Re: “K'Saki Rules” Photo, The Daily News, March 20, 2010.
Thank you to The Daily News for reminding us to “stay on the trails and not ride through grasslands” in the caption to its photo of a dirt biker.

As the picture shows, there are many ways for us to enjoy the grasslands — as well as dirt biking, there's hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, bird watching or just being. Our grasslands are beautiful and offer countless opportunities for fun and discovery. But they are fragile. Damage can take years or decades to repair, if at all.

Many wild animals cannot wait those years. They need the grasslands now. In fact, more species at risk – such as badgers, sharp-tailed grouse and burrowing owls – are found in B.C.'s grasslands than in any other area of Canada. Local ranchers also need healthy grasslands today for their livestock.

So, it would be great for our grasslands and the lives they support if we all respect their fragility by staying on designated, sanctioned trails. This will reduce erosion, weeds, damage to sensitive plants and to animal burrows, and disturbances to wildlife and livestock. Further, by staying on trails around wetlands, you'll know you haven't crushed any turtle eggs or spadefoot toads buried in the ground.

Let's get out and enjoy the grasslands, but take the care that ensures they'll be there for us and other species well into the future.

You can further explore the many wonders of the grasslands on June 12th with the Grasslands Conservation Council on a field tour at our 10th Anniversary Festival in the Grass. Further information is available at www.bcgrasslands.org.

CATRINA CROWE
Communications and Outreach Coordinator
Grasslands Conservation Council of British Columbia