Sandhill Stockmen's Association
The Great Sand Hills of southwestern Saskatchewan are perhaps the most ecologically sensitive area in Saskatchewan. This area of active and colonized sand dunes exists in perfect balance with the area's climate. If the climate were much wetter, the entire area would be colonized with native plants. If the climate were much drier than it has been for the past few centuries, the area would be a desert.
Since settlement began in the Great Sand Hills in the late 19th century, its inhabitants have recognized the fragile area they live in. They have developed the area in harmony with the climate, land, and native vegetation. The primary use of the Sandhills has been for low-density cattle grazing. In general, this is a sustainable use of the land, given the present climate.
However, since the mid 20th century, the area has been subjected to increased public use, including tourism and off-road vehicles and oil and gas exploration and development. The land disturbance from these activities is not sustainable given the fragile environment. The disturbance of a single ATV traversing a colonized dune, for example, may be sufficient to turn it into an active dune.
During the past two decades, an increased environmental concern for the Sandhills has developed. Local landowners and environmentalists have raised awareness about the area and taken actions to preserve the uniqueness of the hills. These actions have included restricted access for the public, excluding the most sensitive areas from oil and gas exploration, and the formation of grazing cooperatives for the ranchers themselves.
One of the grazing cooperatives is the Sandhill Stockmen's Association. Besides working with area ranchers and other grazing associations, this cooperative has taken strong actions to educate the public about the Sandhills.
Specifically this Association has erected large awareness signs at the entrance to the dune area, created a fenced parking area to restrict vehicular traffic near the dunes and encouraged responsible public activities within the area. These actions have led to improved land management and increased ecological awareness through environmental education within this particular portion of the Great Sand Hills.
Submitted by Fraser Hunter
"Signage encourages respect for the fragile Great Sand Hills environment."
"An active dune in the Great Sand Hills."