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Conservation Easements - Alberta
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) - Alberta
Photo: Ducks Unlimited Canada
Program Summary
A conservation easement with DUC Alberta is a voluntary, mutually agreed upon legal agreement between a landowner and DUC. The landowner agrees to limit specific activities on the property in perpetuity, receiving a one-time payment based on the fair market value. The agreement preserves the natural integrity and features of all or part of a parcel of land by limiting the amount and type of development that can occur. It allows for compatible agricultural land use on the protected area such as haying and grazing.
Program characteristics
Province
Alberta
Natural Features
Wildlife Habitat, Native Grasses, Wetlands, Riparian Areas, Species-at-risk Habitat
Agriculture Type
Rangeland / Pasture
Program Scope
Provincial
Conservation Approach
Protection
Incentive Type
Payment for Practices / Conservation / Credits
Delivery Agent Type
NGO
Commitment Type
Land Conservation / Protection
Commitment Term
Perpetual
Program web site
Conservation Goals
Conservation easements focus on preserving the natural habitat on parcels in perpetuity.
Eligible Lands
Eligible landscapes include uncultivated lands with natural wetland or upland habitat.
Additional Details
The landowner retains the right to manage the habitat area covered by a conservation easement so it is possible to generate income from permissible land uses such as hay production and pasture rental.
Land protected by a conservation easement cannot be cultivated or cleared for any purpose including crop production of any kind. Activities such as drainage, filling, cultivation, pumping (other than for domestic or livestock use) of any wetlands identified under a conservation easement are not permitted.
Land covered by a conservation easement cannot be developed for commercial or residential property in the future.
The conservation easement is attached to the land title and applies to all future landowners. Landowners are free to sell, gift or will the property however the conservation easement does bind future landowners to the same land use restrictions.
Commitment
Landowners sign an agreement committing in perpetuity to not clear, break, or drain the conservation easement area, and ensure all conservation easement areas are maintained according to the agreed-upon terms and conditions.
Incentive
Landowners receive a one-time payment based on the fair market value of the conserved property.
Contact Information
Alberta landowners wanting more information can fill in the 'contact us' form at https://ag.ducks.ca/program/conservation-easements or call 1-866-479-3825.
Important to Know
Wetlands covered by a conservation easement can be a water source for livestock and wildlife. They also provide ecosystem services such as mitigating the effects of floods and drought, filtering excess nutrients and pollutants, sequestering carbon and promoting biodiversity.
Any future activities that may be viewed as a contravention of the conservation easement agreement can be authorized by DUC through the use of a Work Consent Form.
The landowner maintains control of public access to the property however DUC will require periodic access for the purposes of monitoring the conservation easement .
The landowner retains all rights and privileges not specified in the conservation easement agreement and is responsible for all taxes and obligations associated with ownership.
An FAQ on DUC Alberta conservation easements is available at
https://ag.ducks.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/AB-CE-mar20_final.pdf
For a full list of DUC's programs in Alberta, see https://www.ducks.ca/places/alberta