Critical Areas

Critical Areas Component Objective

The objective of the Critical Areas Component is to enhance the health and function of riparian ecosystems by encouraging the adoption of beneficial management practices (BMP's). Good riparian health is critical to maintaining water quality and quantity, species at risk and biodiversity. Activities under the Critical Areas Component will support appropriate livestock and cropping management practices on land within or adjacent to riparian areas to reduce the impact of agricultural activity within these areas.

What kinds of management practices and consultative services are eligible?

Applicants may benefit from financial assistance for managing riparian areas including:

• installation of remote watering systems to manage livestock;
• buffer establishment: forages, shrubs, trees;
• fencing to manage grazing and improve riparian condition/function;
• native rangeland restoration or establishment;
• grazing management in surrounding uplands: watering systems and crossfencing;
• improved stream crossings;
• erosion control structures;
• consultative services to develop range and grazing management plans;
• consultative services for assessing riparian health .

Who can participate?

Producers who have a completed and reviewed environmental farm plan or equivalent agri-environmental plan are eligible to apply for financial and technical assistance through the National Farm Stewardship Program to implement beneficial management practices identified in their environmental farm plan.

What financial assistance is available?

Approved applicants are eligible for a maximum of $30,000 in federal funding over the life of the National Farm Stewardship Program. Funding levels and criteria vary from province to province.

For more information on the National Farm Stewardship Program and the National Environmental Farm Planning Initiative please click on the appropriate link.

Date modified: 2006-07-27		Important Notices