Sustaining Healthy Grasslands Symposium 2002
Species & Spaces at Risk

Cranbrook BC
June 14 to 15, 2002

On June 14 and 15, 150 grassland enthusiasts gathered in Cranbrook, BC to partake in a two-day event dedicated to healthy grasslands. The focus was “Species and Spaces at Risk,”.  The enthusiasm was overwhelming as participants from all over B.C. listened attentively to 25 speakers address one of the provinces most pressing issues: the many threats facing B.C.’s most endangered ecosystem, grasslands.

Talks ranged from an historical perspective on the East Kootenay grasslands by paleobotanist, Wayne Choquette to an overview on the passing of federal legislation on species at risk by Michael Dunn of the Canadian Wildlife Service and a key presentation from Dave Fraser of the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection on the status of B.C.’s species at risk policy and programs. Speakers from private business; non-government organizations; provincial, federal and municipal government agencies and First Nation’s groups all offered valuable perspectives on how to conserve grassland habitats for species at risk in B.C.

But it wasn’t all talk, talk, talk. Participants were treated to several field tours in the East Kootenay Grasslands. At the Wycliffe Wildlife Corridor, guests experienced the grandeur of these unique grasslands, and left the site knowing that this area would be protected for a long time as it is now in the care of The Land Conservancy of B.C. On Saturday afternoon, Don Gayton led a three-stop tour in the outskirts of Cranbrook to show participants the threats, the demise, and the hope for grasslands in this area. On Sunday, Don once again led grasslanders along the east side of Columbia Lake for an all-day excursion and immersion in the trench grasslands.

As Bob Peart, past-chair of the GCC, often says in regards to grasslands, “this is an important conversation, and one we must continue to have.” After such an energetic event like this one, rest assured, this conversation will continue to take place in every corner as the Grasslands Conservation Council tackles the difficult policy issues, promotes conservation on the ground and continues to inventory B.C’s grasslands and the species that inhabit them.

Photos from top: A panel explores land management solutions at the Symposium in Cranbrook. Bob Scheer. Geoff Scudder awes participants: Larry Halverson.