Access to a part of Grasslands National Park in southwestern Saskatchewan will be restricted this spring to minimize disturbance to an imperiled bird’s breeding period. According to a notice posted by Parks Canada on Monday, the affected area is a 3.2-kilometre radius around the Dixon “Y” road junction. The restriction is meant to protect the populations of greater sage-grouses. Restriction will be in effect from April 1 to May 30, only allowing vehicle access from 90 minutes after sunrise until 90 minutes before sunset. “Stopping or hiking in this area is not permitted at any time,” Parks Canada said. Agricultural traffic is exempt from the vehicle restrictions. The greater sage-grouse is listed as endangered under the federal Species at Risk Act. The ground-dwelling birds now occupy only seven per cent of their historical range in Canada. As of 2012, only between 93 and 138 birds were estimated to be left in Canada. The birds are also protected under provincial laws in Alberta and Saskatchewan, according to the federal government. Habitat loss and degradation, extreme weather conditions, and industrial disturbance are believed to be the primary factors driving the bird’s decline.
