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Photo: Delaney Anderson
The West Central Conservation Group (WCCG), one of the larger conservation groups in Alberta, is a partnership of five counties including the Counties of Barrhead, Brazeau, Lac Ste Anne, Woodlands and Yellowhead and the West Central Forage Group. For the WCCG AESA program, sustainable pasture management and riparian management are high priorities, along with other beneficial management practices (BMPs).
“We’ve been running an annual Pasture School that we’re very proud of,” explains Amy Webber, Conservation Coordinator for WCCG. The School is spread out over three days during the year, beginning with a classroom ‘back to pasture basics’ in April. “In June we bring the participants together for a tour and hands-on in a pasture to identify plant and invasive species, and learn about some tools for measuring production.” The final day is an opportunity for producers to discuss options and learn from each other. “We also get them to take an honest look at the economics of their operation, assess the supply and demand of their pastures and determine what management changes they need to make.”
The 2005 Pasture School participants enjoyed the experience so much they have decided to form a Grazing Club so they can continue to meet periodically. “This has encouraged us to consider planning a Pasture School Alumni, so past participants from the various Schools have a way to communicate with others,” says Webber. “Many past participants are regulars at our other AESA events and tend to be the leaders the in community.” Webber is in the process of tracking down past participants and getting something organized.
“Nutrient management is an important BMP, and we encourage producers to use soil and manure tests to understand what they have on their land, and how it can affect their landbase.” Producers are encouraged to follow recommended BMPs for manure spreading or injection rates, composting instead of piling, slope considerations, staying away from riparian areas and leaving adequate buffers.
“Water quality and riparian management are key,” says Webber. “We encourage producers to understand what ‘functional buffer zones’ are and how to establish them in their grazing systems,” says Webber. “We help producers discover the timing and ways that work for managing their specific riparian areas and landscape.” Four of the counties are part of the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance, the largest watershed group in the area.
“With integrated crop management, we really emphasize to people that you need good diversity in both structure and function on your farm to make things work, and to be resilient to drought and other risks.” Direct seeding and soil conservation are important, but Webber emphasizes they encourage producers to first consider adapting the machinery they have or look at custom seeding options, rather than going out and purchasing new equipment. “We’re also encouraging people to develop woodlot management plans and learn more about the health, age and marketability of their trees.”
The County of Woodlands has set up a demonstration woodlot on county owned property near Whitecourt. “They have cleared 12 kilometers of trails, and set up interpretive signage along the way at different places in the forest,” explains Webber. In 2005 they opened the first one-kilometer to the public. The County is working on establishing an industry partnership to complete a detailed inventory and woodlot management plan, with future plans for demonstrations of various harvesting techniques.
The County of Brazeau is following Woodlands lead, but has taken a different approach. “They have partnered with NAIT’s Forestry Technology Program and will be working with students to complete the inventory and a long-term woodlot management plan. It’s a win-win for both, as it provides a new project site for NAIT students, and the County gains expertise and student input.”
The WCCG is a partner in offering Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (AEFP) to the area. “We really challenge producers to give their feedback. It’s not as hard as it looks, there is value in completing an environmental farm plan and there is lots of help available.” Webber notes the AEFP is a great way to meet contacts and get to know people in your area. “It’s also a way to learn about local issues for producers, get good feedback and gain ideas for programming opportunities.”
For more information, contact:
Amy Webber at (780) 785-3411 or email: awebber@gov.lacsteanne.ab.ca |
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