Rocky View County is holding a meeting on March 19, 2026, to discuss conservation programs and funding that could benefit farmers and landowners near Chestermere, Alberta. The Agricultural Service Board session will focus on the ALUS program, which pays producers to manage land for environmental benefits like habitat restoration or soil management.
This meeting follows the recent approval of a $280.4 million operating budget by Rocky View County. This funding is designed to maintain essential services and support agricultural programs that help the local farming community stay productive while protecting natural resources like water and soil.
Through the ALUS program, farmers and ranchers can receive payments for creating or restoring natural areas such as wetlands, windbreaks, and riverbanks. These grants help cover the costs of managing land that is difficult to farm, allowing owners to focus on projects that improve the health of the local ecosystem.
Board Chair Greg Boehlke will lead the session as part of a new Agriculture Master Plan that serves as a roadmap for the community from 2026-2036. The plan focuses on supporting innovation and meeting the specific needs of local producers over the next decade.