Applications are open for Alberta’s Wetland Replacement Program, an $8.7 million fund for constructing new wetlands and repairing damage to existing ones.

Wetlands act like sponges, soaking up water during heavy rains and slowly releasing it during dry periods, thus helping to protect against floods and droughts while supporting plants and animals.

The fund is intended to help naturally protect Alberta from future droughts and floods, improve water quality and create healthier ecosystems throughout the province.

“Wetlands are one of Alberta’s best natural defenses against droughts and floods, protecting people, the environment and ecosystems for our wildlife,” commented Rebecca Schulz, minister of environment and protected areas. “Our wetland replacement funding is safeguarding clean water, biodiversity and the well-being of our communities for generations to come.”

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A Moncton project to reduce the salt and sediment reaching waterways from a city snow dump is showing positive results, according to Ducks Unlimited Canada. 

There has been an increase of about 20 per cent in water quality since the creation of a new wetland to filter pollutants from snow melt, said Adam Campbell, the Atlantic manager of operations for the conservation group.

"It was quite acceptable not that long ago to dump the snow right into rivers and right into the bay," Campbell said. 

But that's changing.

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