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Provincial Wetland Policy
The interim policy for Wetland Management in the Settled Area of Alberta guides the management of Alberta’s wetlands in the settled, or White Area of the province. The main objectives of the policy are:
- to conserve wetlands in a natural state,
- to mitigate degradation or loss of wetland benefits as near to the site of disturbance as possible, and
- to enhance, restore or create wetlands in areas where wetlands have been depleted or degraded.
Alberta is currently reviewing how it manages wetlands and is in the process of drafting a new provincial wetland policy. In 2005, the Alberta Water Council established the Wetland Policy Project Team to develop recommendations for a new wetland policy and corresponding implementation plan for the Government of Alberta. This new policy will build on the interim policy, improving wetland protection, conservation and restoration activities throughout the province.
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.