Central mixed woods, commonly found in Gipsy-Gordon Wildland Provincial Park (Credit: Monica Dahl)
Northeastern Alberta contains trees, lakes and wetlands that are critical habitats for many species of birds, fish and other animals. From songbirds to bumble bees to big game, a variety of large and small wildlife call it home. This area also supports businesses and industries that are vital to the province’s growing economy and is used by local Indigenous communities, trappers and others.
The new Gipsy-Gordon Wildland Provincial Park will protect over 150,000 more hectares of Alberta forests while supporting working landscapes and responsible conservation. Located southeast of Fort McMurray near the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, the new park will preserve breathtaking landscapes and protect local wildlife for future generations.
“This park will help protect our forests, preserve important habitat for wildlife and provide recreation opportunities for Albertans, all while supporting the exercise of Treaty rights by Indigenous Peoples.”
“The Fort McMurray area is full of vibrant landscapes and diverse wildlife. I want to thank Minister Schulz and Environment and Protected Areas for the extensive consultation that went into establishing this expanded wildland park, which will protect our environment, grow our economy and strengthen our community for generations to come.”
The Gipsy-Gordon Wildland Provincial Park will help protect important habitats for threatened species and species of concern, like the yellow-banded bumble bee, and for species at risk like the olive-sided flycatcher as well. The park also supports traditional Indigenous activities, including the exercise of Treaty rights, as well as backcountry recreation including hunting, fishing, trapping and motorized recreation on designated trails.
The total size of the new park is 186,739 hectares. It replaces the previous Gipsy Lake Wildland Provincial Park, which was about 35,000 hectares and is included within the new Gipsy Gordon Wildland Provincial Park.
Wildland provincial parks conserve Alberta’s rich natural heritage while offering opportunities for backcountry recreation on lands that are relatively undisturbed. There are 34 wildland provincial parks located throughout the province.
Quick facts:
- The Gipsy-Gordon Wildland Provincial Park was originally established as a conservation area under the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan, and sets the stage for growth, vibrant communities and a healthy environment within the region over the next 50 years.
- Formal designation as an established protected area enables the Provincial Parks Act to support long-term management of the area, contributing to Alberta’s efforts on conservation of land and water.
- New industrial and commercial land disturbances, including oil sands and mineral development, are prohibited in the park, except where existing agreements continue to be honoured in accordance with the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan.
- Forestry is prohibited, except for management of wildfire, insects and disease, in accordance with the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan.
- The Gipsy-Gordon Wildland Provincial Park includes ranges for 28 provincially or federally designated species at risk, including 18 bird species, one fish species, one amphibian species, five invertebrates, and five mammals.