Park Research & Management

Hand Hills Ecological Reserve
Lat: 51.3985132226 Long: -112.285140776

Classification	Ecological Reserve
Legislation	Wilderness Areas, Ecological Reserves, Natural Areas and Heritage Rangelands Act
Park Size	5,507.8 Acres / 2,229.02 Ha
Legal Boundary	Hand Hills Ecological Reserve

Administration / Information	403-742-7516
Regional Office	East Central Regional Office
District Office	Wainwright
Special Designations	Important Bird Area

Natural Region	Grassland - Northern Fescue
Natural Region Description	This site is situated on the lower south slopes of the Hand Hills upland. Elevations range from 815 to 970 metres above sea level. There are more than 130 bird species in the area as well as a variety of amphibians, reptiles and mammals. Vegetation includes porcupine grass, June grass, spear grass and northern wheat grass on lightly grazed areas; there is blue gamma grass and low sedge on more heavily grazed sites. Threatened ferruginous hawks and prairie long-tailed weasels occur here and the endangered piping plover nests along Little Fish Lake on the edge of the reserve.
Land Use Framework Region	Red Deer