Waterways
Introduction
The Waterways area is one of 11 SRD management areas across the province and covers more than 61 000 square kilometres of land in the northeast corner of Alberta . It is the only management area that includes the Canadian Shield Natural Region, in the extreme northeast part of the province. In addition, it contains an extensive part of the province's Boreal Forest Natural Region.
The area is home to a number of northern lakes and sweeping expanses of boreal mixed forest, as well as Alberta's three largest flowing rivers: the Peace, Athabasca and Clearwater.
Of the 500 bodies of water listed in the 2006 Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations, 177 of them--35 per cent--are in the Waterways area. The only exposed part of the Canadian Shield found in Alberta is located north of Fort Chipewyan .
The primary settlement areas in the Waterways area are Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek, Gregoire Lake, Anzac, Fort McKay, Fort Chipewyan and Fort Fitzgerald .
The area is also home to many rare plants and the biggest active dune network in Alberta .
Where to find us
The area is administered from Lac La Biche. Fishing and hunting permits and Christmas tree licences can be purchased at SRD offices in most major towns in the area. See map for locations of area offices.
The local economy
Extensive deposits of oil sands and heavy oil, timber harvesting and recreation contribute to a thriving regional economy. Maintaining this economic diversity while sustaining the region's natural characteristics and diversity is a challenging responsibility.
Fort McMurray is one of Canada's fastest-growing and most vibrant places.
Area wildlife
The Waterways area is the only consistent nesting site in Alberta for the rare Caspian tern. Other wildlife in the area include the following:
- bald eagle,
- osprey,
- peregrine falcons,
- Canada lynx,
- black bear, and
- a wide variety of birds.
Tourism and recreation
Recreational developments include Gregoire Lake Provincial Park, Maqua Lake, Dore Lake and Engstrom Lake . Extensive recreational opportunities exist in the Richardson Backcountry as well as in five remote recreational sites on the Clearwater River.
The area is a region of startling contrasts, encompassing both vast stretches of unspoiled wilderness and one of the fastest-growing industrial communities in Canada . The area also has some of the most beautiful lakes famous for freshwater fishing, many of them only accessible by float plane or helicopter.
Other
This website provides information about how we manage this special region's natural resources for sustainable use. Welcome to the Waterways area!
