ALUS Partnership Advisory Committee (PAC)
ALUS is intended to cater to the individual needs of communities and resident producers and an important aspect of this is the Partnership Advisory Committee (PAC). The PAC is made up of at least 50% local producers, ensuring that local needs are paramount.
The PAC is made up of at least 50% local producers, with the remainder filled by local government and those within the community with the environmental knowledge to implement the programs effectively. The composition of the PAC is important to ensure that the many perspectives of the community and the local context are at the forefront of ALUS program development. The varied expertise of the members allows them to make well informed decisions with respect to the local economy, environment, and community.
A member of the ALUS Partnership Advisory Committee is responsible for ensuring the smooth operations of the local ALUS program. Saddle Hills County PAC members will be expected to:
- Attend regular meetings to oversee the governance and administration of the Saddle Hills County ALUS Program.
- Promote the ALUS Program within their agricultural network, including to other producers and agricultural businesses, and within strategic areas, as outlined by the ALUS Program Coordinator.
- Participate in occasional ALUS events within the community and be active in community engagement efforts.
- Assist with developing and implementing ALUS projects with interested producers.
As a whole, the Partnership Advisory Committee will be responsible for deciding which ALUS projects move forward and the amount of funding allocated to projects. The PAC is also responsible for:
- Ensuring that selected projects meet ALUS environmental and acreage targets, and align with the ALUS guidelines and funding criteria.
- Selecting and communicating with volunteers and producers to assist with the program and selected projects.
- Conducting site visits to determine which areas of land on the identified parcel would be best suited for selected ALUS projects.
- Managing the payments to producers to modify or improve their land as part of the project.
- Local fundraising efforts, including the solicitation of matching funds required to meet funding criteria.
- Creating local priorities and targets.
- Complying with all ALUS guidelines and criteria.
- Providing quarterly operational reports and bi-annual final financial activity and narrative reports to ALUS.
- Implementing a Participant Agreement with producers, outlining how environmental improvements will be made on their land in accordance with ALUS guidelines.
- Supporting the third-party verification of a selection of Projects annually for the purpose of funder assurance as directed by the Regional Hub Manager and in accordance with the verification process as provided by ALUS.
- Participate in program management events organized by ALUS.
- Select eligible ALUS Projects in the community, in accordance with selection criteria.
Meet Your ALUS PAC
Dessa Campbell
Dessa grew up on the family farm in Cape Breton, N.S., before attending college to attain her degree in agriculture. Post-graduation she began working in the agriculture industry, initially as an Inputs Representative, before spending five years as the Agricultural Fieldman for Saddle Hills County. She is currently employed as a Retail Representative at BASF.
She hopes to use her industry-level experience to bring another perspective, believing that a successful agricultural board has members from all aspects of the sector, including grain, livestock, industry, and small self-sufficient producers.
Dessa currently lives in the Gordondale area, with her husband Josh, daughter Kenzie, and beloved dog Mac.
Michael Deakin-Macey
Michael owns and operates a farm in the Bonanza area on the Henderson Creek, alongside his family. On land that had previously been neglected, the family started from scratch, using the local wildlife and natural resources to help rebuild the soil and start anew.
Michael wishes to use his experience to help other producers looking to embark on similar journeys, hoping he can help them avoid some of the same mistakes he made during his journey.
Tanya Fearon
Tanya has been a farmer in Saddle Hills County since 2017, on land originally maintained by her father-in-law. As a certified organic farmer, he exhibited great respect for the land and tried to implement practices that respected both his livestock and wildlife, a philosophy that Tanya and her family are actively continuing.
With a strong belief that producers have a responsibility to minimize impacts on ecological systems, she looks forward to serving on the ALUS PAC and sees a great opportunity with ALUS to balance ecological conservation with the needs of local producers.
Aside from farming, Tanya works as a school teacher and supports local youth sporting organizations, such as minor hockey, lacrosse, and soccer.
Sarah Weiss
Sarah was born and raised in Sherwood Park, Alberta, but always longed to be closer to animals and nature. At 17, she applied to be a summer student at a cattle ranch in Silver Valley, where she met her husband, Matt.
Sarah and Matt now have three daughters and work together, alongside their business partners, on the same cattle ranch she originally started at. As well as being cattle producers, they also farm grain, pigs, and chickens.
Sarah is grateful to be living her dream in Saddle Hills County, and is excited to be able to give back to an industry that’s given her so much.
Councillor Ed Armagost
Ed is a Saddle Hills County Councillor appointed to the ALUS Partnership Advisory Committee (PAC). You can learn more about him and our other Councillors on our Council page.
More Information:
Contact Us
Saddle Hills
Junction of Hwy 49 & Secondary Hwy 725
RR1, Spirit River AB
T0H 3G0
T. 780-864-3760
Fax 780-864-3904
Toll-free 1-888-864-3760
frontdesk@saddlehills.ab.ca
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