The Natural Area is densely wooded with a variety of different forest types including a black spruce-tamarack/Labrador tea/peatmoss fen and moist mixedwoods in the uplands. Riparian communities around the narrow lakeshore in the northeast corner feature extensive marsh reedgrass beds.
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
LOCATION. This ~ 130 ha natural area is located south of Isle Lake and is intersected by Township Road 535A.
NATURAL HISTORY. Isle Lake Natural Area contains reedgrass wetlands near the lake shore; tamarack stands; tamarack-black spruce/Labrador tea/peatmoss fen; alder-birch shrubland; and upland mesic forests of balsam fir, aspen, balsam poplar and white spruce. This site lies in the Boreal Forest Natural Region, Dry Mixedwood Subregion. (Alberta Parks website, 2012).
THE LAKE. The Natural Area lies south of Isle Lake which straddles Parkland and Lac Ste. Anne counties. The lake is fed by the Sturgeon River and surrounding drainage basin. It is shallow, long and narrow [1, Isle Lake].
STATUS. A site visit in December 2020 showed considerable off-highway vehicle impact. Although listed as suitable for hiking, because of deep tracks, the NA is not suitable for other recreational activities in the winter.
NAME ORIGIN. Isle Lake straddles Parkland and Lac Ste. Anne counties. The lake’s name refers to the presence of several islands. In the past Isle Lake was called Lac des Isles and Lac des Islets; now it is known locally as Isle Lake [2].
Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist)
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Observations & Projects for this Natural Area
- Observations for this Natural Area.
- No iNaturalist Projects.
Site Statistics
| Site Name | Isle Lake |
| Site Type | Natural Area |
| Subtype | Order-in-council (OC) |
| Natural Region(s) | Dry Mixedwood |
| O.C. No. (Land Ref. Manual) | 454/71 |
| PASite ID (Map Ref #) | 127 |
| Site # (Parks Website) | 542 |
| Total Area | 128.71 ha (318.04 ac) |
| Steward-Status | |
| Recreation Activities | hiking – front country |
| IUCN | II |
| 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 – Isle Lake Natural Area | Alberta Parks (accessed 2022-01-20).
- Mitchell, Patricia, and E. E. Prepas. “Atlas of Alberta Lakes.” Edmonton, Alberta: University of Alberta Press, 1990.
- Aubrey, Merrily K., ed. Concise Place Names of Alberta. Calgary: University of Calgary Press, 2006.
SAPAA 
Isle Lake is a good example of the need for active protection of small Natural Areas.
A succession of off highway vehicles have made this area deeply rutted and largely accessible unless you have an ATV to overcome the deep ruts. Both education and enforcement are require not to mention considerable remediation so trail are no longer single use and otherwise impassable to walkers, skiers, snowshoers or the critters living in the Natural Area.
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