Now Accepting ALUS Expressions of Interest from Producers

Are you interested in conducting an ALUS project on your land? 

Saddle Hills County has just begun the implementation of a three-year ALUS trial for County producers.

What is ALUS? 

ALUS works to restore difficult to farm, and marginal lands into environmental projects that generate cleaner air and water, wildlife habitat, and other ecosystem services. ALUS enhances wetlands and riparian buffer areas, plants trees to boost wildlife, establishes new pollinator habitats, while also assisting with flood and drought resilience.

Based on sound scientific principles and verification guidelines, ALUS provides valuable support and technical expertise for the design and implementation of green infrastructure projects and nature-based solutions. The ecological services produced by ALUS projects have economic value on the marketplace, which ALUS is actively developing. Citizens, corporations, and philanthropists invest directly in environmental stewardship.

The ALUS Saddle Hills County program coordinator will work with local producers to help establish ALUS projects in the County. 

What are some examples of ALUS projects?

Some examples of ALUS projects include:

• Healthy riparian buffer zones provide critical wildlife habitat and improve water quality.
• Created or restored wetlands, which improve water quality and can protect communities against spring flooding and offset the impact of droughts. 
• Restoring native prairie enhances natural grazing, haying options, and critical habitat for species at risk. 
• Pollinator hedgerows provide habitat for pollinator’s which in turn pollinate our agricultural crops and native plants. 
• Reforestation 

What type of land and how much land can a farmer enroll?

Most ALUS projects target areas that are marginally productive, are inefficient to farm, or are environmentally sensitive. Examples include saline areas along watercourses, steeply sloped crop land, low wet field areas, and odd areas that are difficult to farm with today’s larger equipment. ALUS also supports alternative management that has environmental benefits such as ensuring appropriate timing and intensity of grazing activities.

ALUS focuses on environmental outcomes on the working lands. Specifically marginal and ecologically sensitive lands, that are currently under production. In general a maximum of 20 percent of workable land is eligible. Exceptions can be made on a case by case basis. 

How do producers get involved?

With the assistance of an ALUS coordinator, producers submit an Expression of Interest, which provides basic details on their operation. Site visits follow to determine what areas of the farm are best suited for an ALUS project. Participants sign a term agreement. They can opt out at any time, and payments are adjusted accordingly.

Saddle Hills County is excited to announce that we are now accepting Expressions of Interest from County producers for projects planned for 2025. 

Want more information on the ALUS program? Visit our dedicated ALUS page at www.saddlehills.ab.ca/ALUS or contact the ALUS Program Coordinator at ag@saddlehills.ab.ca or call (780) 864-3760.