Government Grant
Wetland Replacement Program
The Wetland Replacement Program aims to re-establish wetlands in partnership with Albertans by providing resources for collaborative restoration projects across the province. Wetlands are a vital part of Alberta’s ecological landscape and necessary for a sustainable economy and healthy communities.
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- Alberta
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- Last updated 4 months ago
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Description
The Wetland Replacement Program aims to re-establish wetlands in partnership with Albertans by providing resources for collaborative restoration projects across the province. Wetlands are a vital part of Alberta’s ecological landscape and necessary for a sustainable economy and healthy communities.Overview
The Wetland Replacement Program aims to re-establish wetlands in partnership with Albertans by providing resources for collaborative restoration projects across the province. Wetlands are a vital part of Alberta’s ecological landscape and necessary for a sustainable economy and healthy communities.
Mandate and focus
The mandate of the Wetland Replacement Program is to facilitate the replacement of wetlands within all municipalities and watersheds across Alberta, prioritizing:
- watersheds which have had the greatest loss of wetlands since 2015
- areas with the highest rates of loss historically
The Wetland Replacement Program focuses on fostering partnerships with municipalities and non profit organizations that have a vested interest in wetland replacement. These partners work with private or public landowners to help achieve shared outcomes for wetland replacement and conservation.
Related legislation and policy
The Wetland Replacement Program is an implementation tool of the Alberta Wetland Policy (AWP). The AWP was developed by the Alberta government and stakeholders in 2013, to conserve, restore, protect and manage Alberta’s wetlands in ways that sustain the benefits they provide to the environment, society, and economy.
About the program
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Funding
The Alberta government has funding available for eligible wetland replacement projects and is seeking to establish partnerships with more municipalities and non-profit organizations.
The Alberta Wetland Policy outlines a framework that aims to avoid or minimize impacts to wetlands, and replace wetlands where loss is unavoidable. Where wetland loss is unavoidable, a wetland replacement fee can be paid to the Alberta government through the Water Act approval process. Revenue from these fees fund the Wetland Replacement Program.
Eligible projects
Wetland replacement includes the following activities:
- Wetland Restoration: Returning natural/historic area and hydrological functions to a drained, partially drained, or filled-in wetland.
- Wetland Construction: Creating a wetland on a site that was historically non-wetland.
Who can apply
Municipalities and non-profit organizations that are committed to identifying and undertaking wetland replacement projects within priority watersheds are eligible to participate in the Wetland Replacement Program.
Private landowners should contact their local municipality or contact the Wetland Replacement Program directly to inquire about program partners in your area.
How to apply
Municipalities and non-profit originations that are committed to undertaking projects can contact the Wetland Replacement Program directly at: