How has the ecosystem of the prairie changed since the mid-1870s?

The prairie landscape, and the many natural resources associated with it, are significant assets that are an important part of Alberta's economy.

Beginning in the 1870s, ranchers moved large herds of cattle into Alberta to take advantage of the ample forage which provided year round grazing. By the mid-1880s, European immigrants arrived and began establishing rural communities, which supported homesteading in both the prairie and parkland regions.

Prairie soils provide a rich growth medium for a range of agricultural crops. In turn, crop production supports agricultural industries such as sugar beet and potato processing, breweries, seed cleaning plants, storage facilities and similar activities.

In 2008, 146,500 Albertans were employed in the agri-food industry, with 61,000 Albertans employed in primary agricultural production (which is about 10% of the workforce within the goods producing sector), and 85,500 employed in the agri-food industry (2008, Labour Force Survey, Statistics Branch, Alberta Finance and Enterprise). Gross farm receipts in Alberta for 2006 was $9.9 billion for Alberta, and about $200,000 per 'Census Farm' (2006 Census of Agriculture, Statistics Canada).

In 2006, the total pasture area in Alberta was 22.2 million acres (8.9 million hectares). 26.4 million acres (10.6 million hectares) was cropland (including 6.0 million acres (2.4 million ha) of forage, mainly hay), 6.1 million acres (2.4 million hectares) was tame pasture, and 16.1 million acres (6.5 million hectares) was native pasture (this includes areas outside the Grassland Natural Region of Alberta) (2006 Census of Agriculture, Statistics Canada).

Native prairie, when used as rangeland for cattle, adds millions of dollars each year to the provincial economy. Beef production provides valuable protein for human consumption, and keeps native grasslands open for other uses. In 2006, Alberta's farmers and ranchers raised about 6.4 million head of cattle and calves (including dairy) with the total number of beef cows around 2.0 million head (note: in 2009, the beef herd declined to about 1.8 million), 222,000 head of sheep and lambs, and 310,000 head of other grazing livestock (such as horses, bison, elk, llama), mostly on prairie lands or using feed grown on prairie lands (2006 Census of Agriculture, Statistics Canada).

Alberta's petroleum industry depends heavily on the oil and gas pools that underlie prairie landscapes, and on ready access to prairie lands needed for exploration and development.

As the urban population continues to increase, the appeal of farm and ranch vacations, and other forms of rural and prairie tourism is flourishing. This brings revenue to rural residents and small prairie communities.

The prairies offer many recreational opportunities for hunters, boaters, fishing enthusiasts and other outdoor adventurers. Bird-watching and other wildlife viewing is gaining popularity. Prairie lakes and reservoirs are particularly well used, for both summer and winter recreational pursuits.