Soil survey of Saskatoon Island Provincial Park and interpretation for recreational use

The mapped area comprises about 100 ha and is situated about 19 km west and 3 km north of Grande Prairie. Most of the park is covered by moderately fine to very fine textured fill. This region has a cold snow-forest climate with humid winters, characterized by frozen ground and snow cover of several months duration. Summers are cool and short, having less than four months with an average temperature above 10�C; the average temperature of the coldest month is below -3�C. The study area is situated in the mixed-wood section of the boreal forest region, where the characteristic forest association of well-drained uplands is a mixture, but trembling aspen is the cover type of greatest areal extent.

Seven map units were recognized in the study area. The key profile types are Dark Gray Luvisols, Eluviated Black Chernozemics, Orthic Gray Luvisols, Gleyed Grey Luvisols, Gleyed Black Solodized Solonetz, Gleyed Gray Solodized Solonetz, Orthic Gleysols and Orthic Humic Gleysols. These are distributed over the landscape in relation to landform, parent material and drainage. Map units consist of single soil series or groupings of series (complexes); their distribution is shown on the soil map.

Soil erodibility ratings (K-values) and predicted water erosion hazards have been worked out for selected map units. Soil interpretations of each map unit are made for fully serviced campgrounds, primitive camping areas, picnic areas, lawns and landscaping, paths, trails, buildings (with and without basements) and road location. The soils best suited to recreational development in Saskatoon Island park are those of Map Units 1, 3, 4, and 5; and these all have moderate limitations. Map Units 3 and 4 soils are widespread throughout most of the park. Soils of other map units have severe limitations for recreational development. All soils in the park have severe limitations for road construction. Careful study of the soil map and table 6 (soil limitations) will reveal areas suitable for particular uses.

A soil survey properly interpreted can be one of the most useful tools management has in properly designing a recreational area. All soil differences occurring in the field cannot be shown on the soil map however; thus, for design and construction of specific recreational facilities, an on-site investigation is usually required.