2022 11 08 | Host: Bob France | Protecting Species at Risk

Bob France presented about his part-time work with the Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands (SARPAL) initiative. With a master’s degree in livestock management, & having been General Manager of the BC Cattlemen’s Association, Bob is well qualified to work with ranchers to find effective ways to protect habitat for endangered and at-risk species. The SARPAL initiative began in 2016 with funding from the Canadian Wildlife Service of Environment and Climate Change Canada. The program is delivered by the BC Cattlemen’s Association. Part of the program provides funding to landowners to maintain or enhance habitat for Species at Risk. Qualifying projects may receive up to $15,000 in funding. These projects must occur on land designated as Critical Habitat for one of the listed Species at Risk. The South Okanagan is an area with many opportunities for stewardship projects, where farms, ranches & vineyards intersect with a variety of species. Much of the important habitat is on private land. Bob says many of these landowners are very conscious of their impact on habitat, & are among the most reliable & valuable observers of various species. Bob’s job is to help identify where fencing & water provision may be used to control livestock movement, improving both their management & habitat conditions for various species. In most cases, private landowners are keen to cooperate, & he can work out effective solutions with them.