Launched in November 2021, ALUS Barrhead-Westlock-Athabasca (BWA) is located in North-central Alberta and encompasses three municipalities: the County of Barrhead, Westlock County and Athabasca County. 

Each municipality has a prominent agricultural community. In addition, the Athabasca River runs through the counties and is fed by several tributaries as it winds through them, including the Pembina River. The commonalities unite the distinct municipalities and make them a perfect fit to deliver the ALUS program.

Prior to the launch of ALUS BWA, the counties had already created a joint conservation program, H2C. This foundation of collaboration ensured that the ALUS model was a good fit to extend the conservation work already being done, providing a new way to fund and deliver environmental projects for farmers and ranchers. Many area producers are already working to address environmental issues; ALUS BWA will support them to deliver environmental projects that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to.

Projects undertaken by ALUS BWA will include reclaiming riparian buffer areas with the aid of fencing and vegetation to aid water quality and prevent erosion. The program will also plant trees, shrubs and native flowers, which boost wildlife and pollinator habitat. And it will provide alternative beaver mitigation strategies.

Guided by a local Partnership Advisory Committee (PAC), which is comprised of at least 50% local producers (along with other local stakeholders, including elected representatives, scientists, environmental experts, etc.), the ALUS model ensures that projects are determined at the local level to address priorities of importance to the community.