B.C. Interior landscape
Wetlands are an important feature on Crown land, providing water and forage for livestock, as well as wildlife habitat. A new Crown range fencing program announced by the federal and provincial governments will help protect and manage access to these sensitive ecosystems.

 

 

DUC applauds Crown range fencing programICO goos

Kamloops, B.C., July 16, 2009 - Bookmark and Share Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) commends the federal and provincial government’s announcement on July 13, designating $5.5 million to the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association (BCCA) to fund fencing projects on Crown range. 

BCCA will manage the program along with the Ministry of Forests and Range (MFR), with money used to upgrade and install new fences on Crown range in B.C.’s Interior.

Earlier this year, Ducks Unlimited entered into partnerships with the BCCA and the MFR to facilitate programs like this.  DUC plans to provide cash, in-kind support and assistance with program delivery, recognizing that fences encourage better grazing management practices, which help reduce impacts on wetland and riparian habitats.

“We know how cash strapped the ranching industry has been of late and we value ranchers’ important role as stewards of Crown land,” says Brad Arner, DUC’s manager of conservation programs.

Fences like any infrastructure take money to install and manage, and have a limited lifespan before they need to be replaced.  This money will help to bring some of the older range fencing in disrepair back to a functional state and help deal with damage that fallen pine trees have caused.

“We recognize fencing as an important land management tool, allowing ranchers to control when and where their animals graze,” Arner says.

“Wetlands are an important feature on Crown land, providing water and forage for livestock, as well as important wildlife habitat. Fencing helps to protect and manage access to these ecologically sensitive areas.

“Working with the ranching industry is one of best things DUC can do,” says Arner.  “Ranchers are frontline managers of Crown land, which as public assets, provide a tremendous wealth of ecological goods and services to British Columbians and should be managed in the best interest of society today and in the future.”

For more information contact:

Wendy Fister w_fister@ducks.ca
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Phone: (604) 312-4632

 
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