Introduction
Disturbance Standards (DS) provide clear, consistent rules for low‑impact activities on Alberta’s public lands. They outline what level of disturbance is acceptable, what structures or activities are allowed, and how users can operate responsibly without requiring a full formal disposition.
This page provides an overview of disturbance standards currently available and links to dedicated pages for specific land use activities that have an established disturbance standard process.
Disturbance Standards
The Government of Alberta currently maintains 2 Disturbance Standards. Each standard has requirements, eligible activities and how to comply;
- Trapping Structures Disturbance Standard - Outlines requirements for trapline cabin sites and related structures within Registered Fur Management Areas (RFMAs).
- Mooring Disturbance Standard - Supports consistent management of low‑impact lakeshore activities by property owners, municipalities, and the public.
How Disturbance Standards work
Disturbance Standards are established under sections 3 and 5 of the Public Lands Administration Regulation (PLAR), and are used to:
- clarify what is allowed by granting conditional permission without needing an application for a formal disposition
- provide clear footprint, structure, or activity limits
- ensure environmental protections are maintained
- support consistent compliance and enforcement
- help integrate these activities into broader land‑use planning
Users must follow all conditions outlined in the applicable Disturbance Standard. Some activities may still require authorization depending on location, scope, or environmental factors.
Contact
Connect with the local lands officer:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Email: [email protected]
Find the local Lands Officer in Public lands disposition contacts.