Initiative
Alberta, June 24, 2025 – The Agricultural Research & Extension Council of Alberta (ARECA) is thrilled to introduce the new and improved Habitat & Biodiversity Assessment Tool (HBAT), designed to support conservation efforts with enhanced capabilities and a streamlined user experience. This project was undertaken with the financial support of Environment and Climate Change Canada and by the governments of Canada and Alberta through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
With biodiversity protection at the forefront of the tool’s objectives, the enhanced HBAT now includes:
- Additional species at risk (SAR): Expanding our assessments to cover a total of 89 designated species at risk that occur on agricultural land, providing a more comprehensive understanding of vulnerable wildlife.
- A streamlined user experience: Simplified navigation and improved functionality make it easier than ever for users to assess impact on biodiversity and make informed decisions.
- Looking beyond SAR habitat: The original HBAT assessed agricultural land for suitability for supporting SAR habitat. The enhanced HBAT assesses both SAR habitat and biodiversity more broadly.
- Highlighting operational benefits: not only do the recommended stewardship opportunities support habitat, but they also provide additional benefits to the farming operation.
- An improved Habitat Management Report: Offering more detailed insights and actionable recommendations for sustaining habitat on farm.
“At ARECA, we are committed to providing cutting-edge tools that empower producers, extension staff and land stewards,” said Lisa Nadeau, EFP Director. “With these enhancements, the HBAT offers greater value to both producers and SAR habitat, ensuring that we continue to support biodiversity protection across our landscapes.”
The newly upgraded HBAT is now available to Alberta agricultural producers as part of the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) workbook. For more information or to access the tool, visit https://www.albertaefp.com/HBAT/ or contact the EFP Team or your EFP technician.
The HBAT was originally built in Alberta, launched in 2021 as part of the EFP. The tool has been so successful that it has been duplicated across the country. https://www.canadianfga.ca/en/projects/habitat-biodiversity-assessment-tool/
About the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership:
Sustainable CAP is a five-year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri–food and agri–based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by the provinces and territories.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Lisa Nadeau
EFP Director
ARECA
Lisa@areca.ab.ca
587-200-2552
Photo credits (LtoR): Western Grebe – (Keneva Photography), Western Harvest Mouse (A. Teucher), Verna’s Flower Moth (N. Dean), Eastern Red Bat (E.R. Harold), Canada Warbler – (M.A. Nyss), Prairie Falcon (J. Pierstorff), Trumpeter Swan (J. Headley), Yellow-banded Bumble Bee (edporopat), Dwarf Woolly Head (J. Headley), Swift Fox (R. Palmer), Yellow Rail (L. Frid) Transverse Lady Beetle (J. Headley), Common Nighthawk (J. Headley), Northern Leopard Frog (J. Headley), Monarch Butterfly (J. Headley), Western Silvery Minnow (K. Scott) Weidemeyer’s Admiral (V. Merckaert), Rocky Mountain Sculpin (G. Court), Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer (N. Cairns), Limber Pine (T. Neversely), Western Tiger Salamander (M.F. Lotterhand), Short-eared Owl (R. D. Knight), Baird’s Sparrow (C. Olson), Evening Grosbeak (J. Headley), Western Small-footed Myotis (J. Headley), Short-horned Lizard – (J. Headley) Woodland Caribou (E. Caron), Bank Swallow (gergosz), Western Spiderwort (S. Robertson) Long-billed Curlew (J. Headley), Boreal Toad (J. Headley), Ashton Cuckoo Bumble Bee (little_blue_heron), Greenish-white Grasshopper (D. Johnson), Chestnut-collared Longspur (J. Headley), Alkaline Wing-nerved Moss (T. McIntosh), Pale Yellow Dune Moth (D. McCaulay), Grizzly Bear (J. Headley), Gibson’s Big Sand Tiger Beetle (J. Acorn), American Badger (J. Headley), Meadow Thistle (K. Hamilton)