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Alberta's government is investing $1.4 million to help protect and improve the province's rangelands, supporting projects that promote sustainable land management, healthy ecosystems and long-term agricultural productivity.

Announced on July 15, the funding is being provided through the Rangeland Sustainability Program, which supports practical, on-the-ground projects led by researchers, conservation organizations and agricultural partners across Alberta.

The program reinvests a portion of grazing disposition rental fees into initiatives that help improve the health, biodiversity and resilience of Alberta's rangelands while promoting responsible stewardship for future generations.

"Alberta's rangelands are one of our province's most valuable natural assets, supporting wildlife, livestock and healthy ecosystems," said Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks.

"Through the Rangeland Sustainability Program, 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."

Rangelands play an important role in Alberta's economy and environment, providing grazing land for livestock while supporting wildlife habitat, protecting water resources, maintaining biodiversity and contributing to sustainable food production.

Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Tara Sawyer said the investment will benefit both producers and the agricultural industry.

"Alberta's rangelands are vital to the agricultural industry and the province's landscapes," Sawyer said. "This investment will help continue research and extension efforts for our rangelands' future productivity and preservation."

Funding recipients for the 2025-26 program include organizations from across the province working on projects ranging from invasive species management and native grassland restoration to public education and applied research.

Among this year's recipients is the West Central Forage Association, which will use the funding to expand research into targeted goat grazing as a natural method of controlling invasive plants and overgrown brush.

"Targeted goat grazing is a practical, natural way to manage invasive species and overgrown brush on grazing lands," said Carri St. Pierre, executive director of the organization. "This funding lets us put that approach to work and share what we learn with producers across the region."

2025-26 Rangeland Sustainability Program recipients

• 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
• Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation of Canada

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

According to the province, annual funding for the program has grown significantly since it was introduced in 2020, increasing from $43,000 to $1.4 million in Budget 2026. Last year, more than $1.3 million was allocated through the program to support rangeland stewardship projects across Alberta.

Organizations interested in applying for future funding can find additional information through Alberta's Rangeland Sustainability Program.

For more information about the Rangeland Sustainability Program, visit the Government of Alberta website at www.alberta.ca/rangeland-sustainability-program.

(Source: Government of Alberta)