Provincial Habitat Securement Program

Alberta’s population continues to grow but at a much slower pace than in 2020. It may be contributed to such factors as the COVID-19 pandemic and a slow but recovering economy. Despite these factors, habitat loss continues to be a threat to native habitat with steady demands for urban sprawl, agricultural conversion, and industrial activities. ACA’s Provincial Habitat Securement Program conserves important wildlife and fish habitat through land purchases, land donations, and leases on Crown land. Securing habitat ensures these lands will be conserved in perpetuity to benefit our valued wildlife and fish resources, and to provide Alberta’s outdoor enthusiasts with year-round, sustainable recreational opportunities. Twenty-eight priority focus areas help guide securement efforts and opportunities. Collaborative partnerships with conservation groups, industry, various companies, and conservation-minded private individuals allow us to maximize our conservation impact and the efficiency of our securement efforts. Together in 2021/22, we completed three land acquisitions, including two purchases and one eco-gift donation, which conserved 807.5 acres (326.8 ha). These lands have an estimated land value of $1,557,850. Management plans will be prepared in 2021/22 to collaboratively address roles and responsibilities between managing partners. Habitat Securement Funds were used for two additional acquisitions (Milk River Badlands and South Plain Lake – Expansion) in collaboration with two of our Corporate Partners in Conservation (THOR Resources Inc. and Suncor Energy).

AFGA shared title with ACA on 22 of their conservation sites. Additionally, AFGA, DUC, and NCC shared title with ACA on 12 conservation sites. The total acres involved in the title sharing among ACA, AFGA, DUC, and NCC is approximately 7,212 acres (2,918.6 ha).

Partnerships

Alberta Environment and Parks, Alberta Fish & Game Association, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Side family

Annual Summaries

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