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 Associat...
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