Title
Memorandum of Understanding between ALUS Canada Inc. and Parkland County (2016-2018)
Proposed Motion(s)
That Council approve the Memorandum of Understanding with ALUS Canada for a three-year term beginning January 2016 at a cost of $5,000 per year for administration fees for ALUS Canada to fund ecosystem services in Parkland County.
Body
Administration Recommendation(s)
Administration supports this decision.
Purpose
The purpose of this report is to seek Council approval for a three year committment to participate in the ALUS Program through a Memorandum of Understanding between Parkland County and ALUS Canada Inc. This Memorandum will supersede the existing agreement with Delta Waterfowl who operated the ALUS Program until 2015.
Summary
In 2015 ALUS Canada was created to operate the ALUS Program in Canada, independent from the American based Delta Waterflow organization. The preceding Memorandum of Understanding with Delta Waterfowl is no longer valid since the forming of ALUS Canada Inc. as an independent entity. The ALUS Canada organization has assumed all program assets in addition to obtaining a long-term funding committment from the Weston Foundation. The new ALUS Canada is committed to growing the program across Canada, with particular emphasis on Alberta. The $5,000 administration fee to ALUS Canada will allow Parkland County to grow the program and obtain necessary program support from ALUS Canada. The funds for 2016 were approved by Council during the budget process in December 2015. This Memorandum will enable Council to continue working with agriculture producers to enhance ecosystem services under the ALUS program banner at least until the end of 2018.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications
This MoU enables private land stewardship consistent with:
1. Council Policy C-ES02: Maintaining Biodiversity on Private Land
2. Strategic Plan 2016-2020, Environment Section Key Result #1: Increase the number of hectares under conservation, ...
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