promote complementary sustainable uses of native prairie.
• To increase awareness and understanding of native prairie and its values.

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How to Order Copies of the Plans

Alberta

Alberta Prairie Conservation Forum
Alberta Environment
Southern Region
2nd Floor, Provincial Building
200 - 5th Avenue South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4L1
Telephone: (403) 381-5562
Fax: (403) 382-4428
e-mail: cheryl.dash@gov.ab.ca

Manitoba

Manitoba Conservation
Wildlife and Ecosystem Protection Branch
Box 24, 200 Saulteax Crescent
Winnipeg, MB R3J 3W3
Telephone: (204) 945-7775
Fax: (204) 945-3077

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan
PCAP Manager
Box 4752, 2nd Floor
Canada Centre Bldg.
Regina, SK S4P 3Y4
Telephone:(306) 352-0472
Fax:(306) 569-8799
e-mail: pcap@sasktel.net

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