In my April Alberta Outdoorsmen column, “Notes from Conference,” I consider the Alberta Fish and Game Association’s many programs and partnerships that put “boots on the ground” to conserve and enhance all of Alberta’s fish and wildlife. These programs are not as well known to the public as the AFGA’s advocacy of hunting and fishing, which gets more coverage by the news media looking for a story.
The Burrowing Owl is a species-at-risk that benefits from Operation Grassland Community.
For example, Operation Grassland Community is a stewardship program that encourages farmers and ranchers in southeast Alberta to conserve wildlife habitat and protect populations of “species at risk”, like the burrowing owl. This is done in such a way that landowners can conserve wildlife while not limiting their livelihoods.
For another example, the AFGA’s Wildlife Trust Fund has secured 38,000 acres of prime fish and wildlife habitat all across the province. That’s a lot of work performed by a many hard working volunteers, truly concerned about the conservation of this precious heritage.
There are many more programs and partnerships that do much for fish and wildlife conservation. For more information about the Alberta Fish and Game Association, go to www.afga.org
Interested in reading an award-winning outdoor adventure novel? Check out The Search for Grizzly One and Dog Runner.
