News from March 2009

EALT takes Partnership Perspective at ALTA Conference

March 15, 2009

EALT was asked to make a presentation at the Alberta Land Trust Alliance Conference in March, on: “Urban Land Trust: Successes and Challenges”. Pam Wight, Executive Director, provided illustrations of how the Edmonton area has grown, comparing 1951 and 2007 air photos of the region. These highlighted the urban footprint of the communities which occupied 7,589 ha in 1952, but occupied 4,304 ha in 2007. This represents a 3.1% average annual growth rate. She then showed how much area a 3.1% growth rate would consume if continued for the next 50 years.

Such pressures not only have environmental consequences for everyone in the region, but present a range of challenges for land trusts. However, EALT has also achieved successes in its year of operation, and these were outlined. Many are as a result of taking a strong partnerships approach. She described how she leveraged PR with a newspaper; a partnership with a developer and the City of Edmonton; and another with Strathcona County and other major conservancies. She advises a collaborative approach for all interested in conservation. The presentation can be viewed here

EALT works with conservation coalition to save the largest working ranch for sale in the region.

March 9, 2009

EALT is a member of a partnership of conservation organisations trying to preserve the unique Golden Ranches property. Located on the east shores of Cooking Lake, this is the largest working ranch left in Strathcona County. Besides grazing areas, the property has woodlots and wetlands, and 8 klms of shoreline. This long shoreline area has a great variety of birds – waterfowl, shorebirds, and even ospreys. It also has a range of larger animals, such as moose, deer and coyotes.

EALT is a member of a partnership including the Alberta Fish & Game Association, Ducks Unlimited, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, the Alberta Conservation Association, the Beaver Hills Initiative, and the County of Strathcona. Working as a group gives us a greater chance of success in purchasing this $13—$14 million ranch, than working separately. We are also approaching industry to participate in this unique venture.

EALT and other partners welcome any industry, corporations, or individuals who might wish to contribute to saving this property. More information is available here

Edmonton and Area Land Trust