This site contains parts of the valley and associated ridges of the Whaleback area, relatively undisturbed montane and subalpine habitats.

1. Map of the Area
2. Other Information
3. Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist.ca)
   1. Observations & Projects for this Natural Area
4. Site Statistics
5. References
6. 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

The Whaleback is considered the last remaining area of wilderness montane habitat in Alberta. It is also protected by the large Bob Creek Wildland Provincial Park that lies to the north and west of the HR.

“Elk and Mule Deer migrate into the area during the late fall and winter months to feed on wind blown ridges and south-facing, grass covered slopes. In recent years, the importance of this area to small elk herds during the summer months has increased. Whenever large concentrations of ungulates congregate, large predators that are dependent on these prey species follow. Wolves, coyotes, and cougars regularly range through the protected areas. During the summer, black and grizzly bears travel through and forage in the area.” [1].

Bison and Ranchers. Historically, the area was used by Aboriginal people, primarily to hunt bison. With the extirpation of the bison around 1880, ranchers began using the highly productive fescue grasslands to build their cattle herds, and cattle ranching has been the dominant land use in the area since that time. Other past land uses have included limited timber harvesting and some geophysical exploration. A 500 kV transmission line parallels Whaleback Ridge on its eastern side, crossing through the Black Creek HR [1].

OHV and Whales Don’t Mix. The ‘Whaleback’ is the colloquial name for the region that lies within the Bob Creek Wildland Provincial Park and Black Creek HR; it is so named for the resemblance of its prominent ridges to the spine of a beached humpback whale. It is part of the Alberta Wilderness Association’s Livingstone-Porcupine Area of Concern. Motorized recreation has in recent years led to damage to the Bob Creek Wildland Provincial Park’s streams and riparian areas; its trail systems have too many stream crossings in areas that cannot sustain such intensive use [2].

Biophysical Observations (via iNaturalist.ca)

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.

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Site Statistics

Site Name	Black Creek
Site Type	Heritage Rangeland
Subtype	Order-in-council (OC)
Natural Region(s)	Montane
O.C. No. (Land Ref. Manual)	139/2008
PASite ID (Map Ref #)	584
Site # (Parks Website)	430
Total Area	7733.10 ha. (19108.23 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 – Black Creek HR | Alberta Parks (All links accessed on 2023-01-23).

1. Alberta Government, Bob Creek Wildland and Black Creek Heritage Rageland Management Plan (July 2011).
2. Alberta Wilderness Association, Issue of Concern: Whaleback.

Further Reading

• Alberta Parks, Activities, Bob Creek Wildland Provincial Park.
• Wikipedia, Bob Creek Wildland Provincial Park.