News

Funding Available to Alberta Land Trust Organizations

Posted August 10, 2011 by LSC

New grant program benefits land conservation in Alberta

Edmonton, August 10, 2011 – A new provincial grant program will help further the conservation and protection of ecologically important lands in the province.

The Alberta Land Trust Grant Program will make grants available to land trust organizations for the purchase of conservation easements on private land and to manage land administered under trusts. Conservation easements are legally binding voluntary agreements between a landowner and a land trust. When placed on the land title, an easement restricts future surface development but current activities, like grazing, continue. The landowner retains title.

“Whether we are maintaining large areas of native landscape or conserving corridors for biodiversity, the Alberta Land Trust Grant Program will help us achieve long-term conservation goals,” said Sustainable Resource Development Minister Mel Knight. “Land trusts are worthy partners and a good resource to help identify and protect high-value conservation lands.”

A land trust is a not-for-profit, non-government organization established to promote biodiversity conservation on private land. Any land trust currently operating in Alberta is eligible to apply for grant funding but must provide other funding and demonstrate that their project aligns with the government’s overall conservation objectives. The grant and matching funds must go towards a specific project. A total of $5 million will be available for 2011–12. The Alberta Land Stewardship Fund was established following changes in 2010 to the Public Lands Act, resulting from the Alberta Land Stewardship Act.

The application deadline is September 26. For information or to obtain an application package, please visit the Alberta Land Trust Grant Program webpage.

The Alberta government is working to build a better Alberta by fostering economic growth, strengthening our health and education systems, investing in infrastructure, supporting safe and strong communities and ensuring a clean and healthy environment.

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Neal Watson
Sustainable Resource Development
P 780–427-8636
To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310–0000.

South Saskatchewan Regional Advisory Council's Advice Released

Posted March 25, 2011 by LSC

Today the South Saskatchewan Regional Advisory Council’s Advice to the Government of Alberta for the South Saskatchewan Region was released.

It is important to note that this is advice from the Advisory Council; it is not the government’s draft plan. You can find the advice document online at www.landuse.alberta.ca

In late April, there will be a workbook available on this site so you can provide feedback on the Council’s advice. Consultation sessions on the Advisory Council’s advice are planned for the fall. We will keep you informed regarding the dates the workbook will be available and when the consultations will begin.

The Council’s advice and the feedback from these consultations will be considered as government develops the draft regional plan. Albertans will have another opportunity to provide feedback when the draft regional plan is released.

You are encouraged to read the Council’s advice and then fill out the workbook once it is available.

For more information contact:

Morris Seiferling
Stewardship Commissioner
Land Use Secretariat
9th Floor, Centre West Building
10035–108 Street

Share Your Views on a Plan for the Lower Athabasca Region

Posted October 6, 2010 by LSC

Alberta’s Land-Use Framework

The Land-use Framework is the government’s response to growth pressures in a changing Alberta. The framework establishes seven new land-use regions and the requirement to develop a regional plan for each.

With these regional plans, Alberta will achieve a better balance between the economic development that creates opportunity and the environmental and social values of Albertans.

Work has begun for the first two regions, Lower Athabasca and South Saskatchewan, with regional advisory councils appointed for each. Public consultations about the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan ran throughout September 2010.

Share Your Views

There is still time to provide your input. If you haven’t already sent in your thoughts on the Lower Athabasca Regional Advisory Council’s advice to the government regarding the north-east area of the province, we urge you to do so now. You only have until October 8, 2010 at 4:30 p.m.

Please visit the Land-use Framework website to read the Council’s advice to the Government of Alberta Regarding a Vision for the Lower Athabasca Region, and tell us what you think of the conservation areas, multi-use corridors, recreation areas and so much more by filling out the online workbook.

This is a chance to have your voice heard about the future of the province. If you have any questions, please contact LUF@gov.ab.ca.

It's National Soil Conservation Week!

Posted April 18, 2010 by LSC

April 18 to 24, 2010, is National Soil Conservation Week.

Soil is a precious resource, and no one knows that better than farmers. National Soil Conservation Week emphasizes how important it is for people to recognize the extraordinary efforts of our dedicated farmers who, as stewards of the land, have implemented soil conservation and soil improvement strategies as part of their agri-business.

You can also learn more from the Soil Conservation Council of Canada.