Alberta’s rangelands are important landscapes that require ongoing stewardship and innovation. The Rangeland Sustainability Program helps put stewardship ideas from on-the-ground Alberta organizations into action.
The Rangeland Sustainability Program supports academics, non-profits and agricultural partners in developing practical solutions that help maintain and improve the health, biodiversity and resilience of Alberta’s rangelands. The program reinvests a portion of grazing disposition rental fees into projects that support responsible stewardship and sustainable management of these important landscapes.
“Alberta’s rangelands are one of our province’s most valuable natural assets, supporting wildlife, livestock and healthy ecosystems. Through the Rangeland Sustainability Program, our government is supporting producers, researchers and conservation groups who are leading the way in responsible stewardship and helping keep Alberta’s rangelands healthy for generations to come.”
“Alberta’s rangelands are vital to the agricultural industry and the province’s landscapes. Farmers and ranchers depend on these lands for high-quality feed for cattle, sheep and other grazing livestock, livestock production and to reduce reliance on harvested feed during the grazing season. This investment will help continue research and extension efforts for our rangelands’ future productivity and preservation.”
Alberta’s rangelands are important working landscapes, supporting food production, clean air, fresh water, timber harvesting, wildlife habitat preservation and forage for livestock, while contributing to the lives and livelihoods of farmers and ranchers. Important projects from this year’s Rangeland Sustainability Program recipients include research into pest management, restoration of native grasslands, public education campaigns and more.
“Targeted goat grazing is a practical, natural way to manage invasive species and overgrown brush on grazing lands. This funding lets us put that approach to work and share what we learn with producers across the region. We appreciate the province's support.”
2025-26 funding recipients:
- Alberta Conservation Association
- Alberta Invasive Species Council
- Municipal District of Ranchlands
- Peace County Beef and Forage Association
- Red Deer County
- Rocky Mountain Forest Range Association
- Southwest Alberta Sustainable Community Initiative
- West Central Forage Association
- Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation of Canada
Applications for 2026-27 Rangeland Sustainability Program funding are open until Sept. 16, 2026. Applications will be considered based on knowledge and understanding of rangeland management. For more information, visit alberta.ca/rangeland-sustainability-program.
Quick facts:
- Last year, Forestry and Parks allocated more than $1.3 million in funding for the Rangeland Sustainability Program.
- Annual funding has increased since the program’s inception in 2020, from $43,000 to $1.4 million in Budget 2026.