Alberta: Investing in conservation and jobs
As part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan, Alberta’s government is announcing new job-creating conservation projects.
Up to 125 jobs will be supported in conservation-related activities, including seed gathering and tree planting to restore seismic lines in caribou management areas. Projects will also focus on culvert and bridge replacement, as well as repairs to water crossings that help recover at-risk species and protect habitat.
“We have put forward a bold, ambitious strategy to build, diversify and create jobs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This investment is key to getting Albertans back to work and enhancing conservation of Alberta’s public lands for future generations.”Jason Nixon, Minister of Environment and Parks
“Trout Unlimited Canada supports the provincial government’s investment to remediate problem stream crossings. This is a great opportunity to address fish passage and sedimentation issues impacting native trout populations. In addition to the benefits to fish, wildlife, and the health of our rivers, this work creates jobs for engineers, aquatic biologists, restoration specialists and construction contractors within our communities.”Lesley Peterson, Alberta biologist, Trout Unlimited Canada
“The announcement will provide substantial benefits to Albertans and rural communities by supporting the province’s caribou recovery strategy, while providing important employment opportunities through construction contracts, field work and operational support. We are pleased to work with Alberta Environment and Parks, contractors and Indigenous communities in delivering this work throughout central and northern Alberta.”Murray Summers, president, Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta
The $9.7-million investment in these projects is from the Land Stewardship Fund. This is a temporary measure in response to the economic downturn from the COVID-19 pandemic to stimulate the economy and create new jobs, while achieving important conservation outcomes.
Alberta’s Recovery Plan is a bold, ambitious long-term strategy to build, diversify, and create tens of thousands of jobs now. By building schools, roads and other core infrastructure we are benefiting our communities. By diversifying our economy and attracting investment with Canada’s most competitive tax environment, we are putting Alberta on a path for a generation of growth. Alberta came together to save lives by flattening the curve and now we must do the same to save livelihoods, grow and thrive.
Quick facts
- Projects were identified by the department based on restoring critical habitat, species at risk and endangered species.
- Activities will be focused in Little Smoky, Cold Lake and Red Earth Caribou Ranges, and on water crossings throughout the province.
- Projects will begin immediately – including tree planting and watercourse crossing replacement, which are season dependent and time sensitive.
- Land Stewardship Fund allocation in 2020-21 includes:
- $9.7 million for conservation-related activities
- $5 million for the Land Trust Grant Program, which conserves ecologically important areas through annual grants to land trust organizations
- $300,000 for operating expenses
- 60,000 hectares of Alberta landscapes have been conserved so far through land trusts, with $74 million in funding.
