Managing Public Land
Last review/updated: May 11, 2004
Sustainable Resource Development is responsible for managing Alberta's
public land for the current and future benefit of all Albertans. Public
land management focuses on establishing and sustaining an optimum balance
of use, conservation and development of resources, in harmony with
the values and needs of Albertans. Historically, public land management
was directed at homesteading and agricultural development in the White
(settled) area of the province, and timber management in the Green
(forested) area. Today, land management practices and policies must
address a greater variety of competing demands -- recreation, watershed
management, agricultural uses, industrial uses, commercial uses and
conservation.
Public land managers assess information collected from consultations with individual resource managers (e.g., wildlife biologists), stakeholders and the public, and use it to make decisions about managing the land base. Decisions are guided by information from:
- Technical Information - about soil, landscape, vegetation, wildlife and climate
- Legislation and Policy - for a complete list of legislation, click here http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/law/default.aspx
- Consultative Processes - to ensure coordination and teamwork among all interested parties.
- Integrated Resource Management (IRM) - ensures government policies, programs and activities work together to gain the best long-term benefits.
Land Management Philosophy
In recent years, it has been recognized that the land should be viewed in its entirety rather than each resource in isolation (e.g., focusing only on timber, grazing or wildlife). The goal is to manage resources using an integrated approach while considering the impact of all land uses on the health of the whole system.
If you require updated information, contact either office below or the Lands office closest to you (click here for a map):
Lands Division, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
South Tower, Petroleum Plaza
9915 - 108 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2G8
Telephone: (780) 427 3570
J.G. O'Donoghue Building
Room 200, 7000 - 113 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6
Telephone: (780) 427 3595
