Caroline Natural Area (PNT)


The site, about 30 km southwest of Rocky Mountain House, contains many diverse and dynamic habitats because of its location in the floodplain of the Clearwater River.

Clearwater River - Caroline NA - Undated (TBlake)
Clearwater River – Caroline NA (TBlake) July, 2009

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

The Caroline NA contains many diverse and dynamic habitats because of its location on the Clearwater River as it exits the foothills.  The river is constantly cutting new channels and abandoning old ones.  These disturbances, along with the varied slopes and aspects of the valley’s escarpment, create an interesting patchwork of plant communities. 

I suspect there is also significant groundwater discharge into the floodplain here.  These stable flows of clean, cool water often create very productive habitat as they emerge in the side channels.  The main channel of the Clearwater is a typical freestone river, meaning it has unstable flows and a relatively barren substrate of rocks and gravel. The spring-fed side channels are important feeding and nursery areas for fish and other aquatic life. [1]

Site Statistics

Site NameCaroline (PNT)
Site TypeNatural Area
SubtypeProtective Notation (PNT)
Natural Region(s)Dry Mixedwood
O.C. No. (Land Ref. Manual)N/A
PASite ID (Map Ref #)41
Site # (Parks Website)79.07
Total Area29.52 ha. (72.93 ac.)
Steward-Status
Recreation Activities
IUCN
Operated By
Notes and Comments
Statistics and Details for Caroline (PNT)

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.

  1. Blake, T., email to F. Potter, 2022-11-01. “Re: SAPAA Asks – Caroline NA.”
  • Caroline NA March 5, 2006 (TBlake)
  • Caroline NA March 5, 2006 (TBlake)
  • Caroline NA March 5, 2006 (TBlake)
  • Caroline NA March 5, 2006 (TBlake)
  • One-flowered wintergreen, Caroline NA July 25, 2009 (TBlake)

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