Nature Conservancy of Canada buys plot of land by Chaplin Lake

A Saskatchewan hotspot for birds and other wildlife has a new owner.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has purchased the Mackie Ranch, a stretch of land off the shore of Lake Chaplin. That’s just off of Highway 1 between Moose Jaw and Swift Current.

It’s well known as popular place for nature and bird photographers to check in on shore birds, like avocets and the rare piping plover.

Andrew Holland with the non-profit said their goal is to keep the area safe and prosperous for wildlife.

“Now that we’re the proud owners of roughly 1600 acres there, we’re going to continue to work with the Mackie family. So, we’ll work on a management plan with them … This family’s had the land through three generations … We want to see it conserved forever,” he said in an interview with 980 CJME.

“We put in management plans to ensure that these areas are cared for in a way that people will be very proud.”

He said it is a truly remarkable spot of the province.

It’s one of only three places in Canada that’s categorized as having ‘hemospheric importance to shorebirds.’

Basically, that means it’s a very important stop for migration. Over half of the world’s entire population of sanderlings stop at Chaplin Lake to feed and rest while they’re migrating every spring.

An American avocet at Chaplin Lake. (submitted/ Jason Bantle)

Holland is also stricken by the physical beauty of the area.

“You get there and you feel quite isolated. When you look around to the west, you see Chaplin Lake itself and this big expanse of open water. And then to the south of the property is the native grasslands, just beautiful as far as the eye can see,” he said.

Ranchers in the area will still be allowed to have their cattle graze on the land NCC now owns. Also, the general public will be able to come visit, as long as they’re careful.

“It is a hotspot for nature photography and birding. These will be continued. That’s how we manage these properties; for conservation, but where possible, for people to enjoy. As long as they don’t destroy the habitat or ruin it in some way. We don’t want to have people go out and drive ATVs in an area that could destroy certain areas, or light fires,” he explained.

“Typically, when we have people that want to visit these lands, they give us a heads-up. We put up signs to inform people how they can use the property, enjoy it, that type of thing.”