Background information on ALTA
Approximately one third of Alberta's land is privately owned and managed.
Alberta's landowners are dealing with competing land pressures and many are seeking ways to conserve their lands through personal action. Alberta's land trusts work directly with these private landowners and enable partnerships for responsible stewardship of private lands.
In 2006, several of Alberta's land trusts and the land trust community participated in Alberta Environment's Land Trust Leadership Project and the top recommendation was the need for an organized, networked provincial alliance. Alberta Environment turned this recommendation into action by providing $300,000 in seed funding and a seconded staff person for up to 3 years. From July 2006 to July 2007, several volunteer ALTA steering committee members worked to keep the ALTA afloat and in July 2007, the seconded staff person was hired. Since July 2007, the ALTA was incorporated as a not for profit in Alberta, held its first workshop in March 2008, developed a logo, developed partnerships with Alberta's land trusts and created a website.
In November 2006, the ALTA developed a business plan and in August 2008, the ALTA Board or Directors further defined strategies within the business plan through a 3 year Implementation Plan.