One year after it was introduced, Red Deer County’s Conservation Partners program is going strong.
Created as a way of connecting donors with landowners and their environmentally-beneficial projects, it’s continuing to pick up steam as it heads into its second year.
“This year, we’ve already had $60,000 for projects,” said conservation co-ordinator Ken Lewis. “We got a grant from Alberta Conservation Association for $30,000, and our county council approved us for $30,000.”
All of that funding has already been allocated, he added, such is the program’s popularity among environmentally-conscious county landowners.
Eligible landowners must be situated within the county with projects that in some way benefit the environment.
“For the most part, it’s benefitting wetlands, rivers, creeks, groundwater and riparian areas,” said Lewis. “As long as you can show that, or we can see that, then that makes it eligible.”
With the groundwork season now underway, the county is beginning to approach potential donors to solicit funding for the many landowners who have expressed an interest in participating.
If there isn’t enough funding to meet the program’s high demand, projects will be put on a waiting list until more money becomes available.
“Probably our greatest challenge (has been) finding donors,” said Lewis. “Part of that is that this is a new thing for us.”
To that end, increased efforts will be made to market the program to potential donors, with businesses and service groups among the first to be approached.
The county is also making use of online resources such as social media and its website to provide information on the program.
“We’ll be reaching out to (potential donors) through that,” said Lewis.
Examples of projects that have been a part of the program include portable livestock shelters, tree planting and off-stream livestock watering systems.
As well as improving the environment, the program also aims to give recognition to landowners that do their part, Lewis said.
“(It’s about) getting more great projects out on the land, and acknowledging all the stuff that landowners do for the environment. If we can help them do even more with this program, that’s great.”
Both landowners and donors are being sought to participate in the program. They’re able to do so by phoning Lewis at 403-505-9038. Those who aren’t eligible for Conservation Partners funding may be directed to other more applicable programs.
The county also launched its Green Acreages initiative last month. Lewis described that program as being similar to Conservation Partners, but specifically for acreage owners.
In it, participants undergo a self-assessment process, with help from a conservation assistant, before identifying risks and issues they wish to address. They can then apply for funding to help cover associated costs.