M.D. conservation bylaw passes first reading

A bylaw drafted to help better manage land held by the Municipal District of Taber has passed first reading.

M.D. council discussed Bylaw 1845: Prairie Conservation Bylaw at its regular meeting on Feb. 25.

The law is designed to tighten up how M.D. land is cared for in light of a recent announcement of 30,000 acres coming to the M.D. which was formerly tax recovery land held by the province, and would apply to all grasslands owned, controlled, or managed by the M.D., and which are subject to the Grazing Lease Agreement.

Several amendments were proposed to the tax recovery lease agreement and M.D. Grazing lease agreement in an effort to the bylaws work more smoothly together.

Grasslands provide opportunities for ranchers to earn a living through grazing, and they are important for plant and wildlife habitats.

In addition, grasslands have been listed as an important carbon sink and have an important role to play in managing global climate.

Grasslands are the single most important type of land available to humans for agricultural use.

Following discussion, Division 4 Coun. Ben Elfring moved the bylaw be given first reading, which was carried.

Details of the draft bylaw can be found on the M.D. of Taber website by visiting http://www.mdtaber.ab.ca (no dashes or spaces).

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