R.M. Of Harrison

The Rural Municipality of Harrison is 483.31 square kilometers (186.56 square miles) in area with 216 sections of land in the municipality. The average elevation in the municpality is 489 meters (1604 feet) above sea level. It is part of what is known as 'pothole country' due to the numerous sloughs and wet depressions in the area. Waterfowl is abundant in the area, which is considered prime hunting ground. Among the species found are mallards, blue-winged teal, pintails and canvas backs in addition to Canadian and Snow geese, coots and rails. Various types of vegetation grow naturally in the area including gooseberry, saskatoon, raspberry, strawberry and high bush cranberry. Also found are wood violets, blue columbines, wild roses, lady slippers, pussy willows, bluebells, buttercups, morning glories, black-eyed Susans, prairie crocus, prairie lilies, among many others. Among the wildlife are found a wide variety of song birds. Varieties are: blackbirds, bluebirds, wrens, larks, orioles, robins, goldfinch, cedar waxwings, purple martins, herons, loons, chickadees, grosbeaks, blue jays, woodpeckers and more. White-tailed deer, elk and moose inhabit the area, as do muskrats, squirrel, beaver, red fox, coyotes, minks, weasels, rabbits, badgers, black bears, skunks and raccoons.

The northern part of the RM, the Sandy Lake area, is a rolling, hilly region approximately 700 meters (2,296 feet) above sea level. Eastern slopes drain into the Rolling River system while western slopes drain into the Little Saskatchewan River system. The area is populated with vegetation. Some varieties are: poplar, white spruce, birch, hazel, woodland herbs, mosses and shrubs.

The southern part, Newdale, is 602 meters (1975 feet) above sea level with soils that are loam to clay loam and calcareous (containing some limestone). The soil Class B, "Newdale soil" type which fertile and high in organic content and water holding capacity. It is known as a 'never-fail' soil thatwill always produce a crop. There is plenty of water for wells to be found 76 to 92 meters (250-300 feet) deep. This region is plains/prairie land. Willows, aspen and various shrubs grow abundantly around small water sloughs.

The town of Newdale is found just off the Yellowhead (#16) highway. Sandy Lake is located at the junction of Provincial Trunk highways 45 and 250. PTH 270 also runs through the RM. A Canadian Pacific rail line runs right through the town of Newdale.