Fracking the Grasslands: A Case Study of Saskatchewan

The paper considers the possible impacts of hydraulic fracturing on wildlife in the grasslands ecosystem, particularly in the province of Saskatchewan. The Bakken Formation, a major North American shale play, overlaps with... [ view full abstract ]

The paper considers the possible impacts of hydraulic fracturing on wildlife in the grasslands ecosystem, particularly in the province of Saskatchewan. The Bakken Formation, a major North American shale play, overlaps with one of the largest areas for grassland birds in Canada the US. Access to the oil is made possible through fracking and horizontal drilling, which are controversial techniques that have been regulated and banned in other parts of North America and the world. Drawing on analysis of parks and protected areas in the Bakken Formation, this paper argues that current wildlife life policy is inadequate to protect the grasslands ecosystem. Saskatchewan is reducing the amount of protected areas in the province and has no stand-alone legislation to protect species on private lands.