90,000 acres of conservation land made available to cattle producers for grazing

Environment Minister Herb Cox and Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced that approximately 90,000 acres of Fish and Wildlife Development Fund (FWDF) land will be made available to cattle producers facing dry conditions.

“We recognize the challenges that dry conditions have created for some cattle producers and are pleased to make this land available for grazing,” Cox said. “It will offer significant acres for cattle producers, and revenue generated as a result of this initiative will help fund future conservation initiatives.”

“We appreciate the Ministry of Environment making these lands available,” Stewart said. “The extremely dry conditions of this spring and summer have left many cattle producers searching for additional pasture. This grassland will help producers who are facing a shortage of feed for their cattle.”

The Fish and Wildlife Development Fund land, located throughout the province, are for the most part native prairie or other grasslands and are typically used for conservation purposes. The land, which was purchased through the Fish and Wildlife Development Fund, was also made available to producers in 2009. While some of the available land has water sources and is fenced, much of the land will require temporary fencing or water. Producers who are awarded access to FWDF lands are responsible for the cost and construction of any necessary improvements.

The same grazing lease fees that apply to agricultural Crown land will apply to the FWDF land. The land will be made available on a first come, first served basis. A list of available lands by rural municipality will be available on the Ministry of Environment’s website and at local offices. Producers who are interested in securing the land should contact their local Ministry of Environment office as to availability, stocking rates and any unique conditions that may apply.