Conservation Planning
Edmonton has adopted an ecological network approach to natural areas planning and management. This approach emphasizes the importance of connecting natural areas in order to facilitate the continuation of natural processes such as nutrient dispersal, genetic exchange and the movement of wildlife to access the resources they require for survival.
Edmonton's Ecological Network
A healthy ecological network has several components:
- A wide vegetation corridor along major watercourses (e. g. North Saskatchewan River and its tributary watercourses)
- Several large natural areas known as core areas (e. g. Whitemud Ravine, Big Island)
- Connectivity for movement of species among the core habitat areas, either through wide, continuous corridors or a series of 'stepping stones' (smaller natural areas throughout a more developed area)
- A diverse mixture of natural areas throughout the developed parts of the city that can serve as wildlife habitat or connect other, larger natural areas
Edmonton's 2006 State of Natural Areas Report found that Edmonton has all of the components of an ecological network. With careful planning that encourages the protection of these key elements and the restoration of degraded natural areas and linkages, this network could be sustainable in the long term. Protecting the network is the goal of the Office of Natural Areas, and we moved one step closer to achieving this goal with the completion of the Natural Connections Strategic Plan.
This map shows Edmonton's ecological network, including core areas, stepping stones and linkages.
Edmonton's Natural Areas in 2005
This map shows the location of Edmonton's natural areas, and was developed based on 2005 aerial photography. We are currently updating these maps, and will post the new products here as soon as they are available.
Conservation Atlas
We are currently updating our Conservation Atlas, as much of the information has changed since it was originally created. In the interim, we have posted our existing Conservation Atlas for your information. This atlas provides information about individual natural areas in the city that have been afforded some form of protection. Please be patient when downloading - this is a large file.
Edmonton Conservation Atlas
