The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation initiated the Habitat Trust Fund Program in 1978 and has secured over 77,000 acres of habitat land, and the Alberta Fish & Game began a similar program in 1983 called the Wildlife Trust Fund, and has over 45,000 acres now also. These funds were established because of the concern over the rapidly disappearing habitat in the provinces. If we were able to have wildlife in the future for our children to enjoy we must set aside critical wildlife habitat now. Money is raised for acquiring this habitat by individual tax deductible donations, club donations and many fundraising events and activities across the provinces.
Taxes are paid on all the lands held title to and thousands of dollars are spent each year combating weed and insect infestations on our properties. The Lloydminster Fish & Game has donated in excess of $100,000 to these two funds. Saskatchewan has secured in excess of 50,000 acres of habitat and Alberta is approaching 40,000 acres.

Hide Collection Program

One of the major annual contributions made to these funds us through the Hide Collection Program. Sportsmen donate their big game hides to the local branches and the proceeds are used to secure habitat in the provinces. Over $40, 000 is raised in each province each year with this program. The Lloydminster Fish & Game Association collected over 250 hides last year and has been able to turn over $1000/year to the provincial trust funds. However this program is cancelled until further notice, due to that there is no market for the hides at this time.

Wildlife Tomorrow Program

Wildlife Tomorrow Program (formerly Acres for Wildlife) is a program to recognize landowners who voluntarily preserve part of the land base as habitat. Signs are provided to landowners who agree not to break, develop or overly exploit habitat on their land. This is a “gentleman’s agreement” and can be changed at any time. The pioneer land owner is also honored on the sign.

Heritage Farmstead Program

Heritage Farmstead Program is a similar program where old schoolyards and farmyards are preserved in their natural state with signage to celebrate their existence. The Lloydminster Fish & Game Association has secured 11 old schoolyards in our area through this program.

Guns for Habitat

Guns for Habitat is a recent program that began as some people wanted to divest themselves of their firearms to avoid the bureaucracy and expense of the gun registry laws. In Saskatchewan 504 firearms have been donated to the cause and have sold to raise over $25,000 for habitat programs.

Blue Bird Houses

The Lloydminster Fish & Game Association has encouraged members to build and install blue bird houses in the area. This challenge has been accepted and noteworthy efforts have been made by Walt Backer and Bruce McFadyen.