Quotables:

• It’s Earth Day – a day to raise awareness and promote conservation and sustainability efforts worldwide.
• Our overhead power lines provide the perfect perch for birds of prey to hunt the Greater Sage-Grouse.
• Putting the lines underground will improve over 4,000 hectares of Greater Sage-Grouse critical habitat.

It’s Earth Day – a day to raise awareness and promote conservation and sustainability efforts worldwide. This year, we’re marking the day by sharing how we’re helping Saskatchewan’s Greater Sage-Grouse population. We sat down with Jaret McDonald, Environmental Strategic Issues Management Specialist, to learn more.  

Why Does the Greater Sage-Grouse Need Help?

This iconic species has been losing its habitat for many years. In fact, only about 7% of their historic range is intact. Grasslands National Park (GNP) is the primary home to Saskatchewan’s Greater Sage Grouse population. It’s estimated that there are only 50-80 birds left in the GNP region. This makes the population very small and in danger. So much so that things like predators or even a harsh snowstorm could cause their numbers to drop.

How Does Our Work Impact Their Habitat?

For years, our overhead power lines and poles have stood in GNP and in areas bordering the park. In many areas of the province, this wouldn’t cause a problem. But in their habitat, the power poles provide the perfect perch for birds of prey to hunt the Greater Sage-Grouse.

What Are We Doing to Fix This?

So far, we’ve buried about 20 kilometers (km) of overheard power lines in Greater Sage-Grouse habitat. And now we’re burying another 20 km. Putting the lines underground prevents the power poles from being used by birds like hawks, owls and crows. These birds use the poles to hunt for Greater Sage-Grouse.

At the completion of the project, over 4,000 hectares of Greater Sage-Grouse critical habitat will be improved by burying our power lines.

Is There Anything I Can Do to Help?

If you’re visiting GNP and you see any Greater Sage-Grouse birds, be sure to report the sighting to Parks Canada staff at the Visitors Centre. A lot can be learned from bird sightings – especially if you can share the GPS coordinates. Just be sure not to disturb birds in the process!

Has There Been Any Increase in the Greater Sage-Grouse Population Since You Started This Project?

It’s too soon to tell as it can take a long time for populations to rebound, and other efforts to enhance the Greater Sage-Grouse habitat are also underway. Conservation work is often complex, but we’re proud to play our part to help increase the chances of the birds’ long-term survival.

Learn More:

• Environmental Protection
• 10,000 Trees Planted to Mark Environment Week
• Fish and Wildlife