FORMERLY THE ROCKY VIEW FIVE VILLAGE WEEKLY
Volume 35, Number 29	OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR THE MD OF ROCKY VIEW #44	Tuesday, July 15, 2008
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Program facilitates natural habitat protection
Enrique Massot

A new program may help farmers and ranchers inventory the wildlife and biodiversity existing on their land, which could go a long way towards benefiting both landowners and the environment.

The Natural Advantage program, implemented by Ducks Unlimited Canada (DU) is easy to implement and free of charge to producers, said program director Kim Schmitt. It was designed to provide a better understanding of the role of wildlife habitat on agricultural operations.

"Producers are finding new value in their habitat resources," she said. "For some, that value is about quality of life while others are driven by possible economic opportunities."

Biologists from DU visit a farmer’s property and analyze the habitat using aerial photography and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping. The final product is a comprehensive written report for the producer, including resource materials and contact information to assist with implementing the report's recommendations.

"Biologists with the Natural Advantage program offer technical expertise and links to resources to help producers get real, on-the-ground value from their wildlife habitat plans," said Schmitt.

Schmitt said she expects assessments to be completed over the summer and early fall of 2008, with most final reports being delivered after the field season wraps up.

Tim Dietzler, agricultural fieldman with the MD of Rocky View, said the program is an excellent opportunity for local landowners to see the biodiversity on their land.

"It helps them understand what habitat they have on their property and what it means to them," said Dietzler.

He added Rocky View has plenty of environmental features and rich animal populations in all its four corners.

"There are all kinds of habitat throughout Rocky View that impacts wildlife, water recharge, birds and waterfalls," he said.

The program started in 2007, and as many as 62 producers from all areas of Alberta had their land assessed by Ducks Unlimited biologists. More than 90,000 acres were assessed in the central parklands, prairies, boreal transition, foothills and peace parkland.

This year, the program will be expanded to reach more producers, Schmitt said.

"The number of biologists conducting assessments has been increased from two to three in order to reach the full range of farm sizes, operations and geographical regions throughout the province."

Besides being free of charge, the Natural Advantage is a simple process that does not require a major time commitment for producers, Schmitt said.

Although the program has expanded this year, there is a limited number of spots available that will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, she added.

"The program was very popular last year and the goal is to have an even stronger year in 2008, so it makes sense for interested producers to sign up early."

Although last year participation required producers to have completed an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP), this year that requirement has been dropped.

Ducks Unlimited manages the program with funding provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Greencover Canada.