This relatively large NA (570 ha) is located approximately 10 km southwest of the town of Whitecourt and provides good habitat for wildlife.
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
Whitecourt Mountain Natural Area (570 ha) encompasses sections of a plateau and steep slopes on Whitecourt Mountain, with stony terraces, slumps, seepage areas and scenic vistas. It includes the regional topographic high point (1200 m) and the headwaters of several small tributaries to McLeod River.
Vegetation is dominated by white birch stands on the plateau and upper slopes, grading to aspen lower down. There are also a few balsam poplar stands with some small stands of white spruce-pine on slopes with some balsam fir, small scattered shrublands and grassy openings. Most woodlands have an understorey of bluejoint, oak fern and forbs. This area is a regional extension of the boreal cordilleran zone, with associated species such as red elderberry, devil’s club, western mountain ash and western meadow rue. It provides good wildlife habitat, especially for ungulates (Alberta Parks website, 2012).
Sagitawah – “The place where the rivers meet” was the original name given to the region by Woodland Cree Nation. The Whitecourt region is nestled in a valley at the confluence of four waterways: Athabasca, McLeod, and Sakwatemau (Eagle) Rivers plus Beaver Creek, flowing down from the springs of House Mountain in the south.
The name Whitecourt was selected despite settlers in the area preferring the names “Sagitawah” or “McLeod Flats”. According to one account, the postmaster in nearby Green Court registered the name as Whitecourt after Walter White, who carried the mail across the trail from Green Court. Thus, Whitecourt became the official postal address and the name of the hamlet [1].
Site Statistics
| Site Name | Whitecourt Mountain |
| Site Type | Natural Area |
| Subtype | Order-in-council (OC) |
| Natural Region(s) | Lower Foothills |
| O.C. No. (Land Ref. Manual) | 519/95 |
| PASite ID (Map Ref #) | 528 |
| Site # (Parks Website) | 571 |
| Total Area | 570.37 ha. (1409.40 ac.) |
| Steward-Status | |
| Recreation Activities | none noted |
| IUCN | II |
| 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 – Whitecourt Mountain Natural Area | Alberta Parks. (All links accessed on 2022-04-23).
SAPAA 