Alberta invests $1.4 million to strengthen rangelands

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Edmonton, Alta. (Rural Roots Canada) – Alberta’s government is investing $1.4 million to support projects that improve the long-term health and sustainability of the province’s rangelands.

The funding is being provided through the Rangeland Sustainability Program, which supports practical projects led by researchers, non-profit organizations and agricultural partners. The program reinvests a portion of grazing disposition rental fees into initiatives focused on improving the health, biodiversity and resilience of Alberta’s rangelands.

Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen says the investment is about protecting one of Alberta’s most valuable natural resources.

“Our government is supporting producers, researchers and conservation groups who are leading the way in responsible stewardship and helping keep Alberta’s rangelands healthy for generations to come,” says Loewen.

Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Tara Sawyer says healthy rangelands are critical to livestock producers across the province.

“This investment will help continue research and extension efforts for our rangelands’ future productivity and preservation,” says Sawyer.

Alberta’s rangelands provide forage for livestock while also supporting wildlife habitat, biodiversity, clean water and other important environmental benefits.

This year’s funded projects include research into invasive species and pest management, native grassland restoration, public education campaigns and other stewardship initiatives.

Among the recipients is the West Central Forage Association, also known as Farming Forward. Executive Director Carri St. Pierre says the funding will support a natural approach to managing invasive plants.

“Targeted goat grazing is a practical, natural way to manage invasive species and overgrown brush on grazing lands,” says St. Pierre.

The 2025-26 funding recipients include the Alberta Conservation Association, Alberta Invasive Species Council, Municipal District of Ranchlands, Peace County Beef and Forage Association, Red Deer County, Rocky Mountain Forest Range Association, Southwest Alberta Sustainable Community Initiative, West Central Forage Association and the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation of Canada.

Applications for the 2026-27 Rangeland Sustainability Program are open until Sept. 16.

The province says annual funding for the program has increased significantly since it launched in 2020, growing from $43,000 to $1.4 million in Budget 2026.

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