Introduction
Milk River Ridge Introduction
The Milk River Ridge is a 1,663 km2 area in the southern part of Alberta along the Alberta - Montana border comprising extensive foothills grasslands, wetlands, glacial spillways, and deeply incised ravines with intervening ridges. The Milk River Ridge is an internationally significant grassland, home to several species of rare or endangered fish, amphibians, birds, and plants, an provides important habitat for deer and pronghorn, nesting areas for several birds of prey, including the peregrine falcon, as well as the sharp-tailed grouse. It is one of six large blocks of grasslands left on the glaciated plains of North America. The Milk River Ridge area of concern is under threat because of a proposed dam on the Milk River.
Status
The Milk River Ridge Area of Concern includes two protected areas:
- Twin River Heritage Rangeland Natural Area (190 km2)
- Ross Lake Natural Area (19.5 km2)
A study is currently being conducted into the potential for a dam at the confluence of the north and south Milk Rivers which lies in the southern portion of the Twin River Heritage Rangeland.
