Functional Responsibility:
The Department of Sustainable Resource Development was established to provide greater direction and focus on the sustainability of Alberta’s renewable natural resources. Sustainable Resource Development ensures that the benefits Albertans receive from public land and wildlife resources are sustained.

Sustainable Resource Development’s core businesses are forest protection, forest land and resource management, fish and wildlife management, rangeland management and land use disposition management. In the management of these resources, Sustainable Resource Development’s objectives are to protect Alberta’s forests and forest communities through the prevention and suppression of wildfires; to enhance the economic, environmental and social contributions of Alberta’s forests and forest lands; to enhance the economic, environmental and social contributions of Alberta’s fish and wildlife resources; to enhance the economic, environmental and social contributions of Alberta’s rangelands; and to optimize the long-term benefits (environmental, social and economic) from public lands through effective, efficient disposition management.

The Minister of Sustainable Resource Development is also responsible for the Natural Resources Conservation Board, the Surface Right Board and the Land Compensation Board. These Boards operate at arm’s length from the Department and report directly to the Minister.

Predecessor and Successor Bodies:
The Department of Sustainable Resource Development was created from the functions and activities from the Department of Energy (previously the Department of Resource Development), the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and the Department of Environment.

Administrative Relationships:
The Minister of Sustainable Resource Development is a member of the Executive Council.

Administrative Structure:
The Department of Sustainable Resource Development is comprised of four divisions: Forest Protection, Fish and Wildlife, Land and Forest, and Public Lands. In the fall of 2003, these divisions became Fish and Wildlife, Forest Protection, Public Lands and Forests, and Strategic Forestry Initiatives. These divisions are supported by Communications, Human Resources, Policy and Planning, and Strategic Corporate Services.

Names of the Corporate bodies:
The Department of Sustainable Resource Development is also often referred to as Alberta Sustainable Resource Development.

Names of Chief Officers:
Ministers of Sustainable Resource Development:
Mike Cardinal (2001- 2004)
David Coutts (2004 - 2006)
Ted Morton (2006 - )