A Transforming Landscape

Southern Alberta’s landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation. The region, once dominated by vast expanses of native prairie grassland, has been shaped by agriculture and oil and gas, and now a growing footprint of renewable energy projects. 

The rise of solar and wind energy across southern Alberta, while essential to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, comes with unintended consequences when sited in prairie grassland areas. They reduce habitat available for grassland-dependent wildlife, disrupt migration corridors, and can introduce invasive species or alter local hydrology.  

The tension between climate mitigation and habitat conservation is growing in Alberta. While renewable energy may be a necessary part of the province’s transition to a low-carbon economy, there is growing concern among conservationists, ranchers, and Indigenous communities about how and where these projects are being developed. Southern Alberta, where remaining native grasslands are irreplaceable and increasingly rare, seems to be a target for solar and wind projects. For example, the recently completed Travers Solar Project in the heart of southern Alberta is approximately 3,330 acres and the largest solar installation in Canada. 

Protecting prairie ecosystems, critical to upland game birds and the many ecological services they provide, while advancing clean energy goals, requires better land-use planning, strong environmental screening processes, and meaningful engagement with stakeholders. 

Solutions that conserve edge habitat and programs like the Marginal Areas Program, make a big difference to the health of the landscape. Pheasants Forever is always working to have a seat at the table when it comes to conserving habitat for upland game birds and other wildlife. By working together we hope to minimize the loss of native grasslands and conserve as many wild places in Southern Alberta as possible.