A field exercise with a portion of the team building a phone based site inspection tool. The visit was to Riverlot 56 Natural Area‘s southeast (SE) portion.

North Cooking Lake Natural Area is divided into three progressively smaller natural areas. The largest one is in good shape despite peripheral intrusions of ATV’s and an abandoned hunting blind.

The site includes a 100m x 100m (1 ha) active oilfield installation area on the western boundary; otherwise it is undisturbed. The nearby landowner is supportive of the site despite challenges with hunters.

Three SAPAA’ites went on the hunt, June 2023, for three rare vascular plants. Unfortunately, only one was found. Nevertheless, the group enjoyed finding the common forest and creek flora.

A pleasant slice of the Beaverhills Biosphere adjoining the Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreational Area.

Marl Pond Trail sees increasing use as a popular destination during the summer season. This is reflected in disturbances in the site.

A quarter section invisible to all but the local residents. Highway 771 crosses the Northeast corner of Pigeon Lake (PNT) Natural Area.

ATV trails seem to be mostly respectful with limited destruction. Excellent view at the top of the trail of Battle Lake.

Just west from Pigeon Lake on highway 13, the NA has a thick forest cover. Likely excellent for hunting, not so much for walking.