Cows can be seen grazing in a field in this undated file photo

By Charles Lefebvre

Province planning to extend grazing leases for ranchers

Jul 10, 2019 | 12:25 PM

EDMONTON, AB — The provincial government has announced plans to grant extended grazing leases for certain ranchers.

Jason Nixon, Minister of Environment and Parks, announced Tuesday that the provincial government is planning lengthen public land leases to a maximum of 20 years for ranchers who show exemplary care to the environment.

“Alberta’s ranchers play an important role in our province,” said Nixon in a news release. “Not only do they have a large impact on our economy, but they are responsible for protecting some of the province’s important grassland and wetland habitats. Extending grazing tenures for ranchers who go above and beyond our environmental standards recognizes their good behaviour and encourages others to do the same.”

The province says the extended tenure will come into effect this fall. In the coming months, the Alberta government will release guidelines about what is considered exemplary stewardship.

The Alberta Beef Producers are welcoming the news.

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“Ranchers have always been exemplary environmental stewards – it’s good for the health of the environment and for the health of our businesses,” said Rich Smith, president of the organization, in a news release. “It’s nice to see that the government is willing to recognize us for our responsible work.”