MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - The county’s agricultural services board has approved funding for six conservation projects in various parts of the county.
The approvals came during a recent board meeting, held in person and on Zoom.
The approvals came under the ALUS program, which provides funding for projects such as fencing and solar watering systems.
One project approved was for 25 per of the materials for a portable solar waterer to a maximum of $1,250. The waterer would serve 40 cow/calf pairs at S 03-31-28-W4 in the Kneehills Creek watershed, with the total cost of the waterer set at $5,000.
Another project approved was for 25 per cent of the materials for a portable solar waterer to a maximum of $2,500 on a property at NE 16-33-03-W5 in the Little Red Deer River watershed. The waterer would serve 40 bison pairs at the site.
Another project approved was for 100 per cent of materials to a maximum of $585 for a 119 metres riparian fencing project and 25 per cent of materials for a solar water system to a maximum of $1,375 on a property at NW 16-32-05-W5 in the Red Deer River watershed. It will serve 20 cow/calf pairs.
The board also approved an additional $330 in annual payments for maintenance of the projects.
Another project approved was for 100 per cent of materials, to a maximum of $2,111, for a 429 metres wetland fencing project, and 25 per cent of materials for a solar watering system to a maximum of $622.25 on a property at NE 17-31-03-W5 in a tributary to the Dogpound Creek. It will serve 10 cow/calf pairs.
The board also approved $630 in annual payments for the maintenance of the projects.
Another project approved was for 25 per cent of the portable solar watering system to a maximum of $3,628 on the SE 04-30-03-W5 along the Dogpound Creek, and $5,565 to annual payments for maintenance of the project. It will serve 80 cows and five horses.
Another project approved was for 100 per cent of materials, to a maximum of $2,560 for a 520-metre creek fencing project at NW 35-32-07-W5 along the Smith Creek in the Red Deer River watershed, and $4,155 to annual payments for the maintenance of the project. It will service 60 cows.
The board also approved 25 per cent of funding for a wintering watering system project on a property at 27-29-02-W5 along the Beaverdam Creek to a maximum of $4,587.50 and 75 per cent of the dugout materials fencing costs to a maximum of $600 under the Riparian and Ecological Enhancement Program.
Four landowners have been approved for ALUS projects in Mountain View County involving a total of 139 across of wetland, riparian and upland areas, members heard.
The agricultural services board is made up of county councillors and appointed public members from the municipality’s agriculture community.
