Delta Contributes To Canada's National Conservation Plan
Former president of the Manitoba Wildlife Federation John Williams (left), Delta president Rob Olson, MP Lawrence Toet, and MP Bob Sopuck meet to discuss the proposed National Conservation Plan for Canada
Delta Waterfowl's conservation program, Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS), was front and centre at a recent round table discussion of Canada's proposed National Conservation Plan.
The federal government is consulting a broad range of interest groups as part of its efforts to develop a comprehensive conservation plan for the nation. The meeting, held in Winnipeg, Manitoba August 7, is the latest in a series of conversations taking place across the country. Representatives from conservation, agriculture, aboriginal and outdoors groups attended from across the province.
"I was thrilled to be there," said Delta president Rob Olson. "It's quite an achievement to have such a diverse group together in the same room. The future of conservation, and the future of waterfowl, ultimately depends on all of us working together."
One of the goals of the national plan is to develop innovative approaches to conservation on working landscapes. Olson said Delta's ALUS program, which works cooperatively with the agricultural community, lines up perfectly with this goal.
"A lot of energy in the room focused on the value of ALUS as a unique way to embrace the potential contributions of farmers and producers to conservation," Olson said.
The goal of Alternative Land Use Services is to create a healthy, working landscape that sustains agriculture, wildlife and natural spaces for all Canadians.
Under ALUS, farmers receive payments to deliver a variety of environmental services. Projects include the protection and enhancement of wetlands and waterfowl nesting areas. ALUS is currently established in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Prince Edward Island.
For more on Alternative Land Use Services, visit www.alus.ca