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After almost four years, the Eastern Irrigation District (EID) - Partners in Habitat Development Program (PHD) has accomplished many of its original objectives. Through its focus on tree planting, fencing, wetland development and other habitat enhancing activities, the PHD program has planted close to 100,000 trees and shrubs in shelterbelts or on pivot corners and installed approximately 20 kilometres of protective fencing. Another 12 habitat retention projects, in association with canal rehabilitation, have taken place. Through word of mouth, over 140 farmers in the EID have approached PHD to get involved.
EID Partners in Habitat Development Program assists landowners to establish multi-row shelterbelts of trees and shrubs
Photo credit: Candice Buteau/EID PHD
This success has other irrigation districts in southern Alberta interested in getting involved with PHD. "Our long-term goal continues to be working with farmers in the irrigation districts on projects primarily on the cultivated lands of southern Alberta," explains Rick Martin, Wildlife Projects Manager in Brooks. "Over the next three years we expect all or the majority of the 13 irrigation districts in southern Alberta to be working with the PHD program in one way or another."
The Calgary Chapter of Pheasants Forever has initiated a major fund raising campaign to help finance this program. PHD has also applied to the AESA (Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture) Program for funds under the new three-year program plan for manpower. In the past, the County of Newell has allocated some of their AESA funding to the PHD program. "To accomplish what's needed to expand the program, the PHD hopes to have technicians working out of the major irrigation districts in the next three years," says Martin. "Initially, the program will require a technician to work with landowners, and to assist with expanding the program and getting technicians and projects started in the other irrigation districts."
"This type of project has a really good fit with AESA, because the PHD projects actually have practice change on the farms," says Dale Chrapko, AESA Conservation Coordinator. The idea is that the manpower or project coordinators hired by municipalities and agricultural organizations through the three-year AESA plan could provide the awareness, education and extension for the farmers in the various irrigation districts. Then the PHD technicians could come in and develop the project plan and implement specific projects on the farms. "This is an excellent program and a good model for moving from extension and demonstrations, to partnering for actual practice change on farms," adds Chrapko.
Martin sees the shelterbelt program continuing to be an important focus for PHD. "Our staff assists landowners in designing project planting sites that work well within the farming operation without interfering with the producer's operation," says Martin. "Wherever possible, the shelterbelt hopefully provides some benefits to the producer in terms of wind shelter, or shelter for livestock feeding areas, at the same time as providing wildlife benefits."
PHD provides the initial labor, and ongoing maintenance and watering by hiring summer students. PFRA provides the trees, as well as technical assistance. "This package of assistance to landowners is important, as many don't have the time to invest in these activities, especially in the spring," says Martin. Program partners, such as AAFRD, PFRA, Fish and Wildlife, and Ducks Unlimited also provide expertise to PHD whenever needed.
Fencing is another important component, whether fencing livestock out of newly planted shelterbelts, or fencing off existing willow or brush areas. "These areas are often used as cattle shelter, but when the cattle get into these areas they really reduce the value of the shelter and take away most of wildlife benefits," explains Martin. "With a careful fencing design, producers still end up with shelter for their calving yard or winter feeding area, but the willows and brush actually get much thicker providing a better wind shelter." At the same time, wildlife benefits are much better. PHD assists with the design and supplies the fencing materials, while the landowner installs the fence. PHD is involved in other projects, including working with engineers on canal rehabilitation and payment programs to have farmers leave standing crop for winter food for wildlife.
Although it's really too early to measure wildlife benefits from the various projects, Martin notes that they are pleased so far with the PHD program, and landowners are very happy. "What we really hope to accomplish is assisting landowners with making environmentally friendly or wildlife friendly decisions on their farm," says Martin. "We have access to expertise, and through our technicians we can help them do some things differently to benefit everyone," he adds.
For more information, contact: Rick Martin or Dale Chrapko . |
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