These two PNT areas are scattered across eight sites, all north of the Peace River. The various parcels are at a distance of 5-25 km northwest of the hamlet of Fort Vermilion.
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.
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 Ponton River (PNT).
- Observations for Ponton River South (PNT).
- No iNaturalist Projects.
Other Information
Margaret Lake in the Caribou Mountains is the source for the Ponton River. The river meanders tightly through very remote country before uniting with the Boyer (formerly Paddle) River and joining the Peace, a few miles downstream from Fort Vermilion. Numerous oxbow lakes and slumping peatlands characterize the Ponton.
The Natural Area encompasses part of the Ponton River Valley. It provides excellent wildlife habitat with various ungulates using it as a travel corridor and calving range. The river supports several fish species, with some of the best Northern Grayling fishing. It is frequented by outdoor recreational groups for the purpose of hunting, fishing, canoeing and hiking. The remains of petrified forests have been found along parts of the Ponton and Peace Rivers. Petrified wood is Alberta’s provincial stone [1].
The Name Ponton comes from A.W. Ponton who surveyed the river in the early 20th century as part of the Dominion Land Survey [2].
Site Statistics
| Site Name | Ponton River (PNT) |
| Site Type | Natural Area |
| Subtype | Protective Notation (PNT) |
| Natural Region(s) | Central Mixedwood; Dry Mixedwood |
| O.C. No. (Land Ref. Manual) | N/A |
| PASite ID (Map Ref #) | 521 |
| Site # (Parks Website) | N/A |
| Total Area | 1,209.49 ha. (2,988.72 ac.) |
| Steward-Status | |
| Recreation Activities | |
| IUCN | |
| Operated By | |
| Notes and Comments |
| Site Name | Ponton River South (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 #) | 577 |
| Site # (Parks Website) | N/A |
| Total Area | 513.67 ha. (1,269.30 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 2022-12-21).
- Fort Vermilion Heritage Centre, Ecospaces, Ponton River Valley – A Natural Area?
- Aubrey, Merrily K., ed. Concise Place Names of Alberta. Calgary: University of Calgary Press, 2006; p. 257.
SAPAA 
Rivers and life seldom follow straight paths. The Ponton River snakes its way across northern Alberta (think a latitude equivalent to Oslo) creating excellent habitat for both plants and critters. Proof that in life and rivers, it is the interesting curves that perhaps matter the most!
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