Species At Risk 

Partnerships on Agricultural Land (SARPAL)

Bob France, SARPAL Field Coordinator Carley Stewart, BCCA Environmental Stewardship Coordinator
BCCA office 1-877-688-2333    Email:  SARPAL @cattlemen.bc.ca

WHAT IS SARPAL?
A pilot program to assist cattle ranchers with implementing habitat conservation measures on the ranch for at risk species. This pilot program is designed to assist cattle producers in adopting management practices that benefit their ranch operation as well as the species.

HOW IS SARPAL FUNDED?
The BC Cattlemen’s Association has received funding from Environment & Climate Change Canada (federal government) to deliver a pilot program that will enable cattle producers to implement Best Management Practices (BMP’s) and projects that will protect habitat for species at risk or of special concern.  Funding is available for the program until March 31, 2025.

ELIGIBILITY

•  The landowner must be a cattle producer.
•  The ranch must have a valid premises ID #.
•  The landowner must be willing to sign a 5-year conservation host agreement with BCCA Program Delivery Inc.
•  The conservation project must be done on private land.
• The ranch needs to either have the species present on the ranch or have identified critical habitat. This can be determined by our program coordinator. 

SPECIES / HABITAT

Previously, the SARPAL pilot program was limited to enhancing habitat for the Yellow Breasted Chat and the Lewis’s Woodpecker. 
Now, our program has an expanded list of species including:

• Yellow Breasted Chat
• Lewis's Woodpecker 
• Painted Turtle 
• Badger 
• Tiger Salamander
• Spadefoot Toad
• Other:  BCCA may consider a project for a different species at risk or species of special concern.

At present, the funding remains allocated to the Dry Interior Plateau as per Environment Canada.

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.  

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.

Expression of Interest 

Expressions of Interest for the 2023-2024 year are being accepted, but will be subject to funding availability. 

All applications will be reviewed and undergo a site evaluation to determine overall benefit to the species and eligibility. Outstanding applications will be held and considered if funding is available.

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