Alberta grant open to projects focusing on the province’s rangelands

The Government of Alberta is accepting applications for a grant focusing on the province’s rangelands.

The Rangeland Sustainability Program (RSP) is now open for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Dedicated to promoting the conservation and long-term sustainability of Alberta’s rangelands, the program funds collaborative projects with partners and stakeholders across the province. These projects aim to:

• Remove barriers to successful stewardship: By supporting rangeland managers, the RSP helps achieve economic, social, and environmental outcomes.
• Support research programs: Increasing knowledge and understanding of rangeland management is key to achieving long-term sustainability.
• Implement sustainability stewardship: Through education initiatives and tool development, the RSP aids Albertans and industry stakeholders in their efforts to maintain sustainable rangelands.

Examples of Funded Projects

Some examples of projects that may receive funding through this program include:

• Applied research demonstrating adaptive range management practices
• Carbon sequestration research, extension, and best management practices for rangelands
• Climate change effects and adaptation on rangelands
• Ecological restoration of native grasslands in areas of forest or brush encroachment
• Enhancement of existing tools, development of new tools, practices, or strategies for rangeland sustainability
• Grazing and timber integration
• Livestock producer education and extension
• Multiple use mitigation best practices on rangelands
• Predation and cattle loss
• Protection of species at risk
• Rangeland management and ecosystem services
• Rangeland reclamation and restoration research and training
• Rangeland wildfire resilience
• Recreation and rangeland interactions
• Riparian monitoring and management
• Wildlife, livestock, and rangeland interactions

Funding and Future Outlook

The RSP is funded through a portion of annual grazing rental revenue, which varies based on market condition. This variable funding model ensures that the program can adapt to changing economic circumstances while continuing to support vital conservation efforts.

The annual application deadline is 11:59 pm October 16, 2024.

For more information on the Rangeland Sustainability Program and to apply for funding, click here.