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There
are a number of organizations whose work overlaps with the Southern Alberta
Land Trust Society, and who are valued partners. However, there is also
a range of features that make SALTS unique in its approach and in its
work.
Pioneering Community Based Conservation
SALTS is the first locally-based, rancher-driven land conservation organization
in Canada. This structure improves SALTS' effectiveness at conserving
native
landscapes through:
- increasing local involvement and support by providing a sense of
personal ownership and empowerment; and
- enhancing landowner confidence when entering into conservation agreements
because of our first-hand understanding of agricultural and community
issues.
Integrated Approach
SALTS has expanded the traditional habitat focus of land conservation initiatives
to include the agricultural, scenic, historic and cultural values of land.
This orientation:
- more accurately incorporates the interests of agricultural landowners
and rural communities; and
- improves SALTS' ability to communicate the contributions of ranching
and rangelands to Albertan's quality of life.
Supporting Rural Livelihoods
SALTS is the only Alberta-based organization for which the preservation
of agricultural lands and agricultural livelihoods are central to its conservation
mission.
Local Work / National Implications
SALTS' grassroots structure and conservation approach are being used as
models for establishing similar initiatives throughout Canada.
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