Reducing Woody Encroachment for Grasslands Restoration

Elk Island National Park proposes to expand grassland habitat by mechanically removing woody vegetation encroaching on grassland areas as part of its Prairie Health Restoration Project. Decades of fire suppression have contributed to the spread of trees and shrubs into grasslands, reducing their extent and ecological function. The 2023 Elk Island National Park Management Plan established a target to increase grassland area within the park, and the proposed work will support achievement of this objective. Activities will include mechanical tree felling and vegetation clearing within and adjacent to existing grasslands throughout the park. Proposed work will be assessed using a Basic Impact Assessment.

Latest update

September 24, 2026 – Parks Canada intends to make a determination regarding whether the carrying out of the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. To help inform this determination, Parks Canada is inviting public comments until October 24, 2026 respecting that determination.

Participate

Key documents

Key documents
Document number Document title File Date
1 New project being assessed by Parks Canada – Public comments invited from September 24, 2026 to October 24, 2026 - September 24, 2026

Contacts

Elk Island National Park
1-54401 Range Road 203
Fort Saskatchewan AB T8L 0V3
Telephone: 780-922-5790 or 1-888-773-8888
Email: npfuimpactassessment@pc.gc.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Elk Island National Park (Alberta)

  • Nature of activity

    • Remediation and conservation

  • Assessment status

    In progress

  • Start date

    2026-09-24

  • Proponent

    Parks Canada

  • Authorities

    • Parks Canada Agency

  • Assessment type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference number

    90799

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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