This release was issued under a previous government.

The $37,480 grant, part of a third round of funding, will be used for the restoration of priority riparian areas and community outreach projects in the Lesser Slave watershed. The Lesser Slave Watershed Council also received a $12,500 grant in November 2015 during the second round of Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program funding.

“Improving natural watershed functions will help communities across the province adapt to a changing climate where flood and drought events will be more common. The work done by the Lesser Slave Watershed Council will help ensure that a healthy watershed can act as an effective first line of defence against severe weather events.”

Shannon Phillips, Minister of Environment and Parks

“I am happy to see the continued investment in the health of the Lesser Slave watershed. This grant, along with previous funding, demonstrates the province’s commitment to improving the natural flood and drought resiliency of communities in northern Alberta.”

Danielle Larivee, MLA for Lesser Slave Lake

“The Lesser Slave Watershed Council is very grateful to receive this grant from the province. The council and our local partners will be able to make tangible improvements to riparian areas and wetlands in our watershed that will showcase best management practices and promote land and watershed stewardship.”

Meghan Payne, Executive Director, Lesser Slave Watershed Council

Over the life of the program, grants will fund the restoration of more than 40 kilometres of riparian areas and the creation or enhancement of more than 600 hectares of wetlands. The grants will also support projects focused on education, outreach and the implementation of best management practices.