The Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the Fall 2024 Joyce Gemmell Jessen Habitat Conservation Fund (JGJ) grants. This year JGJ supported 3 charitable programs for a total of $40,000. The purpose of this Fund is to support projects that preserve and conserve native flora and fauna in Saskatchewan.
Congratulations to the successful applicants!
Fall 2024 Recipients ($40,000 to 3 Organizations):
Project Name: SK Prairie Conservation Action Plan – Range Health Assessment Update
This project is to update the Native Grassland Rangeland Health Assessment (RHA). The RHA is a field workbook created to help land managers, industry, agency staff, and anyone interested in conserving and maintaining rangeland plant communities. Native grassland or rangeland is land supporting indigenous vegetation that is either grazed or has the potential to be grazed and is managed as a natural ecosystem. To conserve native grasslands and its biodiversity, the processes with which they evolved (grazing, fire, rest) also need to be present. These disturbances create a mosaic of habitat types that are necessary to support grassland biodiversity. Monitoring rangeland health with a standardized resources can identify impacts, guide and evaluate management strategies, evaluate wildlife habitat and track and communicate successes or challenges. The science has evolved in range health evaluation and there are a number of updates needed to improve the assessment protocol in SK.
Project Name: Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation Habitat Trust Program
This grant proposal aims to secure funding for the acquisition of NE 10-17-32 W1, a strategically chosen 160-acre property designed to bolster biodiversity conservation efforts within SK. Currently, the area boasts a thriving community of native grassland and aspen parkland flora, featuring a plethora of native waterfowl and grassland bird species. The land’s native grassland, forested regions, and centrally located valley provide a medley of habitats that cater to the needs of wildlife connectivity in the region and preserves habitat for a diversity of wildlife including larger cervids, small mammals, and bird species. Importantly, this land will be accessible to the public for recreational activities on foot, offering a unique opportunity for people to connect with nature. Diligent monitoring and oversight will be entrusted to dedicated volunteers from local Wildlife Federation branches, ensuring the ongoing protection of this invaluable habitat.
Project Name: NCC – Supporting Securement of Ecologically Significant Property in Cypress Uplands
Protect and conserve 194 ha of critical grassland habitat within the Cypress Uplands (CU) ecoregion of southwest Saskatchewan, which is one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world. It also includes forested coulees and wooded riparian areas along the Swift Current Creek. The area represents essential habitat for a diversity of species including at-risk species such as American badger, Baird’s sparrow, Bobolink, Bullsnake, Common nighthawk, Ferruginous hawk, Little brown myotis, Loggerhead shrike, northern leopard frog, swift fox and Sprague’s pipit, to name a few. The wide variety of ecological communities provides a strong case for conservation. This project will be NCC’s third fee simple project within the Cypress Uplands, with another project that is also currently in progress.