MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - The county's agricultural service board has approved funding for a project under the Alternative Land Use Service (ALUS) program.
The approval came during the board’s recent regularly scheduled meeting in council chambers.
The funding is for 75 per cent of materials for a riparian fencing project to a maximum of $1,575 on S-13-29-2-5 on the county’s far south boundary in the Nose Creek watershed.
The funding also includes for 25 per cent of the materials for a watering system to a maximum of $737, and additionally $5.047 to annual payments for the maintenance of the project from the 2019 ALUS budget.
Members heard that in 2019 a total of eight landowners have been approved for ALUS projects in the county, impacting 198 acres of wetlands, riparian and upland areas.
The board also approved funding for an off-site watering system project on NW 12-32-2-5 for 25 per cent of material costs to a maximum of $592.
The funding comes under the Riparian and Ecological Enhancement Program.
The board also approved funding under the program for the crossing project on NE 10-30-29-4 for 75 per cent of the material costs to a maximum of $750.
Meanwhile, the board received a letter from the Farm Safety Centre regarding a $4,200 contribution from the county in support of teaching youngsters the importance of farm safety.
More than 2,200 students in nine Mountain View County area schools received farm safety lectures in 2019.
“The generosity of many, many committed individuals and organizations continues to make this possible and we are grateful for each and every dollar donated,” said Laura Nelson, executive director of the centre.
“Hundreds of rural schools allow time for this program each because they hear of the close calls and near misses and recognize the importance of their students receiving consistent best practice safety messaging.”
The agricultural service board is made up of county councillors and appointed members of the community. It advises the county and province on agriculture-related issues and concerns.