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One of the largest conservation easements in Alberta’s history has been signed to protect a research ranch in southern Alberta.

The 4,856-hectare ranch, located north of Brooks, was originally donated to the University of Alberta by alumni Edwin and Ruth Mattheis in 2010 and named the Rangeland Research Institute — Mattheis Ranch.

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“The ranch holds a special place in the Mattheis’ hearts, as well as in ours,” said Stan Blade, dean of the faculty of agriculture, life and environmental sciences at the U of A. “It is a sprawling ranch.

“The ranch is composed primarily of native grasslands, but it also includes a river valley, streams, wetlands, vegetated sand dunes and shrubs.”

There are about 30 at-risk species, including rodents such as the Ord’s kangaroo rat, shorebirds such as long-billed curlew and plants such as wild begonia.

Photo by University of Alberta

Monday’s agreement between the U of A and the Western Sky Land Trust means the ranch will be conserved in its current state forever.