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September 27, 2009

New and Expanded Board for the Land Trust

The Board of Directors of EALT recently approved a new slate of Executive officers, and endorsed adding a further member to the Board. You can see more about our Board here

The new Board of Directors, including EALT Executive, are:

  • Marg Reine, President, Edmonton Nature Club
  • Martin Garber-Conrad, Treasurer, Edmonton Community Foundation
  • Paul Roberts, Secretary, Legacy Lands Conservation Society
  • Grant Pearsell, City of Edmonton
  • Glen Thoman, Urban Development Institute
  • Brian Ilnicki, The Land Stewardship Centre of Canada
  • Brenda Wispinski, the Beaverhills Initiative

The Board is very pleased to have an additional member:

  • Cindy Chiasson, the Environmental Law Centre

We would like to thank Professor Ross Wein, and Ernie Ewaschuk, for their past services on the Board, as well as for their offer to stay engaged via EALT’s Advisory Council.

We would like to extend an invitation to others who might be interested in becoming involved as:

  • Board members
  • Advisors
  • Volunteers

For those who would like to explore this opportunity to serve the community and to gain personal experience, please contact Pam Wight with any questions or suggestions: (780) 483–7578.

August 15, 2009

EALT Contributes to Ranch Acquisition – Unique Partnership Secures Ranch Lands

EALT Contributes to Ranch Acquisition – Unique Partnership Secures Ranch Lands: A Golden Opportunity for Conservation!

Golden Ranches
The Edmonton and Area Land Trust is delighted to announce that we have contributed to the acquisition of significant conservation lands – part of the Golden Ranches. The Golden Ranch lands, 27km east of Edmonton, are located within the Cooking Lake Moraine at the junction of North and South Cooking Lake, and this is the largest working ranch for sale in the entire region. Click here to see a map of the Golden Ranch lands.

Highly Productive Lands
One of the most striking features of the 600 ha. (1,509 ac.) ranch is its 8 kilometres of shoreline, which is such a productive zone, with various waterfowl including ducks, geese, and swans, and shorebirds and songbirds. Besides the shorelands, the ranch has open pastures and mature forestlands, and it is home to moose, white-tailed and mule deer, coyotes, falcons, ospreys, and other wildlife.

Conservation Consortium – the Golden Partnership
The move to purchase the ranch was initiated through a consortium of partners. EALT joins Strathcona County, other land trusts (AFGA, ACA, NCC, DU), and the Beaver Hills Initiative, which together form the Golden Partnership. The Golden partners are aiming to buy the entire ranch, which is comprised of a dozen separate legal parcels. The partners feel that with the current price of land, we’ll be more successful working together to buy such a large property, and have more strength by working as a group. The ranch owners want to see the ranch remain intact and conserved, and have agreed to hold the lands for almost a year, while the partners strive to find funds to purchase all the parcels.

Creates a Conservation Corridor
The Cooking Lake Moraine has been designated a high priority conservation area by all the Golden Partners, as well as being within the North American Waterfowl Management Plan program area. The Ranch is a key piece to form a link between Elk Island National Park, Blackfoot Grazing Reserve, and the Ministik Lake Game Bird Sanctuary, and all the partners are keen to see the development of such a conservation corridor.

Additional Funds are Needed to Secure the Entire Ranch
The partnership has acquired two parcels of rich shorelands (NE35–51-21–4, and SE 35–51-21–4). However, we need to raise funds to purchase the remainder of the ranch. We are approaching industry, and outreaching to all businesses and individuals who would like to assist in purchase of the entire ranch.

Whether or not we are successful in securing this magnificent property, depends not only on the Golden Partners, but on the involvement of corporations and members of the public. There are tax incentives available for those involved in purchasing lands, and 3:1 dollar matching programs for private donations.

Already, Sherwood Park Toyota has donated a 2010 Camry Hybrid for a $25/ticket raffle, with all proceeds of the sale going entirely to securing the Ranch. Further information on the raffle is attached and the draw is on December 5th.

We encourage you all to get involved in contributing to this Golden Opportunity!

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