Province grants $300,000 to Alberta's first-ever land trust alliance
Calgary… Albertans will soon enjoy more conserved land as a result of a $300,000 grant from Alberta Environment, kick starting the Alberta Land Trust Alliance.
The Alliance, a non-profit, province-wide organization of individual land trust organizations and supporters, will increase land trust collaboration, provide leadership, build capacity and promote awareness about land conservation. In addition to the funding, allocated over three years, Alberta Environment's commitment includes a seconded staff member.
“Albertans can expect to hear more about how they can protect the natural integrity of the land thanks to the Alberta Land Trust Alliance,” said Alberta Environment Minister Guy Boutilier. “I am committed to ensuring our land is conserved for generations to come and this grant will help further the excellent work of Alberta's land trust community.”
Guy Greenaway, Chair of the Alberta Land Trust Alliance Steering Committee emphasized the timeliness of this important alliance. “More and more private landowners are turning to Alberta's land trusts to help them achieve their personal land conservation goals. The land trust community is growing in size and scope, and this support of an Alberta Land Trust Alliance serves a vital need at a critical time.”
Brian Ilnicki, Head of Industry and Government Relations for Ducks Unlimited Canada in Alberta echoed the importance of supporting the alliance. “The commitment of staff and resources for the start-up of the Alberta Land Trust Alliance is exciting and demonstrates Alberta Environment's support for long-term land conservation activities in the province. As a founding member of the Land Trust Leadership project, Ducks Unlimited Canada is looking forward to collaborating on land trust activities in the province.”
The formation of the Alliance was a recommendation by an Advisory Committee set up under Alberta Environment's Land Trust Leadership Project.
November 22, 2006