A national park in the southwest might be extending its borders soon.

The federal government is looking to expand Grasslands National Park by just under 29,000 hectares, although it's not abundantly clear yet where the growth will take place.

MP for Cypress Hills-Grasslands, Jeremy Patzer, hosted two town hall meetings in the area to hear local concerns and thoughts on the possibility.

"There's some speculation about how it might just be the acquisition of the road allowances through the park," he said. "I know on the East Block there's some land within the boundaries of the park that the park hasn't acquired yet, so it could be that land that they are acquiring.

"The boundaries are already determined to what they're supposed to be, and from the original legislation that was passed in the 80s and then updated in the late 90s, early 2000s, while it might change the actual size, it's not supposed to expand unless there is a transfer of land between the federal government, the provincial government, or from a willing buyer willing seller. So, it's a little bit vague right now as to where it's going to be," said Patzer. 

One of the biggest concerns he heard from ranchers in the area is that they want to maintain access to the grass on the land for grazing. 

There's also question about whether the federal government would designate the park as protected lands, especially with the goal to have 25 per cent protected lands by 2025 and 30 per cent by 2030. This would dramatically affect public access. 

"Part of what I'm trying to do is make sure that we get some clarity and certainty around that," he said. "That way we can maintain what people have right now as far as access to grazing for cattle, but also for public access for individuals to come and tour the park and see all the wonderful things that the southwest has to offer."