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By rdnewsNOW Staff

BUILDING AND REPAIRING

Wetland Replacement Program taking applications for 2025

May 8, 2025 | 10:43 AM

Applications are open for Alberta’s Wetland Replacement Program, an $8.7 million fund for constructing new wetlands and repairing damage to existing ones.

Wetlands act like sponges, soaking up water during heavy rains and slowly releasing it during dry periods, thus helping to protect against floods and droughts while supporting plants and animals.

The fund is intended to help naturally protect Alberta from future droughts and floods, improve water quality and create healthier ecosystems throughout the province.

“Wetlands are one of Alberta’s best natural defenses against droughts and floods, protecting people, the environment and ecosystems for our wildlife,” commented Rebecca Schulz, minister of environment and protected areas. “Our wetland replacement funding is safeguarding clean water, biodiversity and the well-being of our communities for generations to come.”

The move follows engagement conducted in late 2024 and early 2025, when the province collected ideas on how to strengthen and modernize its water system; Albertans continually pointed to investment in wetlands during this engagement.

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“Wetlands play a critical role in the delivery of key ecosystem services to Albertans and are foundational to the economic prosperity of our province. Ducks Unlimited Canada is proud to play a part in the restoration of these important ecosystems and commends the Government of Alberta for making the process possible through its world-class Wetland Replacement Program,” said Thorsten Hebben, manager of Alberta operations for Ducks Unlimited Canada.

Municipalities and non-profit organizations can apply for funding by August 15. Funding will be awarded in the fall, with construction expected to begin as early as October.

Since 2020, the Wetland Replacement Program has helped produce 609 hectares of restored wetlands, improved natural drought and flood protections and is supporting biodiversity across the province.

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