Wetlands Alberta

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Provincial Wetland Policy

Alberta’s Wetland Policy provides the strategic direction and tools required to make informed management decisions in the long-term interest of Albertans. Implementation of the policy will minimize the loss and degradation of wetlands, while allowing for continued growth and economic development in the province.

The goal of the Alberta Wetland Policy is to conserve, restore, protect and manage Alberta’s wetlands to sustain the benefits they provide to the environment, society and economy.

To achieve this goal, the policy will focus on four outcomes:

1. Wetlands of the highest value are protected for the long-term benefit of Albertans.
2. Wetlands and their benefits are conserved and restored in areas where losses have been high.
3. Wetlands are managed by avoiding, minimizing and if necessary, replacing lost wetland value.
4. Wetland Management considers regional context.

In addition to a provincial wetland policy, the Federal Policy on Wetland Conservation advocates for “no net loss” of wetlands on federal lands or in project areas where federal funds are provided.