“Since the pandemic, we have adapted the way we connect with landowners and farmers so that we can keep everyone safe and healthy. Some of our communication processes have changed and we use more email, telephone, text and online videos to support social distancing but overall, there haven’t been too many barriers for us to move forward on projects and landowner negotiations. We take the lead from the landowner and work in the manner that is most comfortable for them. Our staff are also expected to be acutely aware of their own health status to ensure that they only work when they feel well.”
Big wetland restoration plans for 2020
Right now, DUC has more than 30 wetland restoration projects on the go in the province. In total, DUC expects to restore more than 900 acres in Alberta this year. And with DUC’s 10-year lease agreement, landowners can expect that the work will be done and maintained in good stead by DUC, while still being able to use the land for their own haying or grazing purposes.
Another program that continues to generate a lot of interest are conservation easements. These agreements last in perpetuity and preserve the natural integrity and features of the land. This protection provides much more than just productive waterfowl and wildlife habitat. Wetlands provide a host of environmental benefits, such as mitigating flood and drought damage, sequestering carbon, and having an integral part in addressing nutrient filtration and water quality. Overall, both of these DUC programs are an effective way for farmers and landowners to have a positive impact on the landscape.
There’s no doubt that the presence of COVID-19 have forced everyone to take a good hard look at various aspects of their livelihood, operations and economic sustainability. If you are wondering if a DUC program on your land might work for you in the long run, contact us at restoremywetlands-ab@ducks.ca. We can help.
