Riparian and Ecological Enhancement (REEP)
Mountain View County together with the Alberta Conservation Association has funding available for riparian and ecological enhancement projects, with a maximum of $5,000 per project available. Eligible projects include:
- Permanent riparian fencing (must be wildlife friendly)
- Off-site watering systems
- Creek crossings
- Native grass, shrubs or trees
Watch the Mountain View Albertan and the County social media feeds for funding availability; program runs while funding is available.
Mountain View County completes a riparian health assessment in the initial project completion year and five (5) years after for all funded projects to measure the success of the program.
Click here for:
- Riparian and Ecological Enhancement Project Application
- Riparian and Ecological Enhancement Program Policy and Procedure
Funding Process:
All projects will be rated on the significance of their environmental impact by agricultural staff. Project applications will be presented and reviewed at an Agricultural Service Board (ASB) meeting. The ASB will decide on the funding allocation. Applicants will be contacted and a contract will be completed between Mountain View County and the landowner.
Benefits of protecting your riparian and ecologically sensitive areas may include:
- Improved water quality
- Increased biodiversity of plants and animals
- Reduced invasive and disturbance species
- Reduced erosion and flood damage
- Trapping and storing of sediments and nutrients
- Healthier livestock, increased weight gain
- Improved wildlife and fish habitat
- Drought mitigation
For more information contact Lorelee Grattidge, Sustainable Agriculture Specialist, at 403-335-3311 ext. 163 or email ag@mvcounty.com.
ALUS
Noel West PhotographyMountain View County has a successful partnership with ALUS to manage and deliver community-led, producer-delivered environmental projects, with a focus on the conservation, restoration, protection, or enhancement of wetlands. ALUS was originally an acronym for “Alternative Land Use Services,” reflecting the concept that farmers and ranchers can use their land in an alternative way to produce ecosystem services that benefit Canadians.
The ALUS program pays farmers to retain and reconstruct natural areas such as wetlands, grasslands, riparian areas and treed areas, the benefits include habitat for fish and wildlife including waterfowl, species at risk and native pollinator insects, cleaner air and water, and sustainable food production on working landscapes.
Producers interested in converting marginal cropland into tame forages or native prairie mixtures, including areas around marshes or shallow open water and areas of saline soil, should consider making an application under the program. Additionally, those wanting to fence off wetlands or riparian areas or are interested in enhancing these areas with native grasses, trees and shrubs or the protection of native stands should contact Lorelee Grattidge, Sustainable Agricultural Specialist with Mountain View County, at 403-335-3311 ext. 163 or via email at ag@mvcounty.com
ALUS has projects throughout six provinces, their goal is to create a healthy landscape that sustains agriculture, wildlife and natural spaces for all Canadians. For more information on ALUS please visit their website: http://alus.ca/
To apply for ALUS program funding use the below application:
- ALUS Funding Application (Same as REEP application)
ALUS Producer Profiles:
- ALUS-Alberta-Trailblazers-Lisa-Kennedy-and-Joey-Halter
- ALUS-Alberta-Trailblazers-Sean-and-Holly-LaBrie
Resources:
Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP)
Sustainable CAP is now accepting applications. Please visit the website at www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap.aspx to check out the funding programs and be sure to subscribe at the website to receive the latest program announcements.
Contact Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation at 310-FARM or contact our Sustainable Agricultural Specialist, Lorelee Grattidge at 403-335-3311, ext. 163 or ag@mvcounty.com for assistance with any of these programs.