This Ecological Reserve is composed of two parcels, one within the Brazeau Canyon Wildland Provincial Park and one just east of it. It is about 60 km northwest of Nordegg.
- 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
Marshybank ER is adjacent to and partly within Brazeau Canyon Wildland Provincial Park. The reserve contains 12 different plant communities, ranging from lodgepole pine forests to subalpine meadows. Mature lodgepole pine and Engelmann-white spruce forests cover much of the area. Black spruce, willow-dwarf birch and meadow plant communities occur in depressions and valley bottoms. Black spruce-tamarack peatlands are fairly common. Sedge-grass and willow-dwarf birch meadows occur to a limited extent.
Travel within the reserve is restricted to foot traffic only: no motorized vehicles are permitted. There are no public roads in the area; the only access is via the Brazeau River or by cut-lines that cross the reserve.
Intervening Crown Land. A small strip of land separates the eastern portion of the ER from the WPP to the west. From the county landownership map, it appears that this is undesignated Crown Land [1]. Most of this area is also Crown land.
Brazeau Neighbour. The Brazeau Canyon Wildland Provincial Park protects a portion of the Brazeau River valley where it leaves Jasper National Park. The uplands north of the deeply incised valley include small kames, eskers and lakes. South of the river, mineral and organic wetlands with tufa deposits and marl pools are preserved. The park has a high diversity of plant communities and rare plants have been noted in the area [2].
Glaciers, Corridors and Licks. A variety of significant and interesting features are found within the WPP. Glacial meltwater channels occur along the southeastern edge of the WPP. These channels probably formed along the margin of a valley glacier as it retreated at the end of the last glacial period. These narrow, twisting channels are important wildlife travel corridors. Springs, which occur in a number of places, are sources of sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium and trace elements. These springs are used as mineral licks by Elk, deer and Moose. They also provide excellent mineral conditions for a variety of plants [3].
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
- Observations for this Natural Area.
- No iNaturalist Projects.
Site Statistics
| Site Name | Marshybank |
| Site Type | Ecological Reserve |
| Subtype | Order-in-council (OC) |
| Natural Region(s) | Subalpine |
| O.C. No. (Land Ref. Manual) | 436/87 |
| PASite ID (Map Ref #) | 437 |
| Site # (Parks Website) | 406 |
| Total Area | 829.61 ha. (2050.00 ac.) |
| Steward-Status | |
| Recreation Activities | 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 Information & Facilities – Marshybank Ecological Area | Alberta Parks (All links accessed on 2023-02-11).
- County Maps, Yellowhead County.
- Alberta Parks, Information & Facilities – Brazeau Canyon Wildland Provincial Park.
- Alberta Parks, Fact Sheet, Brazeau Canyon Wildland Park.
SAPAA 