An Innovative Approach to Habitat Conservation

The Nature Trust of British Columbia and its conservation partners have established two biodiversity ranches covering land that stretches from White Lake to Vaseux Lake in the South Okanagan. Encompassing 43,830 hectares (108,300 acres), the lands include purchased private land, leases, and associated Crown grazing licenses.

The goal of the biodiversity ranch conservation program is to develop a working ranch model that gives priority to protecting diverse/species at risk habitat and still functions as a viable, self-sustaining livestock production unit. By maintaining and restoring ranch grassland and associated habitats to as natural a state as possible, the premise is that these habitats can then support thriving native plant and animal species and provide a stable income for a number of agriculture-based households. In addition, the program demonstrates biodiversity friendly land use practices for other land owners and managers to consider.

The Nature Trust is accomplishing its goal through partnerships with ranchers, ecologists, the local community, government agencies and conservation organizations.

Working Partnerships
The success of the biodiversity ranches is due in large measure to the strong partnerships with local ranch families. Their knowledge and expertise have contributed significantly to the ongoing program. For both ranches, the partnership involves a long-term lease arrangement. Livestock is managed under a co-operative management plan. In exchange for some grazing on conservation lands, the ranching partners are increasing the level of protection on a number of critical areas on their own land.

Each ranch has a management plan. This plan is implemented by The Nature Trust and the rancher partner and is overseen by a science-based technical committee of agencies and by stewardship committees comprised of various user groups, including the ranch operator and local conservation interest representatives. We are measuring the results of our progress on an ongoing basis.

The Vaseux Lake-Okanagan Falls Biodiversity Ranch
The Vaseux Lake-Okanagan Falls Biodiversity Ranch, acquired between 1993 and 2000, includes approximately 38,525 hectares (95,150 acres) of Nature Trust owned land and associated Crown grazing licenses and lease lands.


White Lake Basin Biodiversity Ranch
The White Lake Basin Biodiversity Ranch, acquired in 1996 and 1998, includes two previously separate ranches purchased by The Nature Trust as well as grazing rights under lease from the National Research Council and associated Crown grazing licenses administered by the BC Ministry of Forests. It encompasses 5302 hectares (13,100 acres) and the cattle is owned and managed by the Clifton family.