Alberta Parks is pleased to announce the recent donation of approximately 380 hectares of undisturbed native grasslands to be established as Antelope Hill Provincial Park. The park is located in east-central Alberta, north of Hanna and 2.5 kilometres east of the Village of Dowling Lake.
This land of high ecological value was generously donated to the people of Alberta by Mr. Gottlob Schmidt and as per his request, will be managed for wildlife purposes and low-impact uses such as hiking and day-use activities.
The new park protects healthy native northern fescue grasslands, which are intact and have never been cultivated. The rolling hills in the park contain rugged hummocky moraine, sandy plains, aspen groves and several mineral wetlands. The area is designated as an Environmentally Significant Area, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including Sprague’s pipit, thirteen-lined ground squirrel, deer and elk.
Low-impact day-use will be permitted in the park, with opportunities for hiking, nature appreciation and wildlife viewing. Hunting, overnight camping and off-highway-vehicle use will not be permitted.
The new Antelope Hill Provincial Park is closed to public access as Mr. Schmidt remains on the property. At such a time that Mr. Schmidt does not reside on the property, and his residence has been reclaimed, the park will be officially opened to the public. A plaque commemorating the donation is being developed, and Parks staff will work with Mr. Schmidt to choose an appropriate location.
The donation of the lands for Antelope Hill Provincial Park represents a significant addition to the Alberta Parks system, and the Province of Alberta sincerely thanks Mr. Schmidt for his donation.
Should you have any questions about the establishment of Antelope Hill Provincial Park, please contact Terry Krause, Senior Planner for the East-Central Region, at 403-340-7683. Media inquiries may be directed to Tim Chamberlain at 780-415-0918.
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