Research activities on Antelope Creek

Introduction

The land base on Antelope Creek Ranch, or Antelope Creek Habitat Development Area (ACHDA) as it is officially known, is managed to provide productive plant cover for livestock and wildlife, and adequate nest cover for waterfowl on Mixed Grass prairie and wetland margins. Crested wheatgrass, irrigated pasture and native rangeland are incorporated into a complementary, deferred-rotation grazing system to achieve the management goals.

The Antelope Creek Habitat Development Area (ACHDA) serves as a demonstration project for producers and resource managers in the Mixed Grass prairie region. ACHDA research focuses on range improvement through specialized grazing systems to benefit both livestock and wildlife. ACHDA has been a valuable tool in assisting several M.Sc. thesis research projects from the University of Alberta and the University of Lethbridge. In addition, ACHDA supports independent studies concerning wetlands, industrial reclamation, and tame grass production.

Research at ACHDA ranch consists of a co-operative, multi-disciplinary monitoring program to document changes in range vegetation and range condition, forage production and utilization, litter reserves, cattle performance, soil chemical and physical characteristics, and changes in relative diversity of wildlife.

► Satellite Imagery ► Recent Research 2007 Wildlife Survey Effects of Habitat Management on Ducks Habitat Fragmentation and Avian Response Original Vision Document 2007 Annual Report 2009 Annual Report 2010 Annual Report 2012 Annual Report 2013 Annual Report 2014 Annual Report 2015 Annual Report 2016 Annual Report 2017 Annual Report 2018 Annual Report 2019 Annual Report 2020 Annual Report 2021 Annual Report 2022 Annual Report

Implementation Strategy Ends/Outcomes      - ACR Strategic Plan: 2008–2018 Strategic Plan Invasive Plant Management Plan Antelope Friendly Fencing Nesting Ecology of Grassland Songbirds Condor Ornithological Applications CWG Proposal Summer Range Technician Report 2015 Summer Range Technician Report 2016 Summer Range Technician Report 2017 Summer Range Technician Report 2018 2016 GPS Collar Analysis Cattle Preference Report Wildlife Final Report Range Management Review      March 31, 2020 Habitat Development Area Report