Shelterbelt Enhancement Program (SEP)

Purpose

The Shelterbelt Enhancement Program (SEP) is a $4-million, five-year initiative designed to reduce greenhouse gases through increased shelterbelt plantings on agricultural lands across the Prairies.

Under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs), the Government of Canada, though its Action Plan 2000 on Climate Change, will enhance its existing Shelterbelt Program in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the Peace River Region of British Columbia.

The program is administered through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) Shelterbelt Centre in Indian Head, Saskatchewan. Through the SEP, the Centre's services will be expanded to improve shelterbelt planting success, while reducing costs to landowners. As part of the program, clients will be supplied with weed-controlling materials and specialized mulch application equipment.

Plastic Mulch

"Plastic mulch is an effective alternative to herbicides and mechanical cultivation. It improves tree growth and survival by preventing weeds from emerging and competing for moisture, nutrients and light.

Plastic mulch is a black, embossed (for strength) polyethylene fabric with a thickness of 2.7 mm (0.1 in) which contains a UV inhibitor. Each roll is 120 cm (48 in) wide and 600 m (1500 ft) long and weighs approximately 34 kg (75 lbs). The plastic comes in a roll which is applied (with a specialized applicator) over newly planting tree seedlings.

Plastic mulch can help prevent soil-borne diseases by preventing fruit and leaves from becoming mud-splashed. Mulches help seedlings grow by increasing the temperature of the soil and holding the heat during cool evenings."

Program Objectives

Under the program, AAFC, through the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA), is working in partnership with farmers, livestock producers and rural organizations to:

• reduce GHGs by .3 megatonnes by 2010
• plant 8,000 kms of shelterbelts by 2006 in addition to the Centre's annual planting commitments
• fulfill Canada's commitment to the Kyoto Protocol.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the Shelterbelt Enhancement Program, applicants must apply for, and receive, seedlings though the PFRA Shelterbelt Program.

The following groups are eligible under SEP:

• bona fide producers of primary agriculture products
• federal and provincial departments for conservation plantings, reclamation or research purposes
• owners of rural holdings greater than 39 acres (15.8 ha).

Rural holdings of 39 acres or less, commercial enterprises, golf courses, resort areas or private holdings in urban areas are NOT eligible.

Applications

Application forms are available on the Programs and Services page and through the Shelterbelt Centre or your local PFRA District Office. Applications must be submitted by September 30 for seedling delivery the following year.

Applications will be considered on a first come first served' basis, and assessed according to program eligibility requirements.

Tree Distribution

Trees are provided free of charge to successful applicants, however all shipping costs are the responsibility of the applicant. Trees will be shipped from the Shelterbelt Centre to a local drop off point.

Project Criteria

To be eligible for funding, projects must meet the following guidelines:

• planting sites must be prepared in advance, free of trash and large debris, to ensure trouble-free planting and mulch application
• shelterbelts cannot be moved or transplanted, removed, sold or harvested for wood
• tree and shrub species selected must be capable of sequestering carbon, and proven successful under local conditions.

The following plantings are eligible under SEP:

• Field and roadside shelterbelts, and riparian buffer strips must be a minimum 800 metres in length, and composed of tree and/or shrub species that will succeed under local conditions
• Farmyard shelterbelts must be established around farmyards, livestock facilities or other farm buildings; must be a minimum 800 metres in total length;
• Wildlife tree plantings û must encompass a minimum one hectare of land and not be established adjacent to inhabited farmyard sites.

NOTE: All plantings must meet project criteria and program objectives before they are considered for funding. Applications that do not meet specified requirements as a result of landscape limitations or municipal regulations will be considered for approval.

For more information about the Shelterbelt Enhancement Program, please contact the PFRA Shelterbelt Centre or the PFRA office nearest you.

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