Alberta Parks is actively working on grassland restoration at Vermilion Provincial Park to help maintain biodiversity and provide habitat for various wildlife species, including species at risk.
Why are we restoring native grasslands?
Vermilion Provincial Park began to reduce mowing in 2023 in response to the growing population of Richardson’s ground squirrels (gophers) who thrive in areas with short grass. Long grass encourages the gophers to relocate, reducing their impact to a smaller area of the park and controlling their population.
The program has since grown into an opportunity to naturalize and re-establish the prairie parkland ecosystem for current and future generations.
By allowing the grasses, shrubs, and trees to establish themselves in these large open areas, wildlife and bird species that rely on this habitat will return, such as the Franklin ground squirrel, a species at risk. Hawks and owls will also return and will assist in naturally controlling gopher populations and other "pest” species, such as mice.
What about wildfires?
We understand that there are concerns of increased fire hazard during the natural re-establishment phase of the project, and these have been considered. Fire breaks are maintained by mowing wide swaths along roadways, trails, and between the park and those residences whose backyards join and flow directly into the park.
Over time, as the deciduous trees and shrubs establish, grasses will diminish, and the deciduous plants will naturally reduce the risk of fire in this area.
As always, the Government of Alberta encourages property owners and communities to practice safe Fire Smart initiatives to minimize wildfire risks. Information on this program can be found at https://firesmartalberta.ca/.
What if I want to request to have the area mowed?
Provincial Parks differ from Municipal Parks in that they are not meant to have large areas of highly manicured landscapes, as Provincial Parks are not intended for purely recreational pursuits.
Alberta Parks will continue restoring the area for the future enjoyment and protection of Vermilion Provincial Park. A reminder that the removal and destruction of plants, including mowing, on Alberta Park’s property is illegal and enforced.
The Town of Vermilion does not have jurisdiction over Vermilion Provincial Park and cannot make changes to the property. Please do not contact the Town of Vermilion about Vermilion Provincial Park.
If you notice illegal activity on the site, please contact 310-LAND (5263).
Due to damages caused by summer rain storms and leakage, the CN Station will remain closed to the public until the building can be repaired and declared safe for public use. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
