LAKELAND - Both extremes of water issues that have affected Albertans and the province's agriculture sector are being addressed in funding from the Alberta government.
On Jan. 16, the government of Alberta announced an investment of $3.5 million for drought and flood protection, as well as plans for improved water quality for residents in the province.
The investment will go towards funding eight projects in communities across Alberta through the Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program. The projects are designed to help restore riverbanks and watersheds, stabilize stream banks, improve natural drainage, and support communities affected by recent droughts and floods.
Two of the projects that were approved are in the Lakeland region. The first is a $198,200 Watershed Restoration Project in Lac La Biche County, designed to update wetland inventory data for the municipality.
The second is the Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Project that will support agricultural stakeholders in a large region of northeastern Alberta linked to the Athabasca, Beaver, and North Saskatchewan River basins. The Lakeland Agricultural and Research Association (LARA) received $214,000 for the overall project that will help producers expand their knowledge to implement beneficial management practices to improve food and drought resiliency while enhancing riparian areas on their land.
Alyssa Krawchuk, the executive director of the Bonnyville-based Lakeland Agricultural Research Association is grateful to be a recipient of the funding. She said the project dollars come at the right time.
"With increasing drought prevalence and climatic pressures, these funds will help us to support agricultural producers in building flood and drought resiliency to ensure the long-term sustainability and viability of Alberta's agriculture sector.
Krawchuk says fencing project that will protect riparian will improve overall watershed health and water quality is one of the areas already earmarked for some of the funding. In addition, items like offsite watering systems, and wintering site re-locations to manage runoff and protect sensitive areas are projects that will benefit from the funding.
Along with the planned projects, Krawchuk says local producers are encouraged to contact the LARA office with their own ideas.
"Funding is expected to begin March 1, 2024, but we encourage Lakeland region agriculture producers to reach out before this date to discuss potential projects," she said.
The Albert Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program offers funding each year to projects and communities across the province to reduce the effects of flooding and droughts.
Rebecca Schulz, the provincial Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, says it has never been more important to improve the resiliency of Alberta’s watersheds.
“By working with local communities and partners, we are helping mitigate the impact of future floods and droughts in communities across the province while creating healthier water bodies for future generations,” she explained.
Projects approved for funding are led by various organizations, including stewardship groups, non-profits, Indigenous communities, and municipalities to restore critical wetland and riparian areas while promoting the continued stewardship and preservation of watersheds.
Additional details on the specific projects affecting northern and northeastern Alberta stakeholders area are expected in the coming weeks.
