Previously named Prairie Coulees, this Natural Area, consists of two non-contiguous portions on the South Saskatchewan River, just east of CFB Suffield in southeastern Alberta. It was renamed for James Hargrave, a volunteer firefighter, who was killed in 2017 battling a grass fire.
- Map of the Area
- Other Information
- Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist.ca)
- Site Statistics
- References
- Further Reading
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
This Natural Area includes several ravines and coulees adjoining the South Saskatchewan River. Noteworthy are a number of springs and associated plant communities (including many rare plants) that are under-represented in Alberta’s Parks and Protected Areas network. Incised valleys drain into the South Saskatchewan River valley. The area contains classic badlands features with spectacular coulee and valley landscapes. It’s good habitat for many animals including Golden Eagle and other large birds of prey.
A Thin Slice of What Was. The NA falls within a larger region which the Alberta Wilderness Association calls the Middle Sand Hills Area of Concern. Within this larger region are near-native grasslands, sand hills, ancient glacial coulees and wetlands that are reminiscent of the Great Plains as they once were. The area boasts an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, home to 1,100 native prairie species, including 13 federal Species at Risk and 78 provincially listed “at risk” species. A large portion of this Area of Concern is located within the Canadian Forces Base (C.F.B.) Suffield Military Reserve. The NA is outside of the reserve and across the South Saskatchewan River [1].
James Hargrave was whom this NA was renamed for. Mr. Hargrave died in 2017 aged 34 when he lost control of the water truck he was driving as a volunteer fire fighter. SAPAA acknowledges this young father and the contributions he made to his community during his short life. A legacy fund has been set up and is linked in the Further Reading section [2, 3].
Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist.ca)
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Observations & Projects for this Natural Area
- Observations for this Natural Area.
- No iNaturalist Projects.
Site Statistics
| Site Name | Hargrave Coulees |
| Site Type | Natural Area |
| Subtype | Order-in-council (OC) |
| Natural Region(s) | Dry Mixedgrass |
| O.C. No. (Land Ref. Manual) | 374/2020; previously 49/97 |
| PASite ID (Map Ref #) | 578 |
| Site # (Parks Website) | 507 |
| Total Area | 1813.41 ha. (4481.04 ac.) |
| Steward-Status | |
| Recreation Activities | none noted |
| IUCN | VI |
| Operated By | Parks Division |
| Notes and Comments | Renamed in 2020 from Prairie Coulee |
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: Information & Facilities – Hargrave Coulees Natural Area | Alberta Parks (All links accessed on 2023-02-22).
- Alberta Wilderness Association, Areas of Concern, Middle Sand Hills.
- Global News,’Our hearts are broken’: Family of Alberta firefighter killed battling wildfire.
- Email exchange – Forestry Parks, and Tourism. “Re: SAPAA Asks – Background on Name Change of Hargrave Coulees (FID 137)” Received by F.Potter, February 24, 2023.
SAPAA 