Strathcona County
CONTACT INFORMATION
Jocelyn Thrasher-Haug, M.Sc., P.Ag., P.Biol. |
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Organization's mandate
The Environmental & Open Space Planning Branch (EOSP) exists to contribute to the sustainability of Strathcona County by balancing the economic, environmental and social pillars. We are environmental advocates who acquire, plan and develop open space and outdoor recreation infrastructure.
Geographic area of conservation program
Strathcona County, immediately east of Edmonton, encompassing 1265 sq. km
Areas (geographic) of particular focus
The Beaver Hills/Cooking Lake moraine (in the southeast part of Strathcona County) has been the primary area of concern. The Beaver Hills area lies east of Edmonton in the Beaver Hills/Cooking Lake moraine, a geomorphological feature that encompasses 1572 km2. The hummocky "knob and kettle" terrain of the moraine forms a patchwork of depressional areas, many of which support wetlands and small lakes. Terrain and soil conditions limited the extent of past agricultural clearing and the area remains extensively forested with aspen and in some areas, spruce woodlands. Land use in the area is administered by municipal, provincial and federal agencies. The Beaver Hills lie within five counties (Strathcona, Leduc, Beaver, Lamont, and Camrose).
Thematic or ecological areas of focus
Landowners making application to subdivide land have the option of granting a conservation easement, rather than transferring a portion of the land outright as environmental and/or municipal reserve. The purposes of the conservation easement are much broader than an environmental reserve, and restrict a variety of ecological modifications, agricultural activities, and construction.
Donation or sales
Conservation easements are typically granted during the subdivision process.
Minimum parcel size for a conservation easement
No minimum parcel size, although landscape connectivity and management are considered.
Associated programs
N/A
Relationship with landowners
The conservation easement program is a focus of our environmental stewardship initiatives, particularly in context of the Beaver Hills Initiative (BHI) and our supporting role as a partner within the BHI. http://www.beaverhills.ab.ca
As municipal government, landowners typically call us first with questions regarding land management and stewardship. We are the first point of contact for a variety of issues, municipal to federal. We take every opportunity we can to educate and engage the public in a variety of stewardship initiatives. We also use the planning process to increase awareness and educate landowners on opportunities for conservation.
Support for landowners
We conduct the site assessments, develop the conservation easement document and register the document with Land Titles. Survey requirements are the responsibility of the landowner.
Stewardship activities
WHO MONITORS: Staff within the Environmental & Open Space Planning Branch and Land Management Branch conduct bi-annual monitoring of conservation easements.
HOW OFTEN: Bi-annual assessments are the goal, this is impacted by available resources.
INFORMATION PROVIDED TO LANDOWNER: Landowners are contacted via email, letter or phone call. Access is granted by the landowner. They are encouraged to attend the assessments with County staff. We use this opportunity for one-on-one education regarding their land in context of the landscape and overall conservation goal.
Endowment fund
We do not currently have an endowment fund. Existing manpower and resources are used to deliver the conservation easement program.
Grazing
We consider grazing as an allowable agricultural use on a site specific basis. Restrictions on animal units and access are clearly defined in the conservation easement and enforced through Bylaw 68-2005 "Unauthorized Use of Conservation Easements".
Public access on conservation easement lands
Public access to conservation easement lands is not allowed, as this land is under private ownership.
Defense fund
No
What triggers a conservation easement for the municipality?
Landowner request
