December 21, 2011
 Protection of wetlands is a key goal of ALUS projects in Saskatchewan  ALUS is good for the environment, good for waterfowl and ultimately good for everyone. |
Saskatchewan ALUS For The Birds
The launch of Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) in Saskatchewan will have an immediate impact on waterfowl populations in one of Canada's premier breeding areas, says Jim Fisher, Delta's director of conservation policy.
"The potential here is enormous," says Fisher. "Whenever we introduce ALUS into prime waterfowl landscape, we see positive results for the birds. The impact will be relatively small at first, but will grow as the program expands across the province."
On December 8th, four rural municipalities east of the provincial capital of Regina announced plans to implement ALUS in the Wascana Creek and Qu'Appelle Valley watersheds.
"For duck hunters, this demonstration project will showcase how producers (farmers) can work with the community to deliver the ecological goods and services needed to enhance waterfowl populations," says Fisher.
The goal is to create a healthy, working landscape that sustains agriculture, the environment and wildlife, including waterfowl. Under ALUS, farmers receive payments for delivering environmental services such as protecting and restoring wetlands. Other ALUS initiatives include establishing native grasslands, installing mallard nesting structures and putting up livestock fencing to enhance wetlands and riparian areas.
"Saskatchewan is facing significant environmental challenges," says Fisher, who's been instrumental in launching ALUS in several jurisdictions across Canada. "Our experiences tell us the best way to see environmental change in Saskatchewan is to harness the passion and knowledge of farmers and rural communities."
Saskatchewan is arguably the most important waterfowl breeding area in North America. It is home to roughly half of Canada's prairie potholes.
Four organizations--the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds and Delta Waterfowl—worked with the rural municipalities to get the project of the ground.
Key financial support from the Delta side comes from state duck stamp contributions (e.g. Mississippi, Arkansas), Wildlife Habitat Canada, the W. Garfield Weston Foundation, Delta member chapters and major donor events like the 'Jackson Prairie Grass Duck Club' out of Jackson, Mississippi.
The Saskatchewan ALUS project joins projects already established in Ontario, Alberta and Prince Edward Island.
For more information, please visit the recently launched national ALUS website at ALUS.ca.