DUC’s Revolving Land Conservation Program is on the mark

Since DUC’s Revolving Land Conservation Program (RLCP) began in 2013, uptake in the program by the agricultural community and local landowners has been steadily growing. Gaining even more ground is an increased understanding of how conservation programs like wetland and upland restoration, conservation easements, and perennial grassland conversion programs benefit producers’ operations—not only from an ecological perspective—but from a financial perspective. Typically, land sold as part of RLCP is slightly below the fair market value of a comparable parcel of land without a conservation easement.

Proceeds from RLCP land sales go back into DUC programs for more conservation work. It’s part of working together with farmers which contributes to a healthier, more sustainable economy and landscape.

“At the end of the day, conservation can only be done with the buy-in of landowners,” says Darwin Chambers, head of DUC’s conservation programs in Alberta. “For farmers, RLCP makes a lot of sense, both from an ecological perspective but also for their economic bottom line. Over the years, we have been fortunate to work with so many farmers and develop good relationships within the agriculture industry through this program so that Alberta’s conservation footprint can be expanded. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

The DUC inventory of RLCP projects is ever-changing, with a slate of new projects set to be sold starting in the spring of 2021. Visit our programs page for more information about current RLCP land sales opportunities.