A property in the Rosebud River Conservation Area, northeast of Calgary. Photo by Western Sky Land Trust Society
Fort Macleod-area land owners have until Oct. 1 to apply for new government funding to conserve their property.
The province last week announced $10 million for the Private Land Conservation Program and the Ecosystem Services Grant Program.
“Land owners have been asking for a program that supports conservation while still letting them safely and sustainably use their lands,” Environment and Protected Areas Minister Rebecca Schulz said in a news release.
“These new and improved programs will deliver greater environmental impact per dollar by aligning conservation outcomes with land owners” needs and on-the-ground realities.”
The Private Land Conservation Program replaces the Land Trust Grant Program and will distribute money only to Alberta-based land trusts.
New term conservation easements provide flexibility for future land owners while protecting the environment.
Term conservation easements, which can last up to 50 years, offer a way to conserve land for a generation while allowing future flexibility for land owners and communities.
The Alberta Conservation Association welcomed the program.
“It provides us with new and innovative tools to support private land owners in Alberta’s ongoing, collaborative efforts to conserve our rich natural heritage for future generations,” association special projects manager Lance Engley said.
The new Ecosystem Services Grant Program helps land owners cover the costs of maintaining conservation lands.
For example, grasslands, riparian areas and wetlands provide habitat and biodiversity while naturally absorbing rainfall and reduce runoff.
By conserving these landscapes, vital ecosystem services that support Albertans are protected.
“Alberta Beef Producers is encouraged to see the government recognizing the value of ecological goods and services and taking steps to support working landscapes,” chair Dough Roxburgh said. “Canada loses approximately 148,000 acres of grasslands each year, and programs like this can help keep ranchers, the stewards of these native ecosystems, on the land, maintaining healthy habitat and supporting species at risk for generations to come.”
Since 2019, more than 142,000 acres of private land in Alberta has been conserved.
Details on how to apply and program eligibility are available on Alberta.ca.
