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Wetland Restoration Lease Program - Alberta
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) - Alberta
Photo: Ducks Unlimited Canada
Program Summary
Under this program DUC Alberta will restore previously-drained wetlands, and then pay landowners to retain the restored wetland for 10 years. A caveat to that effect is placed on title. Restored wetlands may be hayed or grazed but they cannot be drained, altered, or tilled during the term of the agreement.
Program characteristics
Province
Alberta
Natural Features
Wetlands, Wildlife Habitat
Agriculture Type
Cropland, Rangeland / Pasture
Program Scope
Provincial
Conservation Approach
Restoration, Protection
Incentive Type
Payment for Practices / Conservation / Credits, Cost-sharing / Discounts
Delivery Agent Type
NGO
Commitment Type
Land Conservation / Protection, Management Agreement
Commitment Term
Short Term (1 to 10 years), Perpetual
Conservation Goals
DUC's restoration programs are focused on restoring naturally occurring water levels of drained and altered wetlands.
Eligible Lands
Eligible landscapes include previously drained or altered wetland areas in DUC Alberta's priority areas.
Additional Details
The restored area remains under the management of the landowner.
The restored area can be hayed or grazed but not drained, altered or tilled during the term of the agreement.
DUC restores the wetland and covers expenses such as surveying costs, labour and equipment.
Landowners can still hay/graze/farm around the wetland, so long as they do not modify the wetland basin in any way
Commitment
Landowners are require to sign a 10-year agreement committing to refraining from draining, altering, or tilling the restored wetland during the term of the agreement.
Incentive
DUC Alberta pays 100 per cent of the fair market value for the area covered by the restored wetland. Half is paid upfront, and half is paid in 10 payments over the 10 years.
Contact Information
For more information contact fill in DUC Alberta's 'contact us' form https://ag.ducks.ca/program/restoring-wetlands, or call toll free 1-866-479-3825.
Important to Know
When the agreement expires, government regulations or legislation that restrict wetland drainage still apply.
DUC Alberta has produced the Landowner Guide to the Alberta Wetland Policy, which helps landowners better understand their rights and responsibilities under Alberta’s Wetland Policy when working in and around wetlands.
Wetland Restoration is made possible through the Government of Alberta Wetland Replacement Program.
More detail on the DUC Alberta program can be found at https://ag.ducks.ca/program/restoring-wetlands/ and in their fact sheet https://ag.ducks.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/AB-WR-2020.pdf