Eligibility for seedlings and technical services

a. Services

The PFRA Shelterbelt Centre provides tree and shrub seedlings as well as technical services to eligible applicants in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the Peace River area in British Columbia.

Seedlings are supplied free of charge but transportation costs must be paid by the applicant. Seedlings are shipped to the closest Agriculture Representative office, Rural Service Centre, Municipal Office or Agricultural Fieldman. Shipping occurs in the spring, usually late April to mid-May. Applications are accepted from June 1 to March and are serviced on a first-come, first-served basis, so early application is recommended.

b. Eligibility

• Bona fide farmers or landowners with more than 39 acres (16 ha) of land, and producers of primary agricultural products are eligible for seedlings. Some restrictions apply.
• Owners of rural land holdings of 1-39 acres (.4-16ha) in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia are eligible to receive caragana, green ash, Manitoba maple and hawthorn.
• In Alberta, rural land owners of 39 acres (16 ha) or less are ineligible for seedlings.
• Federal and provincial departments planting on eligible public, private or Crown lands for conservation, reclamation or research purposes are eligible for seedlings.
• Villages, towns and cities are eligible to receive caragana, Manitoba maple, green ash, villosa lilac and hawthorn for perimeter plantings and shelterbelts.
• Perimeter plantings around churches, schools and cemetery lands are eligible for seedlings, providing maintenance is guaranteed.
• Charitable organizations, such as 4-H, Scouts, etc., can plant seedlings on eligible land that serves the public without charge.
• First Nations councils and individuals for planting on reserves are eligible for seedlings.
• Commercial enterprises, golf courses, resort areas and private holdings in urban areas are not eligible for seedlings.

IMPORTANT: All applications for seedlings must be completed in full, signed and accompanied by a diagram of the planting. The application must state the legal land location and specify the planting locations, certifying that the plants will not be moved, sold or given to another party, and authorizing PFRA staff to inspect the planted trees at any reasonable time.

All applications are subject to approval based on the requirements stated, and may be refused at the discretion of the Shelterbelt Centre.

While every effort is made to supply eligible applicants with the species and number of plants requested, distribution is made on a first come, first served basis, and certain species are occasionally unavailable. In such cases, the Centre makes the best substitution possible.

c. Technical Services

1. Planning assistance for eligible applicants**
   On request, technical staff will visit sites of eligible applicants, recommend effective shelterbelt plantings based on the area, topography and soil type, and provide advice on tree planting and maintenance. If required, a planting plan will be prepared during the winter and sent to the applicant for use during spring planting.
2. Planning assistance for federal, provincial and municipal agencies.**
   Technical staff will provide assistance for conservation, reclamation and other special plantings. If required, detailed planting plans will be prepared.
3. Public meetings and displays**
   The Shelterbelt Centre can provide speakers to make presentations to farmers and other interested groups. Topics include: farm, field and roadside shelterbelts; conservation and wildlife plantings; species; planting designs and maintenance practices. An indoor display can be made available for fairs and other agricultural events.

**Subject to staff availability.

d. Tours

Self-guided tours of the PFRA Shelterbelt Centre, located near Indian Head, SK, are available for individuals and organized groups Monday to Friday throughout the year. A self- guided tour brochure can be picked up at the office during regular working hours. Visitors are welcome seven days a week to visit the demonstration plantings, arboretum, gardens and nature trail at the Centre, and to make use of the picnic facilities. A descriptive brochure about the Centre and the nature trail is available on request.

A variety of technical literature is available on request. Topics include: a description of species; weed control; planning; planting and care of shelterbelts; pruning; soil erosion; and a variety of brochures on pest control, field, farmstead and wildlife plantings.

More information on shelterbelts can be obtained from your nearest PFRA District Office, agricultural representative, extension agrologist, ag fieldman or by contacting: