More trees, less forage? Research looks at changing Sask. rangelands

SOUTHWEST— The Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan (SK PCAP) will host a free webinar later this month examining the impacts of woody plant encroachment on rangelands in Saskatchewan's Aspen Parkland ecoregion.

The presentation, scheduled for Aug. 25 from noon to 1 p.m., will feature Andrew Williams, a Master of Science student at the University of Saskatchewan, who will discuss his research into the spread of woody vegetation and its effects on forage quality.

Caitlin Mroz-Sailer, stewardship coordinator with SK PCAP, said the webinar is part of the organization's long-running Native Prairie Speaker Series.

"We host a monthly Native Prairie Speaker Series webinar," said Mroz-Sailer. "Every month we have a guest speaker who talks about prairie conservation or species at risk. Because this year is the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, we're also focusing on the rangelands."

For the August session, Williams will discuss woody plant encroachment in the Aspen Parkland ecoregion and how increasing tree and shrub cover can affect pasture productivity.

"A woody plant is basically anything with a woody base, such as a shrub or tree," said Mroz-Sailer. "Researchers in our province have been monitoring how woody plant cover has changed over time. It's an issue for people across Saskatchewan to keep an eye on."