The Alberta government wants to make parts of the province more naturally flood and drought resilient and to improve water quality.

To do that it's providing $3.5 million for watersheds and wetlands.

They're areas that drain rainfall and snow melt into streams, rivers and lakes which, in turn, help support healthy communities and ecosystems. 

This year the money goes to 22 projects through the Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program. 

It includes $65,000 in additional funds for previously approved projects on the South Saskatchewan River Basin for Pheasants Forever and $266,000 to the Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Society working with 35 private landowners across all major river basins in the province.

In a release, Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas says "Strengthening the long-term health of Alberta's wetlands, river basins and watersheds is very important to our government. Equally important is helping create natural ways to combat drought and water shortages in the future. That's why we're working with local communities and other partners to help fund practical projects that benefit communities across this province."

Projects are led by stewardship organizations, non-profits, Indigenous communities and municipalities to restore critical wetland and riparian areas and promote the ongoing stewardship and preservation of critical watershed features.


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