Crow Lake Ecological Reserve is located about 120 km south of Ft. McMurray on the east side of Hwy 63. The Provincial Park of the same name is on the north side of Crow Lake, while the Ecolocigal Reserve is on the south side.
- Map of the Area
- Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist.ca)
- Other Information
- Site Statistics
- References
- Further Reading
- Site Inspections
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.
Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist.ca)
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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
Projects in iNaturalist are created allow for the management of observations for different purposes (e.g. bio-blitz, bird counts, etc.). SAPAA notes the following projects but they are not managed by us. Nevertheless, be sure to contribute to makes these projects successful!
- Observations for this Natural Area
- No iNaturalist Projects,
Other Information
This site is a complex mosaic of glacial landforms; on the Reserve’s west side are old-growth white spruce-balsam fir forests dating back 140 years. Bird species include Gray Jay, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Boreal Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, House Wren, Ovenbird, and Red-eyed and Warbling Vireos; lakes and waterbodies attract Bald Eagles, Osprey and Common Loon. Mammals in the reserve include Beaver, Moose, Black Bear, Wolf and Lynx.
Parts of the Reserve were burned over during the House River fire. The steep valley sides are forested with mixed stands of white spruce, aspen and some balsam fir. A forest fire swept through the Park in 2002 (Alberta Parks website, 2012).
Political Hay in 1987. 1987 was the designated Year of Wildlife Conservation in Canada by provincial and territorial wildlife ministers and their agencies. In Alberta, Wildlife ’87: Gaining Momentum was spearheaded by Cam Finlay, a well-known Alberta naturalist. More than a dozen new Natural Areas and several Ecological Reserves were designated during this period [1].
Site Statistics
| Site Name | Crow Lake |
| Site Type | Ecological Reserve |
| Subtype | Order-in-council (OC) |
| Natural Region(s) | Lower Boreal Highlands |
| O.C. No. (Land Ref. Manual) | 433/87 |
| PASite ID (Map Ref #) | 2 |
| Site # (Parks Website) | 400 |
| Total Area | 938.47 ha. (2318.96 ac.) |
| Steward-Status | |
| Recreation Activities | Canoeing/kayaking, Hiking – backcountry |
| IUCN | IA |
| Operated By | Parks Division |
| Notes and Comments |
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 – Information & Facilities – Crow Lake Ecological Area | Alberta Parks (2022-01-29).
- History of Natural Areas and Ecological Reserves 1977-1994, SAPAA Newsletter No. 41 January 2022 pp. 3-4.
Further Reading
- Crow Lake Provincial Park – Alberta Parks
- Crow Lake Provincial Park – Wikipedia
- Crow Lake Provincial Park – Outdoorsy
Site Inspections
- No Site Inspections to date.
SAPAA 