Government of Canada Partners with Nature Conservancy of Canada to Preserve Bohomolec Ranch

June 25, 2009

COLEMAN, Alta. -- June 25, 2009 --Rick Casson, Member of Parliament for Lethbridge, on behalf of the Minister of the Environment, the Honourable Jim Prentice, joined representatives from the Nature Conservancy of Canada to announce the future conservation of 64.7 hectares of important land at the Bohomolec Ranch, in the foothills of southern Alberta. The purchase marks another achievement under the Government of Canada's $225-million Natural Areas Conservation Program.

“The Government of Canada is proud of the results achieved through the Natural Areas Conservation Program since its inception two years ago, because they greatly benefit our country’s biodiversity,” said Minister Prentice.  “Prime Minister Harper announced the creation of a partnership with non-government conservation organizations such as the Nature Conservancy of Canada in 2007.  Today, as part of this partnership, we celebrate yet another important conservation project that will continue to provide a vital home for species such as the grizzly bear, grey wolf, cougar and Canada lynx.”

“The Bohomolec Ranch property features one of Alberta’s only outcroppings of volcanic rock that formed within the province – the Iron Ridge.  The Ridge provides a unique habitat that allows for the occurrence of rare plants not found elsewhere in the province,” said Ted Menzies, Member of Parliament for Macleod and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance.  Over 20 bird species have been observed on the property including pileated woodpecker, Clark’s nutcracker and the threatened peregrine falcon.

“Today’s announcement is just one more example of how our Government is taking real action to protect Canada’s natural treasures with the help of partners like the Nature Conservancy of Canada,” said Member of Parliament Rick Casson. “The Bohomolec Ranch will continue to provide a healthy habitat where species can thrive.”

The Government's Natural Areas Conservation Program is an important on-the-ground initiative that takes real action to preserve Canada’s environment and conserve its precious natural heritage for present and future generations. Since its inception in 2007, the Program has allowed the conservation of over 336 properties totaling 103 hectares, protecting habitat for over 74 species at risk.