The ALUS Mountain View County program aims to value, protect and promote both the agricultural community and the region’s unique and precious natural environment through the implementation of on-the-ground projects that rebuild, retain and reconstruct natural areas such as wetlands, grasslands, riparian areas and treed areas.

This results in habitat for fish and wildlife, species at risk and native pollinator insects, as well as cleaner air and water, and even sustainable food production on working landscapes.
While there are many potential project types, the county will initially target those that suit the areas of focus and goals that have been established by its PAC. Its areas of focus include reforestation, pollinators and wetlands. Specifically:

• Preserving and establishing trees in areas of low concentration
• Reclaiming alkali or marginal soils to native stands
• Increasing and promoting pollinator establishment
• Reclaiming marginal cropland for buffering around streams; preserving potholes or wetlands

At the moment, ALUS Mountain View County is particularly interested in projects with a wetland focus. The program funds producers interested in converting marginal cropland—including areas around bogs, swamps, marshes or shallow open water, and areas of saline soil—into tame forages or native prairie mixtures.

The program also funds farmers and ranchers wanting to fence off wetlands or riparian areas, protect native stands, and enhance these areas with native grasses, trees and shrubs.