Species At Risk 

Partnerships on Agricultural Land (SARPAL)

Bob France, Coordinator   •  Elaine Stovin, BCCA contact
Ph: 250-573-3611         Email:  SARPAL@cattlemen.bc.ca 

The BC Cattlemen’s Association has received funding from Environment Canada to deliver a pilot program that will enable cattle producers to implement Best Management Practices (BMP’s) and projects that will protect habitat for the Yellow Breasted Chat and the Lewis’s Woodpecker.

The pilot program has funding to operate until March 31, 2019.

Eligibility

This pilot program is designed to assist cattle producers in adopting management practices that benefit their ranch operation as well as the bird species.

Species

The SARPAL pilot program will be working to enhance and maintain habitat related to two bird species: the Yellow Breasted Chat (YBC) and the Lewis’s Woodpecker (LEWO).
Yellow Breasted Chat (Icteria virens)	Lewis's Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis)
Habitat Preferences Valley bottom riparian areas in the southern Okanagan and Similkameen valleys. The species’ specific habitat requirements are dense riparian thickets Wild rose bushes are considered a preferred nesting site.	Habitat Preferences Open forests, riparian woodlands and grasslands with scattered trees. Mature or old riparian cottonwood stands typically adjacent to grasslands, agricultural fields, shrub steppe or open woodlands. Recently burned (<30yrs) Ponderosa Pine and Douglas fir dominated forests with standing snags. Sites 1 and 2 are typically below 950 meters in elevation and site 3 up to 1265 meters.

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Projects

Funding can be used for materials, planning, and project costs.  Currently, we are seeking landowners who have suitable projects that can be completed by March 31st of each fiscal year.  The program has funding until March 31, 2019.

Possible project examples:

• Riparian fencing – fencing to restrict cattle access to the riparian corridor.
• Riparian restoration & replanting – replanting of wild rose or willow shrubs in the riparian zone.
• Protection of wildlife trees– installation of livestock rubbing posts to prevent pushing over of known nesting trees.
• Other – projects that benefit the species or conserve habitat would also be considered.

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How to apply?

Cattle producers who are interested in a project can complete this form. All applications will be reviewed and undergo an evaluation to determine overall benefit to the species and eligibility. Outstanding applications will be held and considered if additional funding is made available.

Click here to express your interest in an on-farm project.