On the Saskatchewan border, this multi-parcel site protects critical bird habitat and is located close to Dillberry Lake Provincial Park, about 250 km southeast of Edmonton.
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
Killarney-Reflex Lakes Heritage Rangeland Natural Area is a kame moraine, sand plain and sand dune complex with small alkali lakes. The site preserves a large portion of an internationally significant shorebird migration area. Some of the world’s largest concentrations of Stilt Sandpipers have been reported here. Reflex Lake supports one of Alberta’s densest breeding populations of Piping Plover, an endangered species in Canada. This site lies in the Parkland Natural Region, Central Parkland Subregion and was established or expanded as part of the Special Places Program.
Killarney Lake was likely named after similarly named lakes in Ireland [1]. At least 213 bird species have been seen in the larger area which includes Dillberry Lake Provincial Park, and is an Important Bird Area [2].
Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) is on Alberta’s Red List as an endangered species. There are only 100-150 breeding pairs left in the province. Its name derives from the “queep, queep” melodic piping call it makes. Interestingly, the female abandons the family before the young fledge leaving parental duties to the male [3].
Privately Owned Land Parcels are found between the NA and the PP [4]. There are likely rangeland leases on the site which may require gaining permission from the leaseholder before accessing the site.
HR or NA or Both? Several specific terms apply to the classification of Protected Areas, two of which are ‘Heritage Rangeland’ and ‘Natural Area’. So which of these two is this NA? The answer appears to be both and in limbo. Along with six other sites it was given the NA designation in the late 1990s during the Special Places 2000 Program. The rationale was that this was the ‘best fit’ for interim management until the legislation for the Heritage Rangeland class was proclaimed. Management of these sites is a hybrid between a NA and HR until legislation is in place [5].
Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist)
Are you a member of iNaturalist.ca? It is free to join and you can help nature by making observations with your smart phone.
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
- Killarney-Reflex Lakes (HR 5-42) Observations.
- Killarney-Reflex Lakes (HR 24-41) Observations.
- Killarney-Reflex Lakes (HR 1-42) Observations.
- No iNaturalist Projects.
Site Statistics
| Site Name | Killarney-Reflex Lakes Heritage Rangeland |
| Site Type | Natural Area |
| Subtype | Order-in-council (OC) |
| Natural Region(s) | Central Parkland |
| O.C. No. (Land Ref. Manual) | 211/00 |
| PASite ID (Map Ref #) | 589 |
| Site # (Parks Website) | 449 |
| Total Area | 2731.07 ha. (6748.37 ac.) |
| Steward-Status | |
| Recreation Activities | none noted |
| IUCN | VI |
| 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: Information & Facilities – Killarney-Reflex Lakes Heritage Rangeland Natural Area | Alberta Parks (All links accessed on 2023-01-10).
- Aubrey, Merrily K., ed. Concise Place Names of Alberta. Calgary: University of Calgary Press, 2006, p. 177.
- IBA Canada (Important Bird Areas), Killarney, Dillberry and Leane Lakes.
- McGillivray, W. Bruce, and Glen P. Semenchuk. The Federation of Alberta Naturalists Field Guide to Alberta Birds. Edmonton: Federation of Alberta Naturalists, 1998, p. 101.
- Municipal District of Wainwright No. 61, Ownership Map.
- Government of Alberta, Fact Sheet, “Heritage Rangeland” natural areas.
SAPAA 