Grassland Restoration Forum

Information Portal

USE THE RESOURCES BELOW TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT NATIVE GRASSLAND CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION

The Grassland Restoration Forum (GRF) promotes the conservation and restoration of native grasslands in Alberta through education, outreach and research to improve reclamation practice and foster stewardship. The GRF began in 2006 as a collaboration between members of provincial agencies, the ranching community, conservation organizations, industry, plant ecologists and reclamation practitioners.

RECOVERY STRATEGIES FOR DISTURBANCE IN NATIVE GRASSLANDS


These guidance documents are designed for industry and others to improve reclamation outcomes in native grassland ecosystems with the goal of restoration after disturbance. Guidance is based on long-term monitoring, literature review, peer review and stakeholder workshops.

WORKING IN NATIVE GRASSLAND PRIMER


Project managers and contractors must understand where they are working, the applicable regulatory authority, and the operating conditions that apply for the proposed activity in native grasslands. The primer flags the complexities specific to constructing and reclaiming native grasslands and includes step-by-step guidance and links to regulations, directives and resources.

There is an ongoing shortage of native seed for restoration of disturbances in native grasslands.

Some of the native grass and forb species required can only be obtained through harvesting the seed from intact native plant communities. Examples include plains rough fescue, mountain rough fescue, western porcupine grass, needle-and-thread grass, and other key native grasses and forb species. Wild harvesting is a process which strips mature seed from the reproductive structure of the plant by hand or by mechanical means, leaving the leaf and root structures intact. In addition, a portion of the stripped seed is dropped to the ground which disperses mature seed and contributes to the native seedbank.

Native Seed Harvesting

GUIDELINES & REFERENCES


This section hosts links for current government guidance and downloadable documents on ecological site restoration risk analysis, how to conduct an assessment of native grasslands, planning tools to minimize disturbance to native grasslands, and designing reclamation of native grassland disturbances.

RESEARCH & TECHNICAL REPORTS


This section hosts research and monitoring documents relevant to conservation, management and reclamation of native grasslands.

Recommended Monitoring Protocols for Targeted Grazing Projects


Targeted grazing is used to address numerous conservation issues including but not limited to: noxious weed and non-native plant species invasion, woody vegetation invasion of grasslands, grass and broadleaf woody vegetation invasion of regenerating forests, and manipulation of vegetation and litter to reduce fire hazard or enhance habitat for species at risk and other wildlife. This resource helps guide the use of targeted grazing to enhance the success of outcomes and to minimize or eliminate any negative consequences.

Targeted Grazing Monitoring Protocols

Targeted grazing is defined as: the application of a specific kind of livestock at a determined season, duration, and intensity to accomplish defined vegetation or landscape goals.

targeted grazing

VIDEO LINKS


The links below lead to a site containing video products that highlight the need for regional planning in Alberta.

Previous Presentations

The Grasslands Restoration Forum (GRF) has a multitude of previous presentations, serving as a catalyst for discussions and knowledge exchange within the realm of grassland restoration. Specifically within Alberta.

Event Cancellation

How to Use the Range Plant Community Guides and Recovery Strategies

Unfortunately with a number of late cancellations for the Range Plant Community Guides & Recovery Strategies Workshop scheduled for September 13th, 2023 we’ve had to make the tough decision to cancel the workshop for this fall due to insufficient registrations for a cost recovery event.  We will be offering the same workshop in conjunction with the CLRA Conference in March 2024.  The GRF Mailing list will receive notice/announcements about the event as details become available.

We are still proceeding as planned with the Grassland Assessment Classroom & Hands on Field Training on September 14th at the Cassils Hall/Antelope Creek Ranch.

Apologies for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.