Communities across Alberta are sharing $1.74 million to support projects aimed at maximizing economic opportunities and building capacity for change in rural communities.
The three-year Rural Community Adaptation Grant Program is focused on increasing the capacity of rural communities to respond to changing economic circumstances.
Now in its final year of implementation, the program is providing funding for the following project in our constituency: Community Futures Big Country will receive $196,200 to support a business plan for youth retention in the medical services sector, in Drumheller.
A description of all approved projects, as well as more information on the Rural Community Adaptation Grant Program is available at www.rural.alberta.ca or by calling the Rural Development Division at 780-427-2409.
The deadline for future applications for both the Rural Community Adaptation Grant Program and the Rural Connections: Community Broadband Infrastructure Pilot Program is June 30, 2010.
Funding for this program was made available through the Government of Canada’s Community Development Trust Fund to help provinces and territories assist communities, organizations and workers move towards greater economic sustainability.
Alberta designates grizzly bears a threatened species
The Alberta government has designated grizzly bears as a threatened species in an effort to better protect the bears and sustain the provincial population.
The designation is based on cutting-edge population research and habitat data, as well as a recommendation from the Endangered Species Conservation Committee (ESCC), a group of stakeholders including ranchers, industry, academics, wildlife managers and conservation interests.
Grizzly bears were recognized in Alberta as a species that may be at risk as early as 2000. A recovery plan was initiated in 2002, followed by steps to collect better population and habitat data. Government committed to improving data gathering, reducing human-bear interactions and managing habitat. The DNA population survey technique, used in B.C., and throughout the U.S., was used in Alberta as the primary tool to reliably document grizzly bear populations. The recovery plan was published in early 2008.
Future conservation actions under Alberta’s Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan include enhancing the province’s Bear Smart programs, coordinating research and limiting access to selected roads in grizzly bear habitat. In specific Wildlife Management Units, the hunt may resume once the recovery plan criteria for population and wildlife management objectives have been met. The hunt has been suspended since 2006.
For more information on grizzly bear management in the province, including a report on 2009 Grizzly Bear Management Activities and Recovery Implementation, visit www.srd.alberta.ca.
As the Drumheller-Stettler MLA, I am always available to assist constituents. If you have any questions or concerns please contact one of my constituency offices at Stettler 403-742-4284; Hanna 403-854-4333; Drumheller 403-823-8181 or in Edmonton at 780-427-2137. Also, please subscribe to my e-newsletter at http://hayden.mypcmla.ca/