MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - The county’s agricultural service board (ASB) has approved $16,000 in funding for five projects under the ALUS land use preservation program. The approvals came by way of motion at the board’s Sept. 20 meeting.
Additional funding was approved for maintenance of the projects, which include the following:
• The board approved funding for 100 per cent of the materials for a riparian fencing project to a maximum of $3,405 on NW 08-30-04-5 and additionally $8,595 to annual payments for the maintenance of the project from the 2021 ALUS budget. The land involved is located near the Little Red Deer River, with 692 metres of new fencing proposed.
• The board approved funding for 100 per cent of materials for the riparian fencing project to a maximum of $1,482 on NW 33-30-04-5 and additionally $3,315 to annual payments for the maintenance of the project. The land involved is located near the Little Red Deer River, with 301 metres of new fencing proposed.
• The board approved funding for 25 per cent of materials for the two watering systems to a maximum of $3,000 and $500 towards the portable electric fencing system on the S 36-33-06-5 and an additional $615 to annual payments for the maintenance of the project. The land involved is located on the Jackson Creek and involves 232 metres of new electric fence.
• The board approved funding for 75 per cent of materials for the riparian fencing project to a maximum of $31,150 on the SE 25-33-06-5 and additionally $1,305 to annual payments for the maintenance of the project. The land involves is on a tributary to the Jackson Creek and involves 854 metres of new fencing.
• The board approved funding for 100 per cent of the materials for the riparian fencing project to a maximum of $5,000 on W 23-31-06-5 and additionally $3,270 to annual payments for maintenance of the project. The land involved is on a tributary of the Nitchi Creek and involves 1,207 metres of new fencing.
In 2021 eight landowners have been approved for ALUS projects in the county, impacting 107 acres of wetland, riparian and upland areas, members heard.
All approved fencing projects are required to be wildlife friendly, with the bottom wire being higher than 16 inches and the top wire being lower than 60 inches to allow free passage of wildlife.
The board also approved a project under the Riparian and Ecological Enhancement Program, okaying funding for an off-site watering system project on the NW 34-29-02-5 for 25 per cent of the material costs to a maximum of $3,250.
The ASB is made up of appointed public members and members to county council.
