Operation Grassland Community

Operation Grassland Community (OGC) was initiated in 1994 and is one of the habitat programs of the Alberta Fish and Game Association(AFGA). Modelled after and incorporating the highly successful Operation Burrowing Owl (OBO) program, that began in Alberta in 1989, OGC is being expanded to profile additional species that are also currently at risk, beginning with the Loggerhead Shrike in 1994.

The concept of linking a charismatic species like the burrowing owl to other "less glamorous" species that also rely on the grassland, together with the fact that they share one of the most stressed landscapes on the continent, became the premise of the new program.

Operation Grassland Community profiles species as representatives of the various communities that make up the grassland ecosystem.

The main goal of OGC is:

To raise awareness of the profile species and to work with the public and the farm and ranch community to maintain or enhance the critical grassland habitat required by these and other species.

During coming years, OGC will profile other species and habitats. In 1996, reptiles and amphibians (herptiles) are being profiled by OGC. This group of organisms are an important component of the prairies' natural history and food web.

OGC offers an opportunity for people to become involved in understanding more about the grassland ecosystem through programs such as population monitoring, habitat enhancement and stewardship.

1996 Report to the Western Loggerhead Shrike Recovery Team

OGC Home OBO Home Press Releases 1995 Final Report What's New?