DOCSLIB.ORG

Status of the Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus Clarkii Lewisii) in Alberta

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Status of the Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus Clarkii Lewisii) in Alberta Status of the Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisii) in Alberta Alberta Wildlife Status Report No. 61 Status of the Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisii) in Alberta Prepared for: Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (SRD) Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) Prepared by: Allan B. Costello This report has been reviewed, revised, and edited prior to publication. It is an SRD/ACA working document that will be revised and updated periodically. Alberta Wildlife Status Report No. 61 December 2006 Published By: Publcaton No. T/113 ISBN: 0-7785-4811-2 (Prnted Edton) ISBN: 0-7785-4812-0 (On-lne Edton) ISSN: 1206-4912 (Prnted Edton) ISSN: 1499-4682 (On-lne Edton) Seres Edtors: Sue Peters, Robn Gutsell, Nyree Sharp and Lsa Matthas Illustratons: Bran Huffman Maps: Ncole Hopkns For copes of ths report, vst our web ste at: http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fw/specesatrsk/ and clck on “Detaled Status” OR Contact: Informaton Centre - Publcatons Alberta Sustanable Resource Development Man Floor, Great West Lfe Buldng 9920 - 108 Street Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5K 2M4 Telephone: (780) 422-2079 Ths publcaton may be cted as: Alberta Sustanable Resource Development and Alberta Conservaton Assocaton. 2006. Status of the westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisii) n Alberta. Alberta Sustanable Resource Development, Wldlfe Status Report No. 61, Edmonton, AB. 34 pp. PREFACE Every five years, the Fish and Wildlife Division of Alberta Sustainable Resource Development revews the general status of wldlfe speces n Alberta. These overvews, whch have been conducted n 1991 (The Status of Alberta Wildlife), 1996 (The Status of Alberta Wildlife) and 2000 (The General Status of Alberta Wild Species 2000), assgn ndvdual speces “ranks” that reflect the perceived level of risk to populations that occur in the province. Such designations are determned from extensve consultatons wth professonal and amateur bologsts, and from a varety of readly avalable sources of populaton data. A key objectve of these revews s to dentfy speces that may be consdered for more detaled status determnatons. The Alberta Wldlfe Status Report Seres s an extenson of the general status exercse, and provdes comprehensve current summares of the bologcal status of selected wldlfe speces n Alberta. Prorty s gven to speces that are At Risk or May Be At Risk n the provnce, that are of uncertan status (Undetermined), or that are consdered to be at rsk at a natonal level by the Commttee on the Status of Endangered Wldlfe n Canada (COSEWIC). Reports n ths seres are publshed and dstrbuted by the Alberta Conservaton Assocaton and the Fsh and Wldlfe Dvson of Alberta Sustanable Resource Development. They are ntended to provde detaled and up-to-date nformaton that wll be useful to resource professonals for managng populatons of speces and ther habtats n the provnce. The reports are also desgned to provde current nformaton that wll assst Alberta’s Endangered Speces Conservaton Commttee n dentfyng speces that may be formally desgnated as Endangered or Threatened under Alberta’s Wildlife Act. To acheve these goals, the reports have been authored and/or revewed by ndvduals wth unque local expertse n the bology and management of each speces. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) s a polytypc (havng many forms) speces of trout endemc to western North Amerca. The speces s hghly varable n terms of phenotypc trats (physcal features) and lfe hstory characterstcs but has strct habtat requrements, requrng cold clean water and vared forms of cover to mantan populatons. Although the orgnal dstrbuton of cutthroat trout was lkely greater than any other form of North Amercan trout or salmon (wth the excepton of lake trout, Salvelinus namaycush), the varous cutthroat subspeces (of whch there are four man types and 10 further dervatves) have undergone dramatc declnes n ther numbers and dstrbuton snce European settlement; some have dsappeared from as much as 90% of the natve range. The only subspeces natve to Alberta, and the focus of ths revew, s the westslope cutthroat trout (O. clarkii lewisii), whose current global dstrbuton has become extremely fragmented nto solated, hgh elevaton headwater areas. Westslope cutthroat trout are natve to the Bow and Oldman dranages of the South Saskatchewan Rver and were orgnally found from the extreme headwaters of these systems throughout manstem stretches and down onto the grassland plans. Today, populatons are largely restrcted to the Rocky Mountan Natural Regon and the Parkland Natural Regon (Foothlls Subregon) n the uppermost reaches of manstem rvers and the extreme headwaters of a few major trbutares. Although ntroduced hatchery populatons of westslope cutthroat trout populatons are wdespread n Alberta, only 60–70 streams are beleved to contan genetcally pure natve strans (the total Alberta populaton sze of wld, natve westslope cutthroat trout s lkely much smaller than 7000 mature ndvduals). Many of the natve rver mgratory populatons are beleved to be severely depressed, f not already extrpated; some dsappeared followng the constructon of dams early n the last century, whereas others have declned as a consequence of habtat degradaton and the stockng of non-natve speces. The greatest threats to westslope cutthroat trout n Alberta contnue to be the human-caused manpulaton and degradaton of the envronment n whch they lve. Introgressve hybrdzaton (permanent ncorporaton of foregn genetc materal) between natve westslope cutthroat trout and ntroduced speces (prmarly ranbow trout) s beleved to be wdespread, and the contnued presence of non-natve speces threatens the genetc ntegrty of remanng westslope cutthroat trout populatons. In November 2006, the Commttee on the Status of Endangered Wldlfe n Canada desgnated the remanng genetcally pure populatons nhabtng the natve range n Alberta as Threatened (.e., lkely to become endangered f lmtng factors are not reversed). A comprehensve assessment of the genetc ntegrty of the remanng populatons and thorough revew of the current stockng program n Alberta seem necessary f natve populatons of westslope cutthroat trout are to be mantaned n the provnce. v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank the many biologists and fisheries professionals who assisted in the preparation of ths document; from Brtsh Columba: James Baxter (BC Hydro), Sue Pollard (B.C. Mnstry of Envronment), Bll Westover (B.C. Mnstry of Envronment), Don McPhal (Unversty of Brtsh Columba), Emly Rubdge (Unversty of Brtsh Columba) and Erc Taylor (Unversty of Brtsh Columba). From Alberta, specal thanks to Jm Stelfox (Alberta Sustanable Resource Development), Gord Court (Alberta Sustanable Resource Development), Robn Gutsell (Alberta Sustanable Resource Development), Lsa Matthas (Alberta Sustanable Resource Development), Nyree Sharp (Alberta Conservaton Assocaton), Sue Cotterll (Alberta Sustanable Resource Development), Charle Pacas (Parks Canada, Banff), Dave Mayhood (Freshwater Research Lmted), Sue Peters (Alberta Conservaton Assocaton), Ncole Hopkns (Ducks Unlmted Canada) and finally Bruce McCullough (Department of Fisheries and Oceans). Preparaton of ths report was funded by the Alberta Conservaton Assocaton and the Fsh and Wldlfe Dvson of Alberta Sustanable Resource Development. v v v TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE .......................................................................................................................... EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................ v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................................v INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................1 SPECIES INFORMATION .................................................................................................1 HABITAT .............................................................................................................................2 1. Habtat Descrpton ................................................................................................2 2. Trends .....................................................................................................................3 CONSERVATION BIOLOGY .............................................................................................3 1. Lfe Hstory Dversty ............................................................................................3 2. Reproducton ..........................................................................................................4 3. Survval ..................................................................................................................4 4. Movements and Dspersal ......................................................................................4 5. Nutrton .................................................................................................................5 6. Interspecific Interactions and Hybridization ..........................................................5 DISTRIBUTION ..................................................................................................................6 1. Alberta ....................................................................................................................6 2. Other Areas ..........................................................................................................10 POPULATION SIZE AND TRENDS ...............................................................................10
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Bighorn Backcountry Brochure 2015
    Alberta’s Bighorn Backcountry offers spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery and unforgettable recreational opportunities. Keep this area beautiful: K stay on the trail, K respect other users, and K leave no trace of your visit. High Level The Bighorn Backcountry is managed to ensure the protection of the environment, while allowing responsible and sustainable recreational use. The area includes more than 5,000 square kilometres (1.2 million acres) of public lands east of Banff and Jasper National Parks. 35 Fort McMurray Peace River 63 The Bighorn Backcountry hosts a large variety of recreational activities Slave Grande 2 including camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and cycling. Prairie Lake Athabasca 40 32 43 It is your responsibility to become familiar with activities allowed in this 44 2 Edson area before you visit. Please refer to the map and chart in this pamphlet 16 Lloydminster EDMONTON 16 Hinton 47 22 Jasper for further details. Visitors who do not follow the rules could be fined or 39 734 2 National Bighorn 22 charged under provincial legislation. Backcountry 21 41 Park 11 Rocky 11 Mountain Red Deer House 54 12 56 If you have any concerns about the condition of the trails and campsites 734 21 Banff 27 9 National 22 Drumheller or their appropriate use, please call Environment and Sustainable Park 72 9 56 1 1 Resource Development at the Rocky Mountain House Office, CALGARY 24 23 403-845-8250. (Dial 310-0000 for toll-free service.) 1 B 2 23 22 Medicine . Hat C Lethbridge For current trail conditions and information kiosk locations, . 3 please visit the Bighorn Backcountry website at www.esrd.alberta.ca.
    [Show full text]
  • Burbot Management Plan
    BURBOT MANAGEMENT PLAN DEPARTMENT OF INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE DIVISION OF FISHERIES AND HATCHERIES PREPARED BY SCOTT A. ROY ASSISTANT REGIONAL FISHERIES BIOLOGIST REGION E MARCH 2001 BURBOT LIFE HISTORY The burbot, Lota lota (Linnaeus), is a unique member of the cod family. It is the only species in the family, which spends its entire life in fresh water. However, the burbot is similar to its marine relatives in that its distribution is circumpolar. It can be found in cool, fresh waters throughout northern Europe, Asia and North America. In North America its range extends as far south as the northern tier of States across the United States. In Maine, the burbot is commonly known as the cusk, although in other areas it is also called the ling, eelpout, loche and lawyer. Unlike the salmonids and Maine’s other coldwater species, the burbot is not noted for its grace and beauty. The body is elongate, almost eel-shaped, with long, soft-rayed dorsal and anal fins that meet a rounded tail. Although it is smooth and slimy to the touch, the skin is embedded with very small, cycloid scales. The head of the burbot is broad and somewhat flattened. It has a large mouth containing several rows of small teeth on the jaws. A single, whisker-like barbell protrudes from the tip of the chin. There are no obvious external differences between males and females. In general, adults are olive brown to dark brown on the back and sides. This background is overlaid with distinctive patterns of dark brown or black markings and spots.
    [Show full text]
  • Sport-Fish-Identification.Pdf
    Walleye Walleye have two distinct fins on their back, the first with large spines. Lake Sturgeon They have a yellow-olive back, brassy, silvery sides with yellow spots, a white underside, and white on the lower lobe of the tail. Dusky vertical Lake Sturgeon are a Threatened Species due to population size and bars are often found on the body as well. concerns with viability. Lake Sturgeon have a large brown or grey body covered with tough, leather- like tissue and five rows of bony plates. They have a shark-like, upturned tail and a pointed snout with four barbels. Sauger Lake Whitefish are olive-green to blue on the back, with silvery sides.They Sauger are a Threatened Species due to hybridization, habitat Lakehave a small Whitefish mouth below a rounded snout, and a deeply forked tail. degradation and overharvest. Sauger are golden olive on the back with silver-yellow sides and a white underside. They also have a large spiny dorsal fin, distinct rows of spots on the dorsal fins and three or four dusky vertical bars on the body. Mountain Whitefish have large scales, no spots and small mouths with no Burbot Mountainteeth. Their general Whitefish body colour is a bronze-white or greenish white. Burbot have a slim, brownish black body with smooth skin, a flattened head, and a fin that stretches along the back half of the body. Distinctive barbels hang from the lower jaw and nostrils. Goldeye Northern Pike Goldeye have prominent eyes with bright yellow pupils, a blunt head, and Northern Pike are a long, slender fish with duck-like jaws and a long, flat a deep, compressed body.
    [Show full text]
  • UPDATED APRIL 5, 2018 the Canadian Rockies Comprise the Canadian Segment of the North American Rocky Mountains
    “Canadian Splendor — Banff to Jasper” Rolling Rally August 21-29, 2018 Rally Fee: $2,700 Per Couple UPDATED APRIL 5, 2018 The Canadian Rockies comprise the Canadian segment of the North American Rocky Mountains. With hundreds of jagged, ice-capped peaks, the Canadian Rockies span the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. This majestic, awe-inspiring mountain range is a region of alpine lakes carved by glaciers, diverse wildlife, outdoor recreation sites, and miles and miles of scenic roads and highways. We hope you enjoy your summer “Canadian Splendor” Marathon Club adventure! Event Itinerary Pre-Rally Arrival Day—Monday, August 20 Day Two—Wednesday, August 22 • Arrive Banff National Park, where we have Sites • Guided Bus Tour of Banff Townsite at Two Adjacent Campgrounds: Tunnel Mountain (9:00 – 10:50 am). Located at an elevation of Trailer Court (30- or 50-amp power, water and 4,500 feet, Banff Townsite is the highest town in sewer); and Tunnel Mountain II (50-amp power, Canada. Sights you’ll see during this morning’s tour no water and sewer at sites — a dump station and include Surprise Corner, the Banff Springs Hotel potable water are available) and Bow Falls (these falls were featured in the Because the rally begins Tuesday, there are no 1953 Marilyn Monroe film, “River of No Return”). activities today; however, today’s site fee is included There will also be a one-hour tour at the birthplace in your rally fee. Note: The annual “Individual of Canada’s national parks, Cave and Basin Discovery Pass” each person will need to buy for the National Historic Site.
    [Show full text]
  • Integrated Access Management
    Bow River Water Management Project Richard Phillips On Behalf of The Bow River Water Management Project Advisory Committee 2016 Alberta Irrigation Projects Association Conference Flood and Drought Mitigation: Purpose and Principles Flooding and Drought cannot be prevented, but we can be better prepared • Preparedness, protection and resilience – Reduce risk • Assess, select, coordinate and implement mitigation measures and policies • Evaluate based on: – Understanding causes, risks and impacts – Social, environmental and economic cost-benefit analysis Watershed Management: A Systems Approach • Each river basin is a system • Focus on river basins where flooding and drought risks are highest • Implement best combination of upstream, local, individual and policy-based mitigation measures to protect against flooding events • Enhance the ability to protect against drought Background • The Bow River Working Group, a technical collaboration of water managers and users, was informally established in 2010. • In late 2013 and early 2014 they worked together to identify and assess flood mitigation options in the Bow Basin. Their March 2014 Bow Basin Flood Mitigation and Watershed Management Project report put forward the most promising mitigation options including a number of operational changes for the TransAlta facilities in the upper Bow system. • A separate report conducted by Amec Foster Wheeler in 2015 for Alberta Environment and Parks identified 11 potential flood storage schemes for the Bow River. • This 2016 project is a continuation of both of these prior studies. Vision and Mandate Vision: To have a robust, strategic plan for water management in the Bow River Basin, from the headwaters to the confluence with the Oldman River and continuing through Medicine Hat.
    [Show full text]
  • Fax Coversheet
    December 20, 2010 Using water reservations to protect the aesthetic values associated with water courses: a note on the Spray River (Banff) By Nigel Bankes Documents commented on:: Order in Council 546\49; South Saskatchewan Basin Water Allocation Regulation, Alta. Reg. 307/1991 (rescinded by Bow, Oldman and South Saskatchewan River Basin Water Allocation Order, Alta. Reg. 171/2007); Alberta Environment, TransAlta Utilities (TAU) licence for the Spray River development. I have been doing some work on Crown water reservations over the last few months and in the course of that came across an example of what at first glance seemed to be the use of a water reservation to preserve the aesthetic qualities of a watercourse. The example also has an interesting constitutional twist that is worth reflecting on. When Alberta was created in 1905 it took its place in confederation without the ownership or administration and control of its natural resources, including water. Canada (the Dominion) continued to manage lands and resources in the province for the benefit of the national interest. That included using Dominion lands to encourage immigration, but it also included the creation, maintenance and expansion of national parks to encourage tourism and to protect spectacular landscapes. With the transfer of the administration and control of natural resources from Canada to Alberta in 1930 it was necessary to deal with retained federal lands. These lands included Indian reserves (about which there has been a lot of litigation over the years) and national parks (which have seen less litigation). I wrote about the constitutional status of national parks a good number of years ago: "Constitutional Problems Related to the Creation and Administration of Canada's National Parks" in J.O.
    [Show full text]
  • Northwest Territories Territoires Du Nord-Ouest British Columbia
    122° 121° 120° 119° 118° 117° 116° 115° 114° 113° 112° 111° 110° 109° n a Northwest Territories i d i Cr r eighton L. T e 126 erritoires du Nord-Oues Th t M urston L. h t n r a i u d o i Bea F tty L. r Hi l l s e on n 60° M 12 6 a r Bistcho Lake e i 12 h Thabach 4 d a Tsu Tue 196G t m a i 126 x r K'I Tue 196D i C Nare 196A e S )*+,-35 125 Charles M s Andre 123 e w Lake 225 e k Jack h Li Deze 196C f k is a Lake h Point 214 t 125 L a f r i L d e s v F Thebathi 196 n i 1 e B 24 l istcho R a l r 2 y e a a Tthe Jere Gh L Lake 2 2 aili 196B h 13 H . 124 1 C Tsu K'Adhe L s t Snake L. t Tue 196F o St.Agnes L. P 1 121 2 Tultue Lake Hokedhe Tue 196E 3 Conibear L. Collin Cornwall L 0 ll Lake 223 2 Lake 224 a 122 1 w n r o C 119 Robertson L. Colin Lake 121 59° 120 30th Mountains r Bas Caribou e e L 118 v ine i 120 R e v Burstall L. a 119 l Mer S 117 ryweather L. 119 Wood A 118 Buffalo Na Wylie L. m tional b e 116 Up P 118 r per Hay R ark of R iver 212 Canada iv e r Meander 117 5 River Amber Rive 1 Peace r 211 1 Point 222 117 M Wentzel L.
    [Show full text]
  • Westslope Cutthroat Trout
    This file was created by scanning the printed publication. Errors identified by the software have been corrected; Chapter 1 however, some errors may remain. Westslope Cutthroat Trout John D. IVIclntyre and Bruce E. Rieman, USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station, 316 E. iViyrtle Street, Boise, Idaho 83702 Introduction Westslope cutthroat trout begin to mature at age 3 but usually spawn first at age 4 or 5 (table 2). Sexu­ The westslope cutthroat trout inhabits streams on ally maturing adfluvial fish move into the vicinity of both sides of the Continental Divide. On the east side tributaries in fall and winter where they remain un­ of the divide, they are distributed mostly in Mon­ til they begin to migrate upstream in the spring tana but also occur in some headwaters in Wyoming (Liknes 1984). They spawn from March to July at and southern Alberta (Behnke 1992). They are in the water temperatures near 10°C (Roscoe 1974; Liknes Missouri Basin downstream to about 60 km below 1984; Shepard et al. 1984). A population of adult fish Great Falls and in the headwaters of the Judith, Milk, in the St. Joe River, Idaho, included 1.6 females for and Marias rivers. On the west side of the Continen­ each male (Thurow and Bjornn 1978). Average length tal Divide the subspecies occurs in the upper was 334 mm for females and 366 mm for males. A Kootenai River; the Clark Fork drainage in Montana similar population in Big Creek, Montana, included and Idaho downstream to the falls on the Fend Oreille 4.1 females for each male (Huston et al.
    [Show full text]
  • NYU Radiology CME in Banff MONDAY, August 3 TUESDAY
    NYU Radiology CME in Banff OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES The activities below have been arranged by TPI on an exclusive basis for NYU attendees so as not to conflict with the meeting agenda. *TPI reserves the right to cancel or re-price any tours that do not meet the minimum requirements. MONDAY, August 3 Welcome to Banff Sightseeing Tour – 1:30 to 6:30pm Adult -- $105Child (6-15) -- $87 Children under 6 – Free Feel the power of Bow Falls and the beauty that surrounds it just below Banff Springs Hotel. Continue exploring from some of the best views in town – Surprise Corner on Tunnel Mountain Drive, the Hoodoos (oddly shaped pillars of glacial rock), Mount Norquay’s winding road and Sulphur Mountain’s Peak. Take the gondola up to the 7,500 ft. summit of Sulphur Mountain and enjoy the panoramic view of the entire Bow Valley. Free time for refreshments in the restaurant or to explore the many trails that wind atop the mountain. Includes: round trip transportation aboard deluxe motorcoach, escort, gondola ride, admission fees, tax, and driver gratuity. Minimum 20 persons. TUESDAY, August 4 Kananaskis River Whitewater Rafting 1:30 to 6:30pm Adult -- $154; Child (5-15) -- $139 Enjoy the perfect mix of mountains, scenery, fun and a little action on an exciting whitewater paddle raft adventure on the scenic Kananaskis River. The river tour is rated a Grade 2 to 3. Once suited up in full rafting gear, begin a scenic float that gradually builds into an unforgettable whitewater thrill! A skilled rafting guide will ensure your safety and amusement.
    [Show full text]
  • RURAL ECONOMY Ciecnmiiuationofsiishiaig Activity Uthern All
    RURAL ECONOMY ciEcnmiIuationofsIishiaig Activity uthern All W Adamowicz, P. BoxaIl, D. Watson and T PLtcrs I I Project Report 92-01 PROJECT REPORT Departmnt of Rural [conom F It R \ ,r u1tur o A Socio-Economic Evaluation of Sportsfishing Activity in Southern Alberta W. Adamowicz, P. Boxall, D. Watson and T. Peters Project Report 92-01 The authors are Associate Professor, Department of Rural Economy, University of Alberta, Edmonton; Forest Economist, Forestry Canada, Edmonton; Research Associate, Department of Rural Economy, University of Alberta, Edmonton and Research Associate, Department of Rural Economy, University of Alberta, Edmonton. A Socio-Economic Evaluation of Sportsfishing Activity in Southern Alberta Interim Project Report INTROI)UCTION Recreational fishing is one of the most important recreational activities in Alberta. The report on Sports Fishing in Alberta, 1985, states that over 340,000 angling licences were purchased in the province and the total population of anglers exceeded 430,000. Approximately 5.4 million angler days were spent in Alberta and over $130 million was spent on fishing related activities. Clearly, sportsfishing is an important recreational activity and the fishery resource is the source of significant social benefits. A National Angler Survey is conducted every five years. However, the results of this survey are broad and aggregate in nature insofar that they do not address issues about specific sites. It is the purpose of this study to examine in detail the characteristics of anglers, and angling site choices, in the Southern region of Alberta. Fish and Wildlife agencies have collected considerable amounts of bio-physical information on fish habitat, water quality, biology and ecology.
    [Show full text]
  • Snowshoe Trails TRAIL ETIQUETTE the 16 Designated Snowshoe Trails in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and the Kananaskis Valley
    ananaskis Country offers many wonderful opportunities for Ksnowshoeing and this brochure provides details on Chester Sawmill Snowshoe Trails TRAIL ETIQUETTE the 16 designated snowshoe trails in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and the Kananaskis Valley. These trails are designated for beginner, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park intermediate and advanced snowshoers and are located in Chester Yield to skiers coming downhill. Simple Class 1 Terrain as defi ned by the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Canmore Lake It's easier for an uphill skier to step off and Kananaskis Valley the trail than it is for Scale. For more information visit www.avalanche.ca 40 km the faster skier coming down. 2.3 Chester Lake Trail Snowshoe Trails Snowshoers intending to venture off of these designated trails and into 4 more complex avalanche terrain should have experience with avalanche Chester 3.4 km one-way from Lake Chester Chester Lake Trailhead Area; terrain assessment and be equipped for winter backcountry travel. Lake 742 3.4 287 m of elevation gain. Shared Always remember to check the updated avalanche report for Kananaskis with skiers for first 0.2 km, Country at www.albertaparks.ca/kananaskis. 1.6 1.6 then follow the trail signs. Don't walk or Please practice proper winter etiquette. Snowshoeing and hiking on snowshoe on ski tracks. designated trails is dangerous for all users and ruins the groomed trails. It ruins them for skiers. Please limit snowshoeing and winter hiking to dedicated snowshoe trails. Chester Instead, use the edges of ski trails. Mud 0.4 On ungroomed trails shared with skiers, snowshoers should stay to the Hogarth Lake Lake edge of the trail and never walk on skier tracks.
    [Show full text]
  • 88 Reasons to Love Alberta Parks
    88 Reasons to Love Alberta Parks 1. Explore the night sky! Head to Miquelon Lake Provincial Park to get lost among the stars in the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve. 2. Experience Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area in the Beaver Hills UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This unique 1600 square km reserve has natural habitats that support abundant wildlife, alongside agriculture and industry, on the doorstep of the major urban area of Edmonton. 3. Paddle the Red Deer River through the otherworldly shaped cliffs and badlands of Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park. 4. Wildlife viewing. Our parks are home to many wildlife species. We encourage you to actively discover, explore and experience nature and wildlife safely and respectfully. 5. Vibrant autumn colours paint our protected landscapes in the fall. Feel the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot and inhale the crisp woodland scented air on trails in many provincial parks and recreation areas. 6. Sunsets illuminating wetlands and lakes throughout our provincial parks system, like this one in Pierre Grey’s Lakes Provincial Park. 7. Meet passionate and dedicated Alberta Parks staff in a visitor center, around the campground, or out on the trails. Their enthusiasm and knowledge of our natural world combines adventure with learning to add value to your parks experiences!. 8. Get out in the crisp winter air in Cypress Hills Provincial Park where you can explore on snowshoe, cross-country ski or skating trails, or for those with a need for speed, try out the luge. 9. Devonshire Beach: the natural white sand beach at Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park is consistently ranked as one of the top beaches in Canada! 10.
    [Show full text]