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SAW'S ALUS WUQWATR
Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds
Photo: WUQWATR
Program Summary
Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds (SAW) delivers several ALUS-supported programs in the former WUQWATR watershed area, including conversion of cropland to perennial forages, wetland and riparian enhancement, wetland restoration, enhancing natural water runs, and hen boxes. Landowners can access per-acre and per-project incentive payments.
Program characteristics
Province
Saskatchewan
Natural Features
Wetlands, Riparian Areas, Forest / Treed, Grasslands, Native Grasses, Species-at-risk Habitat, Wildlife Habitat
Agriculture Type
Rangeland / Pasture
Program Scope
Regional/Local
Conservation Approach
Restoration, Beneficial Practices, Species-At-Risk Protection, Protection
Incentive Type
Payment for Practices / Conservation / Credits, Cost-sharing / Discounts, Recognition, Technical Advice
Delivery Agent Type
NGO
Commitment Type
Land Conservation / Protection, Management Agreement, Restoration / Re-seeding / Conversion, Infrastructure Installation
Commitment Term
Short Term (1 to 10 years)
Program web site
Conservation Goals
SAW's ALUS WUQWATR program seeks to convert marginal cropland to perennial forage, conserve prairie habitat, and conserve and restore wetlands and riparian areas.
Eligible Lands
Eligible landscapes include properties in the former-WUQWATR sub-watersheds, including Wascana Creek, Upper Qu’Appelle River, Lanigan-Manitou, and Last Mountain Lake, as well as properties in the RM of Francis (127), Lajord (128), Indian Head (156), and South Qu’Appelle (157).
Additional Details
· Applications are generally accepted year-round, though annual funding may be fully allocated early.
· Contact the ALUS Coordinator to discuss your operation and project ideas.
· The Coordinator works with you to prepare a proposal.
· Your proposal is reviewed by the Partnership Advisory Committee (PAC)—a local group of producers and technical experts who guide decision-making.
Commitment
Project opportunities include perennial forage establishment, exclusion fencing, alternative watering systems, enhanced wetlands and riparian areas, as well as shelterbelts and tree planting. Participants sign voluntary conservation agreements with SAW, typically five years in length, which outline the management expectations and annual payments expected. Program participants commit to maintaining the practices or restored habitat for the term of the agreement. At the end of the agreement term, the agreement and annual payments may be renewed.
Incentive
ALUS uses a unique payment-for-ecosystem services model. The producer cost-shares with the program to get the project established, then ALUS pays the producer an annual payment to manage and maintain their project for the optimal production of ecosystem services.
Payment rates vary based on the project type. For details applicants need to contact the program coordinator.
Contact Information
For more information, contact Nicole Moffat at n.moffat@saskwatersheds.ca or 306-513-9123
Important to Know
This program is delivered in partnership with ALUS Canada .
ALUS Canada supports local organizations to deliver payment for ecosystem service programs across Canada, including the prairies. ALUS programs provide participants with per-acre annual payments in exchange for actions that support the continued flow of ecosystem goods and services, including creating, enhancing and restoring wetlands, planting trees and windbreaks, planting riparian buffers, creating pollinator habitat, and piloting alternative land management practices.
The ALUS program is currently delivered in six provinces across Canada, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. For more information see https://alus.ca/frequently-asked-questions/