This small Natural Area (PNT) is an enclave within the southern portion of Winagami Wildland Provincial Park. It is located about 25 km west of the western shore of Lesser Slave Lake.
- Map of the Area
- Other Information
- Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist)
- 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
It is not clear why Jackpines NA (PNT) was not included when the WPP was constituted. An email exchange with the Government of Alberta sheds some light [1]:
Hi Frank, Looks like it wasn’t incorporated (Jackpines)… the south half is, but not the north half: CLR 970603 crown land reservation, formally PNT 970266 protective notation – conservation, Recreation or Tourism potential 129.07 ha. Remark text: based on the local committee recommendations salvage of burnt trees for firewood and domestic use[d] by permit may continue in the NW-1 and the NE-1-76-17-5. Until December 31st 2013. At that time this land will be reviewed for inclusion in Winagami wildland provincial park in 2014.
Presumably, a decade later, the review for inclusion in the WPP is still ongoing.
Winagami WPP Description [2]. The southern portion includes a stretch of the South Heart River valley and associated riparian areas that serve as a wildlife corridor. The area contains a jack pine-dominated sand dune and outwash complex. The Park’s northern portion consists of lands around the dams and diversion of the South Heart River.
A representative part of the McLennan sloping fen is also located within the park. This non-patterned fen is comprised mainly of sphagnum peat and has a continuous cover of vegetation. Small, more or less circular mounds of glaciolacustrine materials are scattered throughout the wetlands, a feature not common to fens. There is a garter snake hibernaculum in the valley. Great Blue Herons and Bald Eagles nest in large shoreline trees. White Pelicans forage on water bodies.
Birding and OHVs. More than 200 bird species have been recorded in the park including sandpipers, gulls, grebes and ducks. Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagles and White Pelicans are found here. Merlins and Northern Goshawks may also be seen. OHV use is permitted on existing trails only.
Sir Joseph Banks Pine [3]. The native range of Jack pine (Pinus banksiana) in Canada extends east of the Rocky Mountains. It is also known as gray pine and scrub pine. In the far west of its range, Pinus banksiana hybridizes readily with the closely related lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. contorta). The species epithet banksiana honours the English botanist Sir Joseph Banks.
Jack pines grow to 9–22 m but can be shrub-sized in poor growing conditions. Jack pines do not usually grow perfectly straight. This pine often forms pure stands on sandy or rocky soil. The cones remain closed for many years, until a forest fire kills the mature trees and the heat opens the cones, reseeding the burnt ground. High summer temperatures can also open the cones.
Stinking Lake. Winagami Lake’s spelling was recorded by the 1911 Dominion Land Survey. It translates to ‘Stinking’ or ‘Dirty-water’ lake, a label that refers to the presence of hydrogen sulfide [4].
Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist)
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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
- Observations for this Natural Area.
- No iNaturalist Projects.
Site Statistics
| Site Name | Jackpines (PNT) |
| 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 #) | 10549 |
| Site # (Parks Website) | N/A |
| Total Area | 128.89 ha. (318.50 ac.) |
| Steward-Status | |
| Recreation Activities | |
| IUCN | |
| Operated By | |
| 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 the Government of Alberta (All links accessed on 2023-02-10).
- Email exchange – Forestry Parks, and Tourism. “Re: SAPAA Asks – Jackpines (PNT) – FID 67” Received by F.Potter, February 10, 2023.
- Alberta Parks, Winagami Wildland Provincial Park, Information & Facilities.
- American Conifer Society, Pinus banksiana/ jack pine.
- Aubrey, Merrily K., ed. Concise Place Names of Alberta. Calgary: University of Calgary Press, 2006, p. 356.
SAPAA 