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Albertans are being invited to provide feedback on two draft sub-regional land-use plans that will help guide the future of large areas of northern Alberta.

The Alberta government is seeking public input on the draft Caribou Mountains and Red Earth sub-regional plans through an online survey, webinars and targeted engagement with specific organizations.

The public engagement period runs from July 24 to October 26.

Feedback gathered during the engagement process will help inform the development of the final plans and ensure they reflect the priorities and values of Albertans.

Land-use planning plays an important role in balancing a wide range of activities across the province, including economic development, recreation, conservation, Treaty rights and traditional land uses.

By seeking input from people who live and work in the regions, the government says it is working to ensure the plans are practical and responsive to local perspectives.

“Alberta’s land-use plans should reflect the priorities and values of Albertans,” said Grant Hunter, minister of Environment and Protected Areas. “That’s why we are seeking public input to help shape sub-regional plans that support economic development, conservation and long-term prosperity.”

The Caribou Mountains sub-region covers approximately 36,700 square kilometres in northern Alberta, north of High Level and Fort Vermilion.

The Red Earth sub-region covers more than 61,306 square kilometres south of Peace River and includes boreal forests, wetlands, river systems and agricultural land.

The Alberta government says it will continue working with Indigenous communities and organizations, local governments, industry and other interested parties as the plans are finalized and implemented.

The province is also continuing work on other sub-regional plans across Alberta.

The Upper Smoky Sub-Regional Plan came into force on January 1, while a wildfire mitigation plan was released by Forestry and Parks earlier this month.

Engagement on the South Athabasca Sub-Regional Plan closed April 9, with feedback now being considered. Preliminary engagement for the Ghost Kananaskis Sub-Regional Plan closed June 5, and feedback is also being considered as a draft plan is developed for further engagement with Albertans.

Albertans interested in providing feedback on the draft Caribou Mountains and Red Earth plans can participate in the online engagement opportunities available through the Alberta government during the consultation period.

(Source: Government of Alberta)

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Alberta has reached a record high in the number of fully registered physicians working in the province, with new statistics showing significant growth in both family medicine and specialist care.

According to newly released data from the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta, the province had 14,156 fully registered physicians as of June 30—an increase of 1,226 physicians, or nearly 10 per cent, compared with the same time last year.

The increase represents the largest year-over-year growth in Alberta's physician numbers on record.

“More physicians than ever before are choosing Alberta,” said Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services. “These numbers show that our investments to attract and retain health professionals are delivering results and helping improve access to care for Albertans across the province.”

Physician numbers increased in every health zone over the past year, including the North, Central and South zones, as well as Calgary and Edmonton.

Calgary added 446 physicians, while Edmonton added 356. The province said the growth outside Alberta's two largest cities is also helping strengthen healthcare capacity in communities across the province.

The government says the increase in the physician workforce is creating more options for Albertans seeking care. Physicians provide services through walk-in clinics, urgent care centres and other community-based practices. Many clinics in larger urban centres offer same-day appointments, while some are accepting new patients for ongoing care.

“More physicians are choosing Alberta, helping improve access to care in communities across the province,” said Justin Wright, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services. “We’ll continue working with our partners to train, recruit and retain more physicians.”

The province gained approximately 510 family physicians over the past year. More than 1,000 primary care providers and nurse practitioners are currently accepting new patients, while more than 88 per cent of Albertans report having access to a primary care provider.

Alberta's government says it is continuing to invest in physician recruitment, training, compensation and retention.

Budget 2026 provided a record $7.7 billion for those areas in 2026-27, an increase of $1.4 billion from Budget 2025. In June, the government also announced a $172.3-million increase in physician compensation under the 2022-26 master agreement with the Alberta Medical Association.

The province says the growing physician workforce, combined with expanding care options, is helping build a stronger and more accessible healthcare system for Albertans in communities across the province.

(Source: Government of Alberta)

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The Alberta government is investing more than $30 million to expand addiction, mental health, housing and stabilization supports in Edmonton, including the addition of more than 400 new treatment, housing and stabilization beds.

The investments form part of Alberta’s Recovery Model and are intended to expand the continuum of care available to people experiencing addiction, mental health challenges, homelessness and other complex needs.

The province says the new initiatives will create additional pathways to treatment and recovery while helping reduce pressure on emergency departments and front-line organizations.

Edmonton continues to face significant challenges related to the opioid crisis. According to the province, the city accounts for more than half of Alberta’s opioid-related deaths and nearly two-thirds of opioid-related emergency health service responses.

The government says the prevalence of carfentanil in the Edmonton area is contributing to the crisis. Carfentanil is estimated to be 100 times more potent than fentanyl.

At the same time, Edmonton has seen an increase in mental health emergencies and concerns related to social disorder in the downtown area.

“The trends in Edmonton are deeply concerning and cannot be ignored,” said Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction. “While most communities have seen opioid deaths return to pre-pandemic levels, Edmonton remains the exception. These investments are about strengthening Edmonton’s entire system of care so more people can get the help they need.”

Expanding Addiction Treatment Capacity

The province is increasing access to medical detoxification, pre-treatment and recovery services through investments in recovery connections services and expanded access to recovery communities serving the Edmonton region.

This includes 25 new beds at the Lakeview Recovery Community, bringing its total capacity to 100 beds. The additional spaces are specifically intended to support people from Edmonton’s downtown core who are struggling with addiction and seeking recovery.

Additional capacity is also being developed through recovery communities operated in partnership with Enoch Cree Nation and the Métis Nation of Alberta.

The 76-bed recovery community in Enoch Cree Nation is more than 98 per cent complete, while the 75-bed facility operated by the Métis Nation of Alberta is more than 80 per cent complete. Both facilities are expected to open later this year.

Other services are also being developed, including transitional beds and the Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

Rapid Response Teams are also being introduced to respond to overdoses in Edmonton’s core.

Strengthening Housing and Shelter Supports

The province is also expanding the connections between housing, shelter, mental health and recovery services.

Opened in October 2025, the Hope Mission-Herb Jamieson Centre’s 110-bed Hope Health facility provides specialized medical shelter supports for people with complex health, mental health and addiction needs.

The facility is intended to help people receive appropriate care while reducing pressure on emergency departments.

More than 120 new transitional and supportive recovery housing beds are expected to open in 2026.

The province is also supporting five specialized recovery housing spaces for individuals living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder who are transitioning out of detoxification and treatment programs.

New Stabilization Centre Coming Online

A new Integrated Stabilization Centre, developed jointly by the Edmonton Police Service and Recovery Alberta, is expected to come online this summer.

The facility will provide a safe location where publicly intoxicated individuals can be assessed and receive medical care. It will also serve as a connection point to treatment and community-based services.

The Edmonton Navigation and Support Centre has also moved to a larger, centralized location. The centre provides access to housing, shelter, health, recovery and social supports.

Seven additional shelter beds are expected to open at the site this summer, providing immediate support while helping individuals connect with longer-term services.

The Alberta government continues to fund Police and Crisis Teams and Human-Centred Engagement and Liaison Partnership teams, which work directly with vulnerable individuals experiencing addiction and mental health challenges.

These teams help connect individuals with supports and services and assist with transitions into treatment and recovery.

The province is also partnering with Hope Mission on its recovery coach program. Recovery coaches help people navigate available services, enter treatment and recovery programs, and remain connected to ongoing supports.

“I’ve heard directly from the residents, businesses and community leaders in Chinatown and across downtown about the impact the mental health and addictions crisis is having on our communities,” said Andrew Knack, mayor of Edmonton. “This investment represents a significant step toward connecting people with the essential support they need while improving safety and well-being for everyone.”

Edmonton Police Service Deputy Chief Derek McIntyre said the Integrated Stabilization Centre reflects a coordinated response to addiction, overdose and social disorder.

“Edmonton is at the centre of Alberta’s opioid crisis, and we recognize the need to evolve the way we approach community safety,” McIntyre said.

Kerry Bales, CEO of Recovery Alberta, said partnerships between law enforcement, recovery teams and community organizations are essential in responding to complex needs.

“Together we are enhancing our services, giving law enforcement and recovery teams additional resources and pathways to help individuals access appropriate care and support,” Bales said.

People experiencing mental health or addiction challenges in Edmonton or anywhere in Alberta can call or text 211 Alberta for information about available services and supports in their community.

For more information about Recovery Alberta, visit their website at www.recoveryalberta.ca.

(Source: Government of Alberta)

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For many Albertans, summer is a time to enjoy the outdoors, take part in recreational activities, travel, spend time on the water and tackle projects around the home.

However, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is reminding residents that the warmer months can also bring an increase in injuries and illnesses requiring emergency care.

AHS reviewed the most common injuries seen at some emergency departments in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie and Fort McMurray. Between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2025, more than 33,000 emergency department visits were recorded at 13 AHS emergency departments for six common injury categories.

That averages more than 350 visits per day.

The most common injury categories included:

• Arm, wrist and hand injuries:

8,781 visits, often connected to sports, cycling, playground activities and falls.

• Leg, ankle and foot injuries:

8,562 visits, including sprains, fractures and other injuries related to outdoor recreation and physical activity.

• Cuts, lacerations and puncture wounds:

6,130 visits, often occurring during yard work, home improvement projects, camping and recreational activities.

• Head injuries:

4,717 visits, resulting from falls, collisions and other recreational incidents.

• Major trauma injuries:

3,463 visits, associated with higher-impact incidents such as vehicle collisions and serious cycling crashes.

• Allergic reactions:

1,511 visits, particularly related to insect stings, bites and outdoor environmental exposures.

AHS says a few simple precautions can help reduce the risk of serious injury.

People are encouraged to wear a helmet when cycling or riding an e-scooter and to use appropriate protective equipment when participating in sports and other recreational activities.

Tools should be kept in good condition when completing home improvement projects, while children should be supervised closely when playing outdoors. Young children should remain within arm's reach when near water.

Protecting against excessive sun exposure is also important. AHS recommends staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen and seeking shade whenever possible.

Residents should also remain aware of their surroundings when hiking, swimming or participating in other summer activities. Extra precautions should be taken when alcohol is part of recreational activities.

Summer safety also includes knowing when emergency medical attention is necessary.

People should seek immediate medical care for serious injuries, major bleeding, chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of a stroke, loss of consciousness or any other life-threatening condition.

Those with known allergies should carry prescribed medications, including epinephrine auto-injectors when recommended by their healthcare provider. Immediate medical attention should be sought if someone experiences difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or other signs of a severe allergic reaction.

With summer activities in full swing across Alberta, AHS is encouraging residents to take reasonable precautions so they can enjoy the season safely.

A little preparation can go a long way toward preventing injuries and helping ensure that summer memories are made outdoors—not in an emergency department.

(Source: Alberta Health Services)

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Alberta’s government is reminding residents that releasing aquarium pets, pond fish, plants or live bait into the province’s waterways can have serious consequences for native ecosystems.

Through its “Don’t Let It Loose” campaign, the province is urging Albertans never to release aquarium pets, water garden plants, live food, sportfish or live bait into rivers, streams, lakes, ponds or storm drains.

Goldfish and other invasive fish species can be highly adaptable and may outcompete native fish for food and resources, damage aquatic plants and degrade water quality as their populations grow.

“Goldfish belong in aquariums, not in Alberta’s waters. Don’t let it loose. Report sightings of invasive fish and help protect Alberta’s ecosystems by following the law,” said Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas.

A recent example of the potential size of the problem came from Okotoks, where a 30-centimetre, 2.4-pound goldfish—roughly the size of a dinner plate—was removed from the Drake Landing stormwater pond.

According to the Alberta government, goldfish are extremely hardy and can tolerate low oxygen levels and poor water quality. They can also reproduce rapidly, with females capable of spawning up to three times a year and laying an average of 500 to 1,000 eggs per spawning period.

Once invasive fish become established, controlling them can be difficult and expensive. Alberta says there are no selective control methods available for invasive fish that would remove only the invasive species without potentially affecting other fish in the same waterbody.

The province also warns that invasive fish can carry pathogens capable of infecting other fish species. Their feeding habits can increase water turbidity, reducing suitable habitat and available food for native species.

Alberta currently has more than 50 populations of goldfish living throughout the province, with goldfish having demonstrated the ability to survive and thrive in environments as far north as Fort McMurray.

Residents who spot goldfish or other suspected aquatic invasive fish are encouraged to report the sighting to Alberta’s Aquatic Invasive Species Hotline at 1-855-336-BOAT (2628). Where possible, residents should provide a clear photograph showing the fish’s entire body and fins.

It is also illegal to move live fish from one waterbody to another. Penalties for illegally introducing fish into a waterbody can reach $100,000 and/or one year in prison.

Anyone who witnesses the suspected intentional release of an aquatic invasive species is asked to contact the 24-hour Report a Poacher hotline at 1-800-642-3800.

Alberta advises residents who can no longer care for an aquarium fish not to release it into the wild. Instead, owners can contact a retailer for advice, find another aquarium or pond owner, donate the fish to a local aquarium society or school, or speak with a veterinarian about humane disposal.

The message from the province is simple: goldfish belong in aquariums—not Alberta’s lakes, rivers, ponds or storm drains.

(Source: Government of Alberta)

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There is a tremendous amount of pressure in modern life to have everything figured out.

We are often expected to know where we are going, what we want, how we are going to get there, and when we should arrive. We see other people seemingly moving forward with confidence, achieving their goals, building careers, starting families, buying homes, travelling, and pursuing their dreams.

It can sometimes feel as though everyone else has received a map for life — and we are the only ones trying to find our way.

But the truth is that very few people have everything figured out.

Many people who appear confident are also dealing with uncertainty. Many people who seem to know exactly where they are going are still questioning their decisions. Life is rarely a straight road from one destination to another. It is more often a journey filled with unexpected turns, setbacks, changes, and moments when we have to stop and decide which direction to take next.

And that is okay.

Uncertainty Can Be Uncomfortable

Not knowing what comes next can be difficult.

For many people, uncertainty can lead to anxiety. We may find ourselves constantly worrying about the future, replaying past decisions, or asking questions that have no immediate answers.

What if I make the wrong decision?

What if I fail?

What if I am falling behind?

What if things never work out?

These questions are understandable. Our minds naturally seek certainty and security. But life cannot always provide us with either.

Sometimes, we have to learn to move forward even when we do not have all the answers.

Being Unsure Does Not Mean You Are Failing

One of the most important things to remember is that uncertainty is not the same as failure.

You can be unsure of your next step and still be making progress.

You can change your mind and still be growing.

You can take a break and still be moving forward.

You can find yourself on a different path than the one you originally imagined and still build a meaningful life.

Sometimes, we become so focused on where we think we should be that we fail to recognize how far we have already come.

Progress does not always look like achievement. Sometimes, progress is simply getting out of bed on a difficult morning. Sometimes, it is asking for help. Sometimes, it is choosing to try again after a setback.

Not every step forward will be visible to other people.

Focus on the Next Step

When the future feels overwhelming, it can help to stop focusing on the entire journey.

You do not need to know every step you will take over the next five years. You do not need to solve every problem today. You do not need to have a perfect plan before you begin moving forward.

Instead, ask yourself:

What is the next step I can take?

Maybe it is making a phone call.

Maybe it is completing one task.

Maybe it is having an honest conversation.

Maybe it is getting some rest.

Maybe it is simply making it through today.

The next step may seem small, but small steps still carry us forward.

A staircase is climbed one step at a time. A long journey is completed one kilometre at a time. A difficult season of life is often survived one day at a time.

Give Yourself Permission to Be a Work in Progress

We often expect ourselves to have the wisdom of someone who has already lived through the experiences we are currently facing.

But we are all works in progress.

We are learning as we go.

We are allowed to make mistakes. We are allowed to change direction. We are allowed to discover that the dream we once had is no longer the dream we want.

Growing as a person does not mean having all the answers. It means being willing to continue learning.

There is no deadline for becoming the person you want to be.

You Are Not Behind

It is easy to compare our lives to the lives of others.

We see someone else succeeding and wonder why we are not further ahead. We see someone reaching a milestone and question our own progress.

But we rarely see the full story behind another person's life.

We do not see their private struggles, their doubts, their failures, or the years of work that came before the success we are witnessing.

Everyone's journey is different.

Your life does not have to follow someone else's timeline.

You are not behind simply because your journey looks different.

Take Today as It Comes

There are times in life when the future feels too big to think about.

During those moments, it may help to bring your attention back to the present.

What can you do today?

What is within your control?

What small action could make today a little better?

Sometimes, we do not need to solve our entire lives. We simply need to focus on the next few minutes, the next hour, or the next day.

And if you are struggling with persistent anxiety, hopelessness, or feeling unable to cope, reaching out for support can be an important step. Speaking with someone you trust or seeking help from a qualified mental health professional is not a sign of weakness. You do not have to face difficult times alone.

You Are Allowed to Take Your Time

You do not have to have your entire life figured out today.

You do not need to know every answer.

You do not need to know exactly where the road will lead before taking the next step.

Sometimes, life is about trusting yourself enough to keep moving forward, even when the path is unclear.

You may be uncertain.

You may be changing.

You may still be trying to find your way.

That does not mean you are failing.

It means you are human.

Take a breath. Give yourself permission to be a work in progress. Focus on what is in front of you and take the next step.

You do not have to climb the entire staircase today.

You only have to take the next step.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, reaching out to a trusted person or qualified mental health professional can help. You do not have to face difficult times alone.

Mental Health Mondays is a weekly feature of the Two Hills Chronicle.

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A renewed five-year strategy is aiming to strengthen collaboration, innovation and the adoption of research across Canada’s beef sector.

The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) and its industry partners released the Five-Year Canadian Beef Research & Knowledge Mobilization Strategy on July 16, outlining a coordinated national framework for research and knowledge mobilization.

The strategy is intended to better align investments, accelerate innovation and ensure research outcomes lead to measurable benefits for beef producers, the broader value chain and the public.

It will guide investments by the BCRC and other Canadian beef research funding agencies, with a focus on improving efficiency and coordinating limited funding toward high-priority research, capacity and extension objectives.

Through a portfolio approach, the strategy is designed to encourage greater collaboration among funding agencies while ensuring key priorities across the sector are addressed.

The strategy supports the ambitious 10-year goals outlined in the National Beef Strategy and builds on previous research and technology transfer strategies.

The development process included extensive engagement with the Canadian beef industry. More than 500 stakeholders from across the country participated through surveys, focus groups and engagement sessions.

Participants included beef producers, veterinarians, researchers, government representatives, industry organizations, funders and extension specialists.

The renewed strategy identifies priorities in seven key areas:

• Cattle nutrition and production efficiency
• Forage and feed production
• Animal health, welfare and antimicrobial resistance
• Food safety
• Beef quality
• Environmental sustainability
• Knowledge mobilization

The BCRC says the strategy is designed to support the adoption of beneficial practices and innovations, increase producer profitability and sector resilience, advance the quality and safety of Canadian beef, support science-based decision-making and encourage innovation across the industry.

The strategy also recognizes the importance of maintaining and renewing research capacity and infrastructure needed to support long-term innovation in the Canadian beef sector.

The BCRC is funded through a portion of the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off.

The full Five-Year Canadian Beef Research & Knowledge Mobilization Strategy, along with summaries of the seven program areas, is available through the Beef Cattle Research Council.

(Source: Beef Cattle Research Council)
For information about the Beef Cattle Research Council, visit their website at www.beefresearch.ca.

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The Government of Canada is investing more than $4 million to support the growth, market development and international competitiveness of the Canadian beef sector.

The funding, announced July 8 by Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald, will be provided to Canada Beef and the Canadian Cattle Association through the AgriMarketing Program, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Canada Beef will receive up to $3,741,046 over two years, from 2026 to 2028, to support efforts to build a dynamic, profitable and competitive Canadian beef and veal industry.

The organization will focus on increasing awareness and demand for Canadian beef and veal among domestic and international customers.

The Canadian Cattle Association will receive up to $300,000 over the same two-year period to support efforts to defend and grow market access for Canadian beef.

The funding will help the association advance trade advocacy, strengthen key international relationships and promote evidence-based, trade-supportive rules.

According to the federal government, the investments are intended to increase the visibility of Canadian beef products, create opportunities in targeted markets and diversify Canadian exports.

“The Government of Canada is proud to support the continued growth and success of our beef sector,” MacDonald said.

“The strategic investments in market development, promotion and trade advocacy help Canadian producers expand their reach and showcase the high quality of Canadian beef around the world.”

Canada Beef President Eric Bienvenue welcomed the investment, saying the organization has confidence in its partnership with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to support global market development.

Canadian Cattle Association President Tyler Fulton said the funding would allow the organization to participate in federal trade missions, explore potential new export markets and ensure Canadian cattle producers have a voice in global policy discussions.

The AgriMarketing Program represents a $129.97-million investment under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3.5-billion federal-provincial-territorial agreement running from 2023 to 2028.

The program supports national, sector-led initiatives aimed at increasing and diversifying exports while also pursuing domestic market opportunities.

The federal government has also committed an additional $75 million over five years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31, to expand the AgriMarketing Program.

The expanded program includes two new streams focused on market diversification for national industry associations and small and medium-sized enterprises.

The government says the additional funding will support Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector—including the fish and seafood industries—in responding to market instability and pursuing greater market diversification.

For more information about the AgriMarketing Program, visit the Government of Canada website at agriculture.canada.ca/en/programs/agrimarketing.

(Source: Government of Canada)

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Alberta's government says it is making progress on implementing recommendations aimed at improving the management of oilsands mine water and reducing the long-term environmental impact of tailings ponds.

The update was provided this week during the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) meeting in Calgary, where Alberta hosted federal, provincial and territorial environment ministers. Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter outlined the province's work to address one of the country's most significant environmental challenges while supporting responsible resource development.

The Oil Sands Mine Water Steering Committee released nine recommendations in 2025 to help improve the way mine water and tailings are managed across Alberta's oilsands industry. Since then, the province has launched consultations with Indigenous communities, industry representatives, environmental experts and other stakeholders as it develops policies and technical standards to put those recommendations into practice.

Among the areas receiving attention is the separation of different types of mine water to improve opportunities for safe reuse and treatment. Alberta says discussions with regulators and industry have already been completed, with stakeholder feedback currently under review as officials consider improvements to future water management plans.

The province is also examining ways to encourage the sharing of treated mine water between oilsands operations where it can be done safely and efficiently. However, Alberta confirmed it is not pursuing the transfer of mine water between different watersheds, citing environmental concerns as well as regulatory and economic challenges.

Innovation also remains a major focus of the initiative. Alberta has invested $46 million through Emissions Reduction Alberta to support nine projects exploring new technologies designed to reduce mine water volumes, decrease tailings accumulation and accelerate land reclamation.

Additional work continues on several other recommendations, including the potential use of deep well disposal, standardized methods for measuring naphthenic acids, policies governing the safe treatment and release of mine water, the long-term management of pit lakes, and improved environmental monitoring and public reporting.

According to the provincial government, Alberta's oilsands tailings ponds currently contain more than 1.5 billion cubic metres of fluid tailings and approximately 380 million cubic metres of mine water. The province also noted that between 2013 and 2024, oilsands operations reduced freshwater use per barrel of production by 19 per cent while increasing recycled water use by 69 per cent.

Officials say progress on implementing the Steering Committee's recommendations will continue to be reported as consultation and technical work advances.

The initiative is intended to reduce the growth of tailings ponds, strengthen environmental protection and support the responsible reclamation of lands affected by oilsands development.

For more information about the Oil Sands Mine Water Science Team reports, visit the Government of Alberta website by clicking the link here.

(Source: Government of Alberta)

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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)