Photo: Lady Flower Gardens
Farmer Doug Visser and Lady Flower Gardens wish to place a conservation easement (CE) on 236 acres of agricultural land and native forest. They approached the Edmonton and Area Land Trust (EALT) about holding the easement. A conservation easement will ensure this fertile land would be conserved for future generations, in perpetuity, as well as conserving the 75 acres of old growth forest.
There is a funding issue related to conservation of Agricultural lands, especially those that are cultivated: neither the donor nor the recipient of a CE receive any federal or provincial government funds or benefits, unlike ecologically significant lands. As a consequence, the Vissers (and their social enterprise, Lady Flower Gardens) have launched a massive fundraising initiative to support the conservation of this unique land right in the City of Edmonton. Every donation made to the campaign will be matched by Doug Visser, up to $70,000, as described here. The EALT also are aiming to secure funding for the old growth forest lands, so there are a number of conditions that need to be met before a CE might be placed on the land.
You can help protect this invaluable natural resource by clicking here and donating, or by sharing this with others! Or you could mail a cheque payable to The Edmonton Community Foundation (memo: EALT Agricultural Fund) and send to: 9910-103 Street NW, Edmonton AB T5K 2V7.
Read more about the land and conservation efforts in the Edmonton Journal article: Farmer forgoes millions to preserve agricultural gift for Edmonton.
