Celebrate Victoria Day Long Weekend at PA National Park

· All campgrounds are open Friday, May 17. Reservations can be made for tent or trailer camping in Beaver Glen or RV camping in Red Deer (full service) by visiting www.reservation.pc.gc.ca or calling 1-877-737-3783. First–come, first–serve campgrounds are also available around the park.

· To maintain a family-friendly environment, there is a liquor and cannabis restriction in effect in all campgrounds on the long weekend.

Fishing

· The fishing season in the park opens Saturday, May 18. Fishing licenses are available at the Visitor Centre, campgrounds, entrance gates, and marinas.

Wildlife Watching

Opportunities for wildlife watching are great at this time of year. Days are longer and wildlife is active, especially in the mornings and evenings. Exercise caution around wildlife.

· Hike the Waskesiu River trail and look for fish spawning.

· Picnic at the Narrows picnic shelter and watch for otters.

· Paddle the Waskesiu River and watch for eagles, black bears and blue heron.

Trail Conditions

· For the most up to date trail conditions visit Prince Albert National Park or call the Visitor Centre at (306) 663-4522.

Nature Centre

The Prince Albert National Park Nature Centre welcomes visitors of all ages. The Nature Centre is open daily 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, May 17 to Monday, September 3. With interactive displays and exhibits it is a great destination for families and visitors to learn about nature and wildlife!

Spring Programs

Programs for families are offered on weekends from Saturday, May 18, to Sunday, June 30. There is a “Bear Aware” program and a guided hike. Programs run 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday. Watch for the summer program schedule coming soon.

Spring Safety

Enjoy boating and paddling in Prince Albert National Park this spring. While the lakes are inviting, they can be cold. Take precautions to stay safe:

· Always leave a trip plan and make sure you take the essentials.

· Always wear an approved personal floatation device and stay close to shore. Be prepared to self-rescue if needed.

· Beaches and open water are not patrolled.

· Beware of the strong winds and waves on lakes. Weather can change quickly.

· Pack extra clothing and other warm gear when camping in the backcountry.

Adventuresmart

Area Closure

· Park maintenance projects, including road work and herbicide application for the control of invasive plant species, are scheduled for the Kingsmere parking lot and boat launch area from June 10 to June 13, 2019 and June 17 to June 20, 2019. The following areas will be closed during that time:

o Kingsmere Road beyond the Heart Lakes Marina to the Kingsmere parking lot, boat launch and day use area

o Kingsmere River between Waskesiu Lake and the Kingsmere Rail Cart Portage.

· This work contributes to a safe and quality visitor experience and supports important environmental management practices within Prince Albert National Park.

· Visitor are encouraged to explore Crean Lake for similar backcountry experience or camp at one of the frontcountry campgrounds.

· The area will be open for public access once the work is completed.

· Contact the park Visitor Centre for updates: (306) 663 4522 or pc.princealbertinfo.pc@canada.ca

Prince Albert National Park Visitor Centre

Contact the Visitor Centre to learn more about these activities, trail conditions, and other great experiences in Prince Albert National Park this spring.

OPEN DAILY

7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (May 18 to September 2)

(306) 663-4522

pc.princealbertinfo.pc@canada.ca

Help protect Lake Trout

Lake trout population numbers are dropping and more information is needed to determine the cause. Be part of the solution by reporting your catch. Pick up trout tags and your national park fishing licence at the Visitor Centre in Waskesiu. To help identify fishing pressure on lake trout, pleas return unused tags and report your catch. More information.

Protect waterways from aquatic invasive species: Clean, Drain, Dry!

Aquatic invasive species threaten aquatic habitats, fisheries and valuable recreational resources. All boats, trailers and gear must be cleaned, drained and dried to prevent aquatic invasive species from entering waterways. Parks Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan are working together to monitor for aquatic invasive species. More information.

Collaboration develops FireSmart Demonstration Area

Parks Canada and the Waskesiu Golf Course have collaborated on a new wildfire risk reduction project in the townsite of Waskesiu. A four hectare section of land adjacent to the golf course and Highway 263 now features the fuel management strategies of FireSmart, a nationwide program designed to help protect people, infrastructure and surrounding lands from wildfire.

“The FireSmart program addresses the reality of residing within the fire-dependent ecosystems such as the national park,” said Parks Canada Vegetation Ecologist, Dustin Guedo. “Routine yard maintenance like pruning trees, clearing eaves and removing twigs and branches are ways to manage vegetation in priority zone one and help protect your home.”

In consultation with the Waskesiu Golf Course, the park water treatment plant on Willow Street was selected to represent a home or business located in the wildland-urban interface, an area where homes and businesses are nestled among trees along the edge of a forest or other flammable vegetation. The building backs onto a forested area of the community on park property and the golf course lease hold, and has a power line corridor located nearby.

From January to March 2019, the principles of the FireSmart program’s Priority Zones one, two and three were implemented in the area surrounding the plant to provide an example of wildfire risk reduction work to public.

In Zone 1 (10 metres), a fire-resistant zone was created around the park water treatment plant that is free of materials that could easily ignite from a wildfire.

In Zone 2 (10 – 30 metres), evergreen trees are thinned and pruned, and deadfall is cleaned-up to reduce fire hazards.

Work continues in Zone 3 (30 – 100 metres), space was created between trees and other flammable vegetation.

The recommended span of the FireSmart priority zones demonstrates the importance of working with neighbours and having the support of the community. To carry-out FireSmart operations in the demonstration area, the park worked closely with SaskPower and the Waskesiu Golf Course.

“The golf course is pleased to work with the park on this important project. Reducing the risk of wildfire to the Waskesiu townsite is a priority and this is a great first step,” said Waskesiu Golf Course General Manager Tyler Baker.

Parks Canada and the golf course worked together to selectively thin trees in Zone 3 around the 15^th hole to ensure that once completed, the FireSmart forest maintains the aesthetic and historic value that the Stanley Thompson designed golf course is known for.

“The FireSmart Demonstration Area work helps to protect the townsite of Waskesiu and illustrates the simple steps that business and home owners can take to protect their properties. As an added bonus, patrons may find it easier to locate their golf balls this summer,” Baker said. More information.

by Prince Albert National Park

Celebrate Victoria Day Long Weekend at PA National Park

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