Restoring critical habitat for Greater Sage Grouse at Grasslands National Park

The Greater Sage Grouse was once common across the prairies, but more than 95% of the species’ Canadian population has disappeared over the past four decades. Today in Canada, the species can only be found in southeast Alberta and within Grasslands National Park and neighboring ranchlands in southwest Saskatchewan. Due to its small population and isolation, Greater Sage Grouse are considered at high risk of extirpation. Evidence collected over the past five years suggest that human-built structures (e.g., outbuildings, overhead power lines, fences) are a key local threat to the species. These structures can cause harm to Greater Sage Grouse and other native prairie species because they are used by avian predators as perching spots from which they can hunt. Furthermore, fences may directly cause injury and mortality of individuals who sometimes fly into them, or indirectly impact nest success and survival by lowering habitat quality. Removing factors contributing to predator success is among the highest priorities to ensure the persistence of the species in Canada. Approach: — Assess the amount and distribution of Greater Sage Grouse critical habitat currently impacted by human infrastructure. — Prioritize infrastructure for removal or management actions. For example, this could include decommissioning buildings, removing fencing, replacing utility poles with underground power lines, marking fences, and installing perch deterrents. — Base prioritization on infrastructure location within Greater Sage Grouse habitat and the likelihood to affect the species’ survival and reproductive success. — Ensure Parks Canada's integrated delivery and park stakeholder operations are maintained. More information: https://parks.canada.ca/agence-agency/bib-lib/rapports-reports/conservation/conservation-2023/priorites-priorities/restauration-restoration/especes-peril-species-risk#sage-grouse