The Provincial Government says they'll reward responsible ranchers grazing public land with longer leases.

They say by granting extended public land leases to a maximum of 20 years for producers demonstrating exemplary care for the land, will support the economy and the environment.

Guidelines will be released in the coming months to outline what exactly is considered "exemplary stewardship," with the extensions set to come into effect in the late fall of this year.

Alberta Environment and Parks Minister, Jason Nixon, says ranchers play and important role in Alberta.

"Not only do they have a large impact on our economy, but they are responsible for protecting some of the Province's important grassland and wetland habitats."

Nixon says extending grazing tenures for producers going above and beyond environmental standards will encourage other ranchers to do the same.

The Province says the change allows producers to focus on investment opportunities with long-term certainty and reduces the amount of time spent dealing with regulatory red tape through lease renewals.

The Alberta Beef Producers welcomes the news.

Ranchers have always been exemplary stewards," said Alberta Beef Producers Executive Director, Rich Smith. "It's good for the health of the Environment and for the health of our business."

Smith says it's nice to see the government is willing to reorganize cattle producers for their responsible work.

 

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