Introduction

The Primrose-Lakeland region is an approximately 6,000 km² area that lies east of the town of Lac La Biche.  It is one of the best representative examples of the central mixed wood boreal forest in Alberta.  In addition to its old-growth forests, Lakeland boasts one of the highest concentrations of lakes in the province.  These lakes and their uplands provide critical habitat for numerous species of mammals, birds and amphibians.
 While the area has seen significant disturbance from settlements and extractive industries, the most extensive undisturbed areas are protected within a small provincial park.

Known as the Lakeland Provincial Park, this 147 km² area was designated by the Alberta government as the flagship for the Special Places 2000 program in 1992.

During this same period, another 443 km² east of the park received a lesser designation as a Provincial Recreation Area.  Currently, the remaining 5,400 km² has no level of protection.

Vision

• Restore and maintain a healthy and intact ecosystem in Lakeland that protects watersheds and unfragmented forests, sustains viable wildlife populations, and provides long-term sustainable and diversified economic opportunities for surrounding communities.
• Finalize an ecologically sensitive Management Plan for the Lakeland Provincial Park and PRA. This Plan should prohibit aircraft from landing on any lakes; limit motorboat use to Touchwood, Pinehurst, and Seibert Lakes; limit ATV use to existing designated trails with the exception of the Mile 10 Staging Area trail. The Mile 10 trail should be designated for non-motorized use.
• Cancel or purchase existing mineral/oil and gas leases in the Park and PRA.
• Prohibit logging in the Park and PRA.
• Extend the boundaries of the Park and PRA north to the Touchwood Lake Road. Consider extending the PRA boundary east to the Sand River.
• Undertake a systematic ecological study of the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range with a view to establishing one or more protected areas on the Range.
• Restore native fish stocks in the area’s lakes.

Status

• Lakeland Provincial Park (147 km²) was established on January 17, 1992 by Order-in-Council 56/92. Lakeland Provincial Recreation Area (443.3 km²) was established on January 18, 1992 by Order-in-Council 55/92. The two areas combined comprise 590.3 km² or 0.089 percent of Alberta.
• A Management Plan for the Park and Provincial Recreation Area have yet to be finalized.