How we take care of it now will determine our prosperity and sustainability later. That’s why we are committed to conserving Alberta’s wetlands and grasslands. By working together with landowners, communities, government and partners, we have a better and brighter future ahead – one that is rich in natural assets, resources and biodiversity.
How our work impacts conservation across Canada.
Where we’re working on the ground from coast to coast.
We need your help to protect our water, wildlife, and wetlands. Here’s how you can make an impact.
Places
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Province
Alberta
ALBERTA. DYNAMIC. RESILIENT.
Albertans have a strong connection to the land
From native prairie grasslands, to the aspen parkland to the boreal forest, our landscape and environment supports our way of life, our well-being, and our economic prosperity.
Alberta by the numbers
We share a common vision to conserve our most valuable natural assets because once they are lost, so too, is our way of life.
2400 HABITAT PROJECTS
That connect with nature and support local economies
4512 LANDOWNER PARTNERS
Balancing conservation goals with those of landowners
2.3 million ACRES CONSERVED SINCE 1938
Conserving valuable natural resources for our future
Press Releases
The Latest Stories from Alberta
Alberta - Landowners, Partnerships
DUC’s Revolving Land Conservation Program is on the mark
More than 1,700 acres; five projects. That’s how many acres and conservation projects under DUC’s Revolving Land Conservation program were put back in the hands of Alberta farmers and landowners this fall. Read Now
Alberta - Wildlife
Rare bird sighting is evidence that conservation matters
Seeing is believing. Alberta birdwatchers could barely believe their eyes when they sighted a whooping crane in southern and central Alberta in 2020. Read Now
Alberta - Landowners, Policy
Wetland restoration and Alberta Wetland Policy benefit a farm family
For Leroy and Mary Feldberg, their wetland restoration project provides better control of spring flooding on their land, continued use of the land for grazing, increased wildlife habitat and financial compensation. Read Now
Alberta - Grassroots
Meet Alberta’s new manager of provincial operations
Introducing Thorsten Hebben, DUC's new provincial manager of operations in Alberta. Read Now
Alberta Landowner Programs
Alberta Hay and Graze Tender Program
Sound grazing management of pasture land keeps forage stands healthy and vigorous. It helps with weed control and serves as productive waterfowl habitat. To support local producers, DUC makes land available for haying and/or grazing with annual tenders.
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Wetland Restoration Lease Program
The restored area remains under the management of the landowner and can be hayed or grazed but not drained, altered or tilled during the term of the agreement. Landowners receive compensation from DUC for this restriction which could be used by farmers to support new land purchases. The lease program is a very good fit for cattle producers who have drained wetlands on grazing lands.
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Conservation Easements
A conservation easement (CE) allows for compatible agricultural land use such as haying and grazing on a property. Because a CE supports the growth of native plants and protects the land’s natural features, perennial cover is maintained and can serve as a sustainable source of forage.
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Forage Program
The DUC forage program provides cash-back incentives on Proven® Seed forage varieties paid at full retail price when producers convert cultivated land to hay or pasture land.
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Revolving Land Conservation Program
Through this program, DUC purchases land, restores its wetlands and grasslands and then makes it available to buyers on the real estate market with a conservation easement on the title.
Read now