What's the Challenge?

As development in Edmonton and area has grown and expanded, natural areas have decreased markedly (e.g., 16% of Edmonton’s natural areas have disappeared in the decade between 1995 and 2005, and the rate is increasing).

The Alberta Prairie Conservation Action Plan (http://www.albertapcf.org/) identifies the following strategic issues as threats to landscape integrity:

urban expansion
resource extraction
introduced species
climate change uncertainty
agricultural conversions and intensification
development of energy resources including wind, coal and natural gas

The Edmonton & Area Land Trust aims to protect land and natural resources for the benefit of all citizens who live, or work, or play in the region. However, we face immense challenges due to the cost of acquiring significant lands, as well as managing and maintaining (stewarding) these lands.

Challenges faced by EALT, to fulfil its mandate and respond to threats to natural areas include:

acquiring property
managing and stewarding land for conservation objectives
gathering data and monitoring
fundraising and financing
building local and regional networks and support
developing assistance programs