Landowners play an important role in conserving land and water, and in protecting the plants and wildlife that depend on them, while continuing to support their families. Alberta’s government continues to partner with landowners to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.

Through the Private Land Conservation Program, $2.8 million in grant funding has been awarded to five projects that will conserve more than 8,500 acres across the province while supporting working landscapes.

The Ecosystem Services Grant Program has awarded more than $2.1 million to five projects that directly support landowners in improving and maintaining private lands with high ecological value, targeting at least 8,800 acres.

“Landowners are crucial partners in conservation programs that create opportunities for sustainable land use and keep people working. We’re supporting projects that align conservation goals with landowner needs, maximizing every dollar.”

Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas

Together, these 10 projects will help land trusts and landowners protect Alberta’s natural landscapes without disrupting the livelihoods that hard-working families rely on. The initiatives will safeguard important areas including watersheds, riparian zones and grasslands while keeping them viable as productive agricultural lands.

“The Milk River Watershed Council Canada is honoured to be a recipient of the Ecosystems Services Grant. Our project, coined ‘grasslands for life’, is intended to work directly with ranchers of the watershed to provide annual per-acre payments for measurable stewardship outcomes on deeded native rangeland and riparian areas. These lands provide ecosystem services that enhance biodiversity, carbon storage, soil health and water quality while maintaining the economic viability of working rangelands.”

John A. Ross, chair, Milk River Watershed Council Canada and area rancher

“This Private Land Conservation Program grant will guarantee the protection of over 245 acres of natural woods and waterways in the Tawatinaw Valley. Our thanks to Minister Hunter for giving Crooked Creek Conservancy Society of Athabasca assistance in protecting this amazing and biologically diverse property in its natural state for at least 20 years.”

Rosemary Neaves, chair, Crooked Creek Conservancy Society of Athabasca

These lands will provide important wildlife habitat, support healthy watersheds, store carbon and protect endangered species. Projects include a conservation site program in Clearwater County that will help retain riparian areas and protect critical wetland habitat for species at risk. Further south, a project in the Milk River watershed will help retain unique grasslands and riparian areas with high ecological value.

Another project in southern Alberta supports landowners by incentivizing grazing and stewardship practices that improve coulee and riparian corridors. These enhancements benefit wildlife, support pollinators, filter water and provide recreation opportunities.

The Ecosystem Services Grant Program helps landowners cover the costs of maintaining conservation lands with high ecological value. These areas provide habitat, support biodiversity, absorb rainfall naturally and reduce runoff. Conserving these landscapes helps protect the vital natural spaces Albertans care about.

The application period for the 2026-27 funding intake for both programs will open in June and run until September. More information can be found on alberta.ca

Quick facts

  • Since 2011, the Private Land Conservation Program, formerly the Land Trust Grant Program, has awarded more than $118 million to land trust organizations, helping conserve more than 289,000 acres of private land.
  • The Private Land Conservation Program allows Alberta-based land trusts to work with interested landowners to apply for funding to help protect private land.
  • The Ecosystem Services Grant Program works with Alberta municipalities, non-profit organizations and non-governmental organizations to fund direct payments to landowners for retaining and improving ecosystem services on private lands in Alberta.
  • Projects are evaluated and funding is awarded based on guidelines that align with Alberta’s long-term conservation goals.

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