Title
Donation of SW13-53-6-W5 to Alberta Fish & Game Association for conservation purposes
Proposed Motion(s)
That Governance & Priorities Committee provide further direction to Administration on the donation of County-owned SW13-53-6-W5 to Alberta Fish & Game Association (AFGA) for conservation purposes.
Body
Administration Recommendation(s)
Administration supports donation of the land to AFGA for conservation purposes. There several options to proceed:
1) donate the full 1/4 to AFGA
2) donate the full 1/4 to the AFGA and assist the proponents for a youth wilderness campsite on the 1/4 to find another location nearby
3) donate the 1/4 to the AFGA minus a small portion to be subdivided out and leased by the County for a youth wilderness campsite
Purpose
Direction is required to confirm the County's continued interest in donating the land for conservation purposes and the options.
Summary
Two years ago it was brought to the County's attention that environmental damage was occurring on the County-owned SW13-53-6-W5 by unauthorized OHV use. It was suggested that the habitat could be better protected if it were owned and managed by a conservation organization such as AFGA. On March 15, 2011 GPC received a presentation from AFGA Habitat Coordinator-Edmonton, Brad Fenson, and Alberta Conservation Association President and CEO, Dr. Todd Zimmerling. AFGA's first priority for management of lands is habitat preservation. They work toward that goal by ensuring their lands, in most cases, are limited to foot access, and signage is erected to help educate the public on conservation. AFGA also partners with orther organizations and corporations to help sustain long-term conservation efforts. AFGA has partnered with TransAlta on several projects in Parkland County. GPC accepted the presentation as information and directed Administration to continue working with AFGA on the conservation of the SW13-53-6-W5. Alberta Conservation Association and AFGA subsequently conducted an analysis of the land and confirmed that it had high habitat value.
The quarter section is located approximately 0.8 km (1/2 mi) NW of the Summer Village of Seba Beach. It is adjacent to a route used by OHVs travelling from the Seba Beach area to Jackpine Grazing Reserve to the west and a smaller Crown land parcel to the north. The land is heavily treed with the exeception of a small waterbody and low-lying high water table depressional area running N/S through the property. A neighbouring property owner, suggested the land be set aside and protected for conservation purposes. Another adjacent neighbour also suggested the 1/4 be dedicated for conservation purposes, but proposes to locate a Girl Guide youth wilderness camp on part of the quarter and to use the remainder of 1/4 for outdoor education programs. Both adjacent landowners have volunteered to help restore the environmental damage and maintain the 1/4 for conservation and education purposes. If the land were to be donated to AFGA, the organization would welcome its use for outdoor and environmental education purposes, and the opportunity to work with the neighbours and youth groups such as Girl Guides and Boy Scouts, but they would prefer not to lease part of the donated land for a campsite.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications
Supports Council's Strategic Plan Goal #1 regarding environmental stewardship, and Strategy #1 to increase public education. Land donation would also support ICSP Goal #10 to minimize damage caused by vehicles, horses and pedestrians in environmentally sensitive areas, Goal #11 to minimize destruction of waterways, wetlands and riparian area, and Goal #19 to support local community initiatives and increase the level of resident participation relating to sustainability. If Option 3 were to implemented, staff time would be required to facilitate the subdivision and subsequent leasing of the small subdivided parcel.
Financial Impact:
Cost: Up to $5,000 (only if Option 3 is pursued)
Source of Funding: 2013 Operating Budget
Other (As Required)