In an effort to increase hunting opportunities across southern Alberta while concurrently protecting habitat, Pheasants Forever Calgary Chapter is exploring the possibility of developing an initiative similar to the PATH (Public Access to Habitat) program delivered by Pheasants Forever in the U.S. and related programs delivered by many state governments.
These programs all provide a financial incentive for ranchers and farmers to enroll high-quality habitat into a multiyear habitat securement agreement that includes a public walk-in access component.
The initial phase of our exploration focussed on understanding the scale, scope and challenges associated with programs of this type in the various states that deliver them, some of which have been ongoing for more than 30 years.
We spoke with seven states and learned:
- Voluntary enrollees ranged from about 200 to as many as 3500 (Kansas).
- The average size of habitat parcels varies from 106 acres to 856 acres (South Dakota).
- The per acre payments ranged from $0.50 to $40.
Clearly there is considerable variability among the states and it will take further local research to determine if a similar program would be embraced in Alberta and, if so, what the parameters would be.
Early discussions with Alberta’s conservation community indicated that there is general support for a program of this nature, with several citing the importance of finding new ways to ensure that landowners are recognized and rewarded for habitat stewardship, including as a means to retain and grow hunter access opportunities.
In the U.S., funding for these types of programs is largely provided by the federal and state governments. Pheasants Forever Calgary will examine all funding options as we continue to explore the feasibility of a similar program in Alberta.
____
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever created the “Public Access to Habitat” (PATH) initiative in 2023. The program was modeled after the Aberdeen Pheasant Coalition, a highly successful public access initiative in Aberdeen, South Dakota — as well as the organization’s past experience delivering “walk-in” access programs. The PATH initiative strives to provide focus, structure, advocacy, added capacity and increased funding to ensure the uplands are open to everyone.
Read more regarding the U.S. PATH program at pheasantsforever.org.