Park Research & Management

Management Notes

Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is managed differently than other parks in Alberta. The Park Board consists of equal representation from Alberta Tourism, Parks & Recreation and the Harvie Conservancy Foundation.  

• The Park Board makes recommendations to the Minister for development in the area.
• It also provides direction for Parks Division staff and the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation who collaborate to develop and deliver facilities and services.

Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park continues to be a working ranch. Cattle graze the park's fescue grasslands, helping to support the continued health of this threatened landscape. As bison once did on the prairies, cattle eat last year's protein-rich stalks in late fall and winter. Sunlight is then able to penetrate the growing bases of the grass in early spring, which ensures healthly emergence of new fescue stalks.

To protect natural landscapes and historical features, access to some parts of the park remain closed to the public. Closed areas are clearly marked with signs and/or fences.