Landowner Compensation and Damage Prevention

ACA is responsible for the administration and implementation of the Waterfowl Crop Damage Prevention Program, Wildlife Predator Compensation Program and Shot Livestock Compensation Program.


Waterfowl Crop Damage Prevention Program 

The Canadian Prairies are major breeding grounds and flyways for migratory waterfowl. Ducks, geese and cranes feeding in cereal crops can cause significant damage especially during fall migration when they target field pea, barley, and wheat fields.

The Waterfowl Crop Damage Prevention Program (WCDPP), delivered by Alberta Conservation Association, helps reduce the amount and severity of waterfowl damage by making waterfowl scaring equipment available to Counties and Municipal Districts and providing advice to producers experiencing waterfowl crop damage problems.

We encourage producers to invite hunters to harvest waterfowl within their fields during the fall season. On occasion, we can put producers who wish to use hunters as a method of damage control in touch with willing waterfowl hunters.

We provide propane powered scare cannons to Counties and Municipal Districts in targeted areas of the province to be used in their equipment lending programs. The cannons emit loud explosions similar to a shotgun blast and are effective in getting waterfowl to leave the field, especially if used in conjunction with scarecrows and/or hunters. Participating Counties and MDs are indicated in the list below.

  • Alberta Environment and Protected Areas
  • Athabasca County
  • Beaver County
  • Big Lakes County
  • Camrose County
  • Clearhills County
  • County of Grande Prairie
  • County of Minburn
  • County of Northern Lights
  • County of Paintearth
  • County of St. Paul
  • County of Stettler
  • County of Two Hills
  • County of Vermilion River
  • Ducks Unlimited Canada
  • Flagstaff County
  • Lac La Biche County
  • Lacombe County
  • Mackenzie County
  • Municipal District of Bonnyville
  • Municipal District of Fairview
  • Municipal District of Greenview
  • Municipal District of Peace
  • Municipal District of Provost
  • Municipal District of Smoky River
  • Municipal District of Spirit River
  • Northern Sunrise County
  • Ponoka County
  • Saddle Hills County
  • Smoky Lake County
  • Sturgeon County

While most producers enjoy and value waterfowl, they have a limit to the amount of crop damage they will accept. Providing grain producers with assistance when they experience depredation by waterfowl helps to maintain a positive attitude towards waterfowl and waterfowl habitat development initiatives, ensuring that waterfowl and wetland habitat continue to have a place in the rural landscape.

If you are experiencing waterfowl crop depredation, contact your local Agriculture Fieldman in your Municipality or call our toll free number 1-877-969-9091 for more information.


Wildlife Predator Compensation Program 

This program provides financial compensation to agricultural producers who have incurred losses to livestock (cattle, swine, sheep, goats and bison) because of predation by wildlife (bears, wolves, cougars or eagles). Assessment of losses is undertaken by Alberta Justice and Solicitor General, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Branch (AJSG). ACA is responsible for making the compensation payments to the agricultural producers as per a set payment scheduled. In 2014/15, the federal government will supply approximately 50 percent of the funding required for compensation payments.


Shot Livestock Compensation Program 

This program provides financial compensation to agricultural producers who have incurred losses to livestock because of accidental shooting by third parties during an open hunting season. Compensation covers losses of horses and livestock covered under the predator program, as well as veterinary costs for wounded animals. Assessment of the losses is undertaken by AJSG, while ACA is responsible for making the compensation payments to the agricultural producers as per a set payment schedule.

For further information please contact us at info@ab-conservation.com