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Wildlife habitat planning service expanded for Alberta producers

Natural Advantage, an innovative planning service which helps Alberta farmers and ranchers build comprehensive plans to manage wildlife habitat resources on their operations, is being re-launched and expanded.

The "On-Farm Wildlife and Biodiversity Planning Service" pilot project started last year quickly sold out, with 62 farms and ranches covering over 90,000 acres across the province filling available spots, says Dave Kay, Alberta Provincial Manager with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).

"It's a strong example of a growing interest among producers today in on-farm habitat planning. For some it's about values and quality of life, while others may also have concrete business plans based on future land values, agri-tourism, eco-labeling or brand development focused on sustainability. Whatever the reason, the hope is that this initiative will add value by shining a light on producers' habitat assets."

This year, the program is expanding to include three full-time biologists. Otherwise, the format will be similar to the one used in the pilot project, says program director Kim Schmitt of DUC. "Natural Advantage was set up to be a simple process for producers without requiring a major time commitment."

It starts by signing a simple letter of understanding which outlines to producers in straightforward terms how the work is carried out. That begins a process in which trained biologists from DUC analyze the habitat resources on the property. This is followed by a phone interview in which a biologist discusses the project with the participant.

From there, habitat is analyzed and classified using a visual-based system that employs aerial photography and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping. Biologists then spend up to half a day meeting with the landowner to discuss their findings, also taking time to complete field verification and a rapid assessment of the condition of the areas identified.

The final product for producers is a comprehensive written report based on the knowledge gathered, including resource materials and contact information to assist with implementing the report's recommendations. "Last year, the majority of responses indicated that clients were most impressed with the information and professionalism of the final personal report, with several saying that it exceeded their expectations," says Schmitt.

"We believe that wildlife habitat can complement competitiveness of the agricultural industry and that Natural Advantage will fit in well with those moving toward adoption of more robust environmental management tools," says Dave Kay.

"Support from the Alberta Environmental Farm Plan program played a big role in the success of the pilot project and building on agricultural industry partnerships such as the AEFP will be important as the Natural Advantage service moves forward."

Ducks Unlimited Canada manages the Natural Advantage program. The 2008 program is currently accepting applications from Alberta producers wishing to participate. Although details of this year's program are currently being finalized, Schmitt expects assessments to be completed over the summer and early fall of 2008 with most of final reports being delivered after the field season wraps up.

Producers with questions about participating in the program should contact DUC wildlife biologist Julie Pierce toll free at 1-866-479-3825 or 780-930-1255.

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