The RM was incorporated on January 1, 2015 via the amalgamation of the RMs of Cameron and Whitewater and the town of Hartney.

[4] The Lauder Sand Hills (49°29′0″N, 100°39′56″W)[5] are located 6 kilometres west of Hartney, were created between 10,000 and 8,000 years ago when the glaciers from the last ice age receded to the north.

When the lake eventually drained away, the Lauder Sand Hills were left behind.

In 1971, the Lauder Sandhills Wildlife Management Area was established to protect the winter habitat of the white-tailed deer.

This IBA is a very important breeding ground and stop-over for migrating birds and it covers 654.07 km2 (252.54 sq mi) of habitat.