Background
Once the largest grassland in the world, central North America was home to a rich diversity of wildlife. The bison was the best known species, but elk, pronghorn and deer were found by the millions. Waterfowl and upland birds filled the skies.
Now, this natural community has been reduced to only 30% of its original extent. The large herds of grazers are gone, and many species of birds are rapidly diminishing. A corresponding decline in social conditions parallels the environmental situation. Most counties in the region have had declining population since the 1920s. In some areas, the population density has dropped below the threshold needed to ensure access to public services.
This web site discusses how support of the region's heritage can bring greater prosperity. This section provides a somewhat theoretical discussion of what sustainability means to this grassland region.
If you are intrigued or enchanted by this vast landscape, please read on. If you are simply curious, why not visit the site's Gallery? The photos will open your eyes to the beauty of this gentle but little understood area.
Foundation for prosperity
Surprisingly, the potential for landscape-scale environmental conservation can be an important part of the social and economic revival. The remaining grassland of the Northern Great Plains is concentrated in nearly contiguous blocks stretching from Nebraska to southern Alberta. The Northern Plains Conservation Network has identified Palliser's Country as one of the ten best regions for large-scale grassland conservation.
Palliser's Country is well-deserving of this designation. With over 2 million acres (4,000 square miles) of contiguous native grassland, the region still has many animals and birds that have become rare in other regions. It is the "last, best place" to see the natural and cultural heritage of the Canadian grassland.
The successful re-creation of a sustainable landscape depends on the cooperation of ranchers, environmentalists, and other residents of the region. The common goal must be the restoration of both the natural ecosystem and the economic and social structure of the grassland region.
This web site seeks to bring together the many stakeholders interested in strengthening the social, economic and ecological conditions of Canada's grasslands. It explores the common values held by many stakeholders, and presents ways that cooperation can lead to mutual benefits.
Palliser's Country does not promote the creating of new parks or "turning the prairie back to the buffalo", although both these actions may be appropriate for certain localities. However, the project strongly asserts that healthy and diverse native vegetation will always be the foundation upon which the prosperity of the region rests.
Future direction
To achieve political support for these changes, supporters of the Great Plains must enable the general public to become aware of the true nature of the grasslands. People are ready for this positive message. Grasslands are now a high priority for several national non-governmental environmental organizations. At a personal level, some people are turning to the grassland parks after being disappointed by the crowded conditions in the "flagship" parks. More promotion for the existing grassland parks and recreation areas would enable them to be used more effectively, bringing both political support and local economic benefits.
Most recently, urban residents have shown a desire to re-connect with their rural roots, resulting in agri-tourism overtaking eco-tourism as the fastest growing market segment in the hospitality industry.
This heritage region will bring sustainable benefits to the residents through cooperative, voluntary actions. The respectful use of the natural and cultural resources will enable a stable and vibrant human society to live in harmony with the rejuvenated natural community.
