Priority funding themes include Extension and education – Increasing knowledge and awareness about the role of leaseholders to improve rangeland sustainability through management practices; increasing awareness and integrate new knowledge, tools and best practices into rangeland management for the benefit of rangelands sustainability. Research – Undertaking new research that focuses on knowledge development and practice change leading to improved rangeland sustainability; supporting research that benefits Alberta’s public rangelands, including linkages between rangeland management and ecosystem services; supporting research for Alberta rangeland climate change adaptation and mitigation (for example, carbon storage); supporting research for Alberta rangeland multiple use conflicts; supporting the application of knowledge, such as implementation of a new practice that will result in improved rangeland sustainability. Stewardship (overcoming barriers) – Support development and implementation of adaptive management tools/beneficial management practices to integrate multiple use activities such as recreation, hunting or other industrial activities on rangelands; address emerging issues that have an impact on rangeland stewardship goals.

Alberta’s rangelands provide ecological goods and services such as clean air, fresh water, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, soil stabilization, pollination, carbon storage, and a renewable source of livestock forage that supports rural communities. The program funds collaborative projects with partners and stakeholders across the province that remove barriers to stewardship, support research to achieve sustainability outcomes, and promote education and tool development for rangeland management.

Eligible applicants include academia and educational institutions, Indigenous communities and organizations, municipalities, non-government organizations registered under the Alberta Societies Act, and other non-profit organizations. Individuals may not apply directly but can collaborate with eligible organizations. Examples of eligible projects include adaptive range management research, ecological restoration of native grasslands, carbon sequestration studies, grazing and timber integration, climate change adaptation, predation management, rangeland wildfire resilience, and riparian monitoring.

Funding is sourced from a portion of annual grazing rental revenue, with the budget varying yearly. Eligible project costs can include extension materials, supplies, project staff salaries, travel, and administration directly related to the project. Certain activities such as statutory requirements for disposition management, ongoing maintenance, or land purchase are ineligible.

For more information, visit Government of Alberta.