Grass, sky, gone

The latest ecosystem status and trends report for Canada, released last fall, indicates rapid decline of native grasslands.  Grasslands are among the most endangered ecologies in the world and in Canada.

Many grassland species are endangered under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). 77%, of the 31 species at risk in Alberta rely on grassland habitats.   Under SARA critical habitat must be identified in a recovery strategy to be protected.  Critical habitat identified on federal lands is protected automatically, while identified critical habitat off federal lands can be protected if there is not sufficient provincial protection.   On March 3 2011 documents were posted on the federal Species at Risk Act online registry regarding the protection of critical habitat for Sprague’s Pipit, a tiny grassland bird endangered from breeding habitat loss in Canada.

Read “Grass, sky, gone” on the ELC blog.

ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTRE:

The Environmental Law Centre (ELC) has been seeking strong and effective environmental laws since it was founded in 1982. The ELC is dedicated to providing credible, comprehensive and objective legal information regarding natural resources, energy and environmental law, policy and regulation in Alberta. The ELC’s mission is to educate and champion for strong laws and rights so all Albertans can enjoy clean water, clean air and a healthy environment. Our vision is a society where laws secure an environment that sustains current and future generations.

As a charity, the Environmental Law Centre depends on your financial support. Help us to continue to educate and champion for strong environmental laws, through tools such as our blog and all of our other resources, so that all Albertans can enjoy a healthy environment. Your support makes a difference.
Donate online today