In February 1996, the North Saskatchewan River was identified as an “A List” river by Alberta Environmental Protection, with the second highest evaluation score in the “Canadian Heritage Rivers System Study of Alberta Rivers”.
A background study is the next step in the Canadian Heritage River nomination process. This Background Study determined that the North Saskatchewan River meets established Canadian Heritage River System selection and integrity criteria to be nominated as a Canadian Heritage River for its cultural value. The report documents and assesses the cultural, natural and recreational resources along the length of the North Saskatchewan River.