Opportunities for socioeconomic benefits for Indigenous peoples at Elk Island have improved. 1983 (7th Session) Wood Buffalo National Park is the largest national park of Canada at 44,741 km 2 (17,275 sq mi). The fence functionally splits the park into two blocks that are largely ecologically independent of each other and the surrounding landscape. The indicator ratings for incorporation of traditional knowledge and use of Indigenous languages has improved in the next state of park assessment. Recommendations from the Accessibility and Universal Design Audit for Elk Island National Park (Astotin Day Use Area) have been implemented. Elk Island borders the Cooking Lake Blackfoot Provincial Recreation area to the south and southeast and the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village to the east. Indigenous peoples who depended on bison were devastated and their lives radically changed. The current visitor experience offer will be assessed to meet increasing year round visitation, change in visitor use patterns, and visitation pressures. Elk Island National Park | The Canadian Encyclopedia This includes promoting the sustainable design, construction and maintenance of park infrastructure and visitor facilities. Visitors can readily and safely view the parks wildlife a powerful way of witnessing the success of the parks century-old conservation legacy. Recognizing Elk Islands role as a core protected area within the Beaver Hills Biosphere, Parks Canada works collaboratively with partners to advance conservation and sustainable development in the broader ecosystem. Vision describes desired future, setting the management direction; Key Strategies present major themes, introducing management approaches and commitments; Objectives identify management outcomes, indicating desired results; Targets tie directly to the objective defining the amount of change that will be measured; and. Best 10 Hikes and Trails in Elk Island National Park | AllTrails Meetings will be held with Indigenous people and stakeholder representatives. Parks Canada will continue to play a role in biosphere management topics including human-wildlife conflict, vegetation and aquatic management, wetland restoration, ecological connectivity across the landscape, cultural resource management, and Indigenous connections, and supporting a sustainable, regional tourism economy. The saline marshes are the rarest wetlands in the park and support unique ecological communities. The management plan identifies targets for ungulate population management, fire management on the landscape, and invasive plant management to address concerns related to terrestrial habitats. Ungulate populations are isolated within each of the two blocks, and the heavy traffic on the Yellowhead restricts the movement of many other animals. In other cases, the targets may reflect desired activities or outputs of park management activities. Useful information for a summer visit to Elk Island National Park. The park continues to contribute to establishing and supplementing populations of plains and wood bison across North America. Elk Island National Park - Parks Canada The number of interpretive programs that support Indigenous story telling and being told by Indigenous persons has increased within three years. An inset map in the bottom left hand corner shows the province of Alberta. Parks Canada recognizes and respects that there are Indigenous cultural and spiritual sites within the park that are known only to local Indigenous peoples. Parks Canada is committed to protecting park ecosystems for future generations by demonstrating leadership in sustainable operations and adaptive management in response to climate change. The park also supports 18 species at risk (species with Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern status) that regularly occur in the park year-round, for breeding, or on migration. With no current operator for the golf course, there is opportunity to assess the golf course service offer and the best use for this area of the park. The visitor enjoyment indicator has improved with an increasing trend in the next state of the park assessment. Learn more Lakeland Provincial Park Venture three hours northeast of Edmonton to the heart of lake country. Guided by the Government of Canadas commitment to greening government operations, Parks Canada will also make progress in transitioning to low carbon, sustainable and climate resilient real property, fleets, services and operations. These projections include changes in the mix of species and population levels, loss of wetlands, increased prevalence of invasive species, and increased wildfire hazard. Elk Island National Park is a federally protected area located in central Alberta, Canada. Regional and national audiences are aware of the natural and cultural significance of Elk Island National Park. An increased understanding of the impacts of climate change will also help to develop effective visitor opportunities and visitor use management approaches that are sustainable. Understanding of the parks cultural resources has improved, informing the management of cultural and natural heritage. [4] The park was established in 1922 to protect the world . bison translocation to several Indigenous communities, including communities in Montana; bison translocation to the State of Alaska; development of the hyperabundant ungulate (e.g. Many positive effects are expected from the implementation of the management plan, including improved understanding of the significance and values of cultural resources in the park, facilitation of learning opportunities, contribution to landscape-level conservation, promotion of a sense of place, provisioning and regulating services, and economic benefits. Over the next ten years, the park will work to reduce its carbon footprint. The natural processes that are critical to the integrity of these ecosystems such as fire, predation, wildlife movement and grazing, continue. The following areas are included in Zone I: Includes areas that are a good representation of a natural region and that will be conserved in a wilderness state. Nature and science - Elk Island National Park - Parks Canada Adaptive design principles will be incorporated into new or refurbished park facilities, in accordance with accessibility best practices and standards and in collaboration with persons with disabilities. Elk Island has cultural resources associated with historic settlement in the late 1800s and early 1900s, as well as park-era built heritage. If that does happen to be the case, take time out of your trip and stop in. The Indigenous accessibility indicator rating has improved from fair to good in the next state of park assessment. Sandy soils are naturally exposed in three areas in the park southeast of Moss Lake, the southwest corner of the Wood Bison Trail and the west side of Walter Lake. See Answer Elk Island National Park is recognized as a jewel in the province and a sanctuary of nature and culture. 16 Elk Island National Park Alberta RV Parks & Campgrounds Filter Results : Park Types Park Features Hookups Amenities Recreation Connectivity More Reset Filters Sort By: 3 Reviews 5.2 Fort Lions Campground Fort Saskatchewan, AB 0.2 Miles E Favorite Add to Trip 7 Reviews 9.4 Longriders RV Park Gibbons, AB 8.1 Miles NW Favorite Add to Trip 1 Review Elk Island National Park, Alberta - RV LIFE Campground Reviews Elk Island National Park is located within the boundary of the Beaver Hills Biosphere along with several Provincial Protected Areas. Elk Island is a place where people can discuss and reflect upon important concepts such as wilderness, conservation, culture, and Indigenous stewardship. In some cases, the targets are derived from indicators or thresholds related to Parks Canada monitoring programs. Visitation during the winter season (November to April) comprises 30 percent of the Parks yearly visitation. With the changes in use levels and patterns, Parks Canada is adjusting the visitor experience to meet the needs of the changing audience. Soap holes are an uncommon hydrogeological formation found on the Canadian prairies, generally formed through the pressure of an artesian well. Examples include: Improving relations through greater involvement of Indigenous peoples in park management and operations is a key management focus, as is contributing to the Government of Canada priority of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. It occupies a wooded rolling region in the midst of level farmland. Relationships between Parks Canada and key partners are broadened and strengthened to promote regional tourism in the Beaver Hills Biosphere. Join a park interpreter on a tour. In cases where the fragility of the area precludes any public access, every effort will be made to provide park visitors with appropriate off-site programs and exhibits interpreting the special characteristics of the zone. Visitation levels to the park will be actively monitored and managed in order to maintain sustainable visitor use and high visitor satisfaction levels. Winter infrastructure and visitor services have been identified as having strong potential to increase visitor enjoyment. The increasing visitor numbers through all seasons has had to be carefully managed to ensure minimal impacts on natural and cultural resources, infrastructure and visitor experience. Monitoring measures for freshwater ecosystems are stable or improving. Operational mitigation measures and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will be pursued to increase sustainability of park operations. This management plan will replace the 2011 Elk Island National Park of Canada Management Plan which provided direction for leadership in conservation, enhanced visitor experiences and outreach initiatives, and working with others in support of ecological integrity and sustainability in the region. Mar 31, 2022 When it comes to Alberta's national parks, the gorgeous mountain locations of Banff and Jasper always take the spotlight, but just 35 kilometres east of Edmonton is the hidden gem that is Elk Island National Park. Within an hour's drive of Alberta's bustling capital of Edmonton lies a place of quiet, where no city lights dilute the starry sky on a crisp winter evening, where bison graze placidly along the roadside and elk appear among shadows of an aspen forest. The grasslands and forests in this region are found along the natural limits of aspen parkland and boreal forests, and contain some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the province. The strategic environmental assessment was conducted in accordance with The Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals (2010) and facilitated an evaluation of how the management plan contributed to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy. Elk Island offers a newly upgraded interactive visitor information centre and interpretation theatre. A monitoring program to measure potential impacts of visitation on ecological integrity will provide for increased understanding and adaptive management measures. The map contains a legend at the top left corner and a 0 to 3 km scale just below the legend. Parks Canada monitoring programs (state of park assessments). Examples of topics include: preparing an inventory of existing resources such as archaeological objects and sites; determining preservation needs of built heritage such as the federal heritage buildings; and understanding cultural landscapes which may exist in the park. Many of these areas are linked to form ecological corridors, which increases the resiliency of ecosystems. Elk Island National Park, located in the southern part of the boreal forest of western Canada contains a wide variety of wetland types. Elk Island is uniquely situated adjacent to the Greater Edmonton Metropolitan area just 35 minutes from the city of Edmonton (Map 1: Regional Setting). Visit for the day or camp overnight to escape the bustle of city life and explore the park by foot, canoe, bike or car. Make Elk Island National Park your Weekday Destination Parks Canadas leadership role in the Beaver Hills Biosphere has helped to increase sustainability across the broader regional landscape. This vision expresses the desired future of Elk Island National Park in 15-20 years, serving as a foundation for this management plan. The percent cover of priority invasive plants has decreased by 10% within five years. Under the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Ecosystem Red List program, aspen parkland is considered to be critically endangered. Over the next ten years, Parks Canada will focus its efforts on increasing regional and national audiences connection to Elk Island National Park through a comprehensive approach to communications, outreach, promotion and marketing. Proactive human-wildlife coexistence strategies result in a reduction of wildlife conflicts from 2022 levels. Just 50 minutes from downtown Edmonton, Elk Island National Park, located in the Beaver Hills Biosphere, boasts incredible experiences that will remain with you long after you leave. Over the life of this plan, recommendations from Elk Islands recent species-at-risk planning processes will be implemented and species at risk monitoring programs will continue to evolve. Elk and moose populations are currently below target levels in the north block and above target levels in the south block of the park. This strategy also aims to strengthen the integration of the park with the regional tourism economy. The park is administered by the Parks Canada Agency. Motorized access, where allowed, is controlled. The park is also renowned for it's birdwatching opportunities, with over 250 species of birds. The purpose of the management plan is not to identify ten years worth of specific actions, but instead to provide decision-makers and the public with the priorities that will guide decisions. Elk Island National Park - PeakVisor The Agencys programs and tools that are common sources of measurable targets include: Specific time frames for reaching certain targets have been provided where possible; where no timeframe has been referenced, the target will be achieved during the ten-year plan period. The critically endangered aspen parkland of this region supports a diverse assemblage of plants, animals and ecosystems, including bison, moose, elk, grasslands, forests and wetlands. Paddle on Astotin Lake. They continue the tradition of harvesting, gathering, and teaching new generations. For the duration of this management plan, five key strategies have been developed to guide the management direction for Elk Island National Park. It is to the east of Edmonton, near Vegreville. Additional management approaches for culturally sensitive areas are outlined in the key strategies section of this plan with a focus on protection, monitoring, and increased understanding of these areas and resources. Major park operation and administrative functions may also be accommodated in this zone. It is a fenced in park that contains 194 square kilometers (75 square miles) of land. A Day Trip Guide to Elk Island National Park - Passion Passport However, the increase in visitation and being situated next to a major metropolitan region is also a continual opportunity to connect people to Elk Island in meaningful ways especially youth and new Canadians. Camping - Elk Island National Park - Parks Canada Parks Canada will report annually on progress toward achieving the plan objectives and will review the plan every ten years or sooner if required. This key strategy focuses on connecting people to the natural and cultural heritage of Elk Island National Park through high quality visitor experiences and outreach initiatives. In addition, more than 42 species of mammals, 250 species of birds, five species of amphibians, one reptile species and two species of fish live in Elk Island National Park's diverse landscape of forests . Initially created as a wildlife sanctuary for elk in 1906, Elk Island became a national park in 1913. In the spirit of reconciliation, Parks Canada is working with Indigenous communities to rebuild connections to the lands within the park. The park also forms a key part of an international migratory bird flyway. Hiking is also a popular activity at Elk Island. Parks Canadas national park zoning system is an integrated approach to the classification of land and water areas in a national park and designates where particular activities can occur on land or water based on the ability to support those uses. An inventory has been undertaken and these areas continue to be monitored. In January 2017, 16 bison, which were This problem has been solved! 1913. Through partnerships, Elk Island is having an impact beyond its boundaries. Includes specific areas or features which deserve special preservation because they contain or support unique, threatened or endangered natural or cultural features, or are among the best examples of the features that represent a natural region. Activities to manage human-wildlife conflicts will continue to shift to proactive strategies, particularly for management of beavers, bison and carnivores. The economic opportunities for Indigenous peoples indicator has improved in the next state of park assessment. The next state of park assessment will be scheduled in roughly eight years from the date of approval of this management plan to initiate the next planning cycle. Elk Island National Park RV Parks & Campgrounds Elk Park is located at (36.158356, -81.981088. Indigenous peoples feel welcome and connect with the lands and waters that their ancestors have called home for thousands of years. Parks Canadas policy provides for the designation of environmentally and culturally sensitive areas to complement the zoning system. Accessibility and inclusivity parameters are established for the entire park and show improvement in accordance with the purpose and principles of the Accessible Canada Act. [2] It is located in northeastern Alberta and the southern Northwest Territories. www .villageofislandpark .com. Includes areas that are managed as natural environments and provide opportunities for visitors to experience a parks natural and cultural heritage values through outdoor recreation activities requiring minimal services and facilities of a rustic nature. The size of park belies its ecological importance. The amount of protected area in the region has increased from 2022 levels. Larger in area than Switzerland, [3] it is the second-largest national park in the world. Parks Canada will also continue to participate in regional impact assessments and regulatory review processes for proposed projects that may have trans-boundary effects on the parks ecological integrity, cultural resources and visitor experience. Elk from the park have been translocated to establish herds in multiple locations in Alberta, and places like Ontario, Saskatchewan, Kentucky and Tennessee. The balance between people and animals shifted in the mid to late nineteenth century as bison were hunted commercially. The highlights of discussion from this introductory phase are contained in What We Heard (2022). As a consequence, the protection of wetlands in the park and the region is a conservation priority. Consider staying overnight at one of our three camping sites with options to stay in a tent, RV, or the backcountry. Park Canada will also work with these tourism partners to promote sustainable environmental tourism practices. This key strategy focuses on building a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect and partnership. The Internet will be used to reach people interested in reviewing the draft plan. For example, Elk Island has played an active role in the recent translocation of bisona culturally significant animalback to the traditional rangeland of several Indigenous communities. The superintendents residence, built in 1907, is one of the oldest buildings of this type still in use within a Canadian national park. Successful implementation of this strategy will require the collaboration and support of stakeholders and partners. Elk Island National Park is also located adjacent to Canadas largest hydrocarbon processing region known as the Industrial Heartland of Alberta. Elk Island National Park hiking. Elk Island maintains its role as a leader in bison conservation in North America. Through regional collaboration, the prevalence of invasive species, such as feral swine, do not increase significantly within Beaver Hills Biosphere from 2022 levels. Motorized access and circulation will not be permitted. The holds historical and cultural significance with over 200 separate archaeological locations that reveal tool-making remnants as well as campsites or some type of living. It protects a portion of the transitional grassland ecosystem, a landscape that once stretched across the central portion of the continent. Examples include former settlement sites within the park near Oster Lake, and old wagon roads that criss-crossed the area that were later incorporated into the service roads and trails of todays park. Invasive plants threaten Elk Islands grassland health. Things to Do in Elk Island National Park | Hike Bike Travel For ungulates, impacts include heat stress, decreased forest cover for shelter, the appearance of new diseases, and increased grazing pressure on heat-stressed grassland habitats. In Elk Island, less than 1 percent of the park is in Zone V, including: The Park Superintendent may authorize motorized access in any zone for administrative and operational purposes. 1). Despite this, wetland habitat within the Beaver Hills has been lost at an alarming rate. Retaining this designation entails committing to dark-sky lighting standards and providing public education about the night skies. Only 30 miles (48 kilometers) east of Edmonton, a relatively unknown location provides a haven for bison, elk, and birds as well as for outdoor enthusiasts, stargazers, and wildlife watchers. Of these 18 species, 13 are listed under Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA), two are assessed by The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) but not listed under SARA, and three are provincially listed in Alberta under Schedule 6 of the Alberta Wildlife Act Regulations but are not assessed as at-risk by COSEWIC or listed under SARA. Further reading on things to do in . The map contains a legend and a 0 to 3 km scale at the top left corner. Elk Island National Park 4.5 619 reviews #7 of 195 things to do in Edmonton National Parks Visit website Call Email Write a review About Features animals Learn more about animal welfare in tourism Suggest edits to improve what we show. The next step in consultation for these organizations will be review of the draft plan. Accessible and inclusive options for visitors to experience the park are improved from 2022 levels. The park features a "knob and kettle" terrain with one significant high point. Parks Canada is investing $2.3 million in a grasslands restoration initiative in Elk Island that will continue through 2024. Between 2011 and 2021, visitation increased by 149 percent (from 212,921 visitors to a peak of 531,055 visitors). Regional and environmental challenges have improved in collaboration with Biosphere partners, landowners, local governments and conservation agencies to support ecological integrity and sustainability in the region. Elk Island is within Treaty 6 territory and the Mtis Nation homeland. In any given year, more than 360,000 visitors come through Elk Island National Park. All comments were considered in the development of this draft plan. A species at risk plan is near completion. For generations, people have come here for a day picnic or an overnight camping trip to escape the city's . If you must visit Elk Island National Park on weekends, they strongly encourage visitors to come before 11:00am or after 4:00pm to avoid the disappointment of not being able to enter the park because the number of vehicles has exceeded capacity.
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