Burrowing Owl
Management
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Management of the Burrowing Owl population in Alberta is
centred around habitat securement, protection, and enhancement.
The Operation Burrowing Owl (OBO) program initiated by Alberta Fish and
Game Association enlists farmers, ranchers, and other rural landowners
in southern Alberta as volunteers in the protection of active, and
previously active, Burrowing Owl nesting areas. Participating
landowners sign a voluntary agreement to preserve owl nesting
sites for a period of five years, at which time the agreement may be
renewed. Through such arrangements, 243 members of OBO are
currently protecting 26, 371 hectares of grassland habitat in
Alberta. Suggestions for habitat preservation or improvement are
then provided in annual newsletters and mailed to all members.