Meristem: Crop Science

Agricultural producers across Alberta still have a chance to participate in an innovative new pilot project that helps producers enhance the value of wildlife habitat on their farms and ranches.

"Natural Advantage, The On-Farm Wildlife and Biodiversity Planning Service" is a free program which helps producers build a more comprehensive plan for their habitat resources. In the process, they will have the opportunity to build a greater understanding of biodiversity on their land.

The program has attracted considerable interest since its launch earlier this summer. By the end of July, 47 producers from across Alberta had signed up for the service. Together, they represent over 500 quarters, or nearly 80,000 acres of farmland. Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) manages the program with funding provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Greencover Canada program.

"Whether driven by high stewardship standards or habitat’s connection with land value, many producers today are thinking that the time might be right to take stock of their habitat assets and where practical, proactively integrate stewardship of habitat and biodiversity into their operational and business plans," says Kim Schmitt, project director.

"The early interest we’re seeing in the Natural Advantage program confirms that there is strong interest in taking action on habitat resources. The goal is to work with 60-80 producers over the coming year."

Natural Advantage is intended to be a simple process for producers without a large commitment, says Schmitt. "At the same time, it offers them a thorough look at how they can make their cropping and farming practices work with the diversity of life on their farms and ranches."

The first step in the process is to get involved in the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) program, a free, confidential assessment of environmental strengths and risks on a farm operation. Participation in the EFP program is a prerequisite to the Natural Advantage stewardship initiative.

The next step is to sign a letter of understanding which outlines to producers in simple terms how the project is carried out. That starts a process in which trained biologists from DUC analyze the habitat resources on the property. This is followed by a phone interview in which a biologist discusses the project with the participant.

From there, habitat is analyzed and classified using aerial photos and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping. Biologists then spend up to half a day meeting with the landowner to discuss their findings, also taking time to complete field verification and a rapid assessment of the condition of the areas identified.

The final product for producers is a comprehensive written report based on the knowledge gathered, including resource materials and contact information to assist with implementing the report’s recommendations.

The hope is that this initiative will add value by highlighting producers’ habitat assets, says Schmitt. "The reward associated with proactive management of habitat and biodiversity is highly variable depending on the operation. For some it’s about values and quality of life only, while others recognize these features, but also have concrete business plans such as agri-tourism, eco-labeling or brand development focused on sustainability."

To participate in the program, interested producers should contact DUC wildlife biologists Brett Boukall at 403-348-5258 or Jolene Hillson at 780-439-5145. Assessments will be completed over the summer and early fall.

Ducks Unlimited Canada is a private non-profit organization that supports the conservation, restoration and management of wetlands and associated habitats. These habitats benefit waterfowl, other wildlife and people.

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Still openings for Alberta’s Natural Advantage on-farm habitat program