This site consists of two designated (PNT) Natural Areas, one with the purpose of recreation (the white area on the Land Use Zone map) and the other conservation (the green area), located within the larger Wapiti Sand Dunes Land Use Zones southeast of Grand Prairie.
Map of the Area
Any maps and map views are for general information only. Do not rely on them for navigation or to determine legal boundaries.
Other Information
Lots of Plans, Lots of Damage. The Bear River (PNT) NA sites were created more than 50 years ago. The County of Grande Prairie developed a management plan in 2016 for the Wapiti Recreation Area. Being close to this area has caused these site to be under pressure [1].
In 1998, a Land Use Framework analysis helped to clarify the activities permitted within them. This updated previous plans [2].
- The 1978 Wapiti-Grande Prairie Sand Dunes Integrated Land Use Management Plan (Alberta Energy and Natural Resources)
- The 1986 Bear River-Wapiti Local Integrated Resource Plan (Alberta Forestry, Lands and Wildlife)
- The 1998 Wapiti Sand Dunes Land Use Zones (Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development)
- The 2013 Wapiti Corridor Multi Use Plan (Wapiti Corridor Planning Society).
More Plans, More Damage! In addition to plans for the specific areas including the sites, a general Wapiti River plan was released in 2022 [3]. The proximity to Grand Prairie has meant the area has been disturbed and a garbage clean-up has become a necessary annual event [4].
Creek or a River? In 1854, the Fort Dunvegan HBC post referred to this watercourse as a river. The Geological Survey of Canada called it a creek as did local residents [5]. No matter its designation, it soon empties into the Wapiti River on that river’s way to the Peace River further north [6].
Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist)
Are you a member of iNaturalist.ca? It is free to join and you can help nature by making observations with your smart phone.
If there are no or only a few observations, how about visiting and adding some? While there, complete a site inspection report (but read the Site Inspections terms and conditions first).
Observations & Projects for this Natural Area
- Bear River (PNT-Con) Observations.
- Bear River (PNT-Rec) Observations.
- No iNaturalist Projects.
Site Statistics
| Site Name | Bear River (PNT-Con) |
| Site Type | Natural Area |
| Subtype | Protective Notation (PNT) |
| Natural Region(s) | Dry Mixedwood |
| O.C. No. (Land Ref. Manual) | N/A |
| PASite ID (Map Ref #) | 328 |
| Site # (Parks Website) | N/A |
| Total Area | 4741.47 ha. (11716.42 ac.) |
| Steward-Status | |
| Recreation Activities | |
| IUCN | |
| Operated By | |
| Notes and Comments | FID 123, Conservation; also called (Wapiti Sand Dunes) |
| Site Name | Bear River (PNT-Rec) |
| Site Type | Natural Area |
| Subtype | Protective Notation (PNT) |
| Natural Region(s) | Dry Mixedwood |
| O.C. No. (Land Ref. Manual) | N/A |
| PASite ID (Map Ref #) | 328 |
| Site # (Parks Website) | N/A |
| Total Area | 2472.33 ha. (6109.25 ac.) |
| Steward-Status | |
| Recreation Activities | |
| IUCN | |
| Operated By | |
| Notes and Comments | FID 122, Recreation; also called (Wapiti Sand Dunes) |
References
The following links are provided as a courtesy but are not verified or endorsed by SAPAA. Clicking on the link will cause you to leave the SAPAA website. Primary source of information is: Government of Alberta (All links accessed on 2023-01-12).
- County of Grande Prairie, Wapiti Recreation Area, Management Plan (2016), p. 3.
- Alberta Environmental Protection, Wapiti Sand Dunes, Land Use Zones (1998).
- Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP), Wapiti River Water Management Plan, June 2020.
- Alberta Environment and Parks, Fact Sheet, Alberta Stewardship Stories : the ‘Dunes’ : taking a stand for our land (2020)
- Aubrey, Merrily K., ed. Concise Place Names of Alberta. Calgary: University of Calgary Press, 2006, p. 22.
- Wikipedia, Wapiti River.
SAPAA 