Greetings!
Welcome to the Alberta Lake Management Society's June edition of "The New Wave". |
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ALMS Helps Train First Nation Students on Lake Water Quality Monitoring
ALMS was invited by the First Nations Technical Advisory Group (TSAG) in partnership with Tribal Chief Ventures Inc. to speak about lake water quality monitoring. Hosted by Kehewin FN, near Bonnyville, this was one module as part of a larger Land Stewardship Training Initiative. Three ALMS staff (Bradley, Pauline and Arin) provided hands-on instruction on different methods of lake water sampling as well as a more general background as to why certain water quality variables were measured. When asked which of the topics were of most value the participants replied "learning about water sampling" and the importance of "dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH and conductivity" and "what types of things that could help us to identify whether the water is in poor or good health". ALMS was pleased to be involved in this initiative and thrilled by the enthusiasm of the students for water quality assessment and lake management in general. We look forward to similar opportunities in the future!
 
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Urban Lakes and Wetlands are Unique. Do you know why?
ALMS 18th Annual Workshop
September 30 to October 1, 2011
Chestermere, Alberta
Naturally occurring lakes and wetlands in Alberta's urban centres have unique ecology and management challenges and are the focus of our workshop. The quantity and quality of the water, and the beds and shores and riparian areas of these water bodies are all affected by land uses introduced through continued population and economic growth. The workshop will bring together diverse stakeholders to discuss and learn about unique urban lake management issues, solutions, best management practices and pilot projects underway in Alberta. There will also be ample opportunity for people of various interests and background to network, share information, and forge relationships for future collaborations.
Keynote speakers include Steve Souza and Ken Wagner, who are both well-known US urban lake managers.
Highlights of the two day workshop include:
· Presentations on Chestermere Lake's unique management challenges, solutions, and cooperative efforts to address the issues
· Current urban lake and wetland research, planning, management, and best management practices, pilot projects and case studies.
· Friday night banquet featuring a performance by Evergreen Theatre and an art exhibit by the Chestermere Fine Arts Guild
· Saturday afternoon tour of Shepard Wetland: the largest constructed wetland in Canada, hosted by City of Calgary.
Who should attend?
Anyone interested in urban lake and wetland management - individuals, communities, stewardship groups, consultants, water resource managers, engineers, academics, government, and industry representatives.
Workshop registration is OPEN, and until Jul 31st it is only $85.00 per person.
Visit the workshop webpage for additional program details.
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ALMS Membership Renewal
Please indicate whether you wish to be considered an ALMS member for 2011. Memberships are absolutely free! Click here to renew membership
Request for Volunteer Auditors ALMS is in need of two people to review our financial statements for 2010-2011. If you have some experience with accounting or bookkeeping we would greatly appreciate your help. Please email Arin if you are willing. |
Technology for Lake Enthusiasts
Did you know that ALMS has a new facebook page? We do, and we are using it to talk about what is happening at lakes around Alberta. Our Lakewatch technicians will updating it regularly as they travel around the province monitoring water quality. Please check out or give us a "like".  Anyone who likes us between June 10 to 17 will be entered to win a free subscription to the iFish app!
The iFish Alberta app provides a searchable list of 700 Alberta lakes, ponds and reservoirs. It contains information on lakelocation, depth, boating, regulations and of course fishing! It is available for purchase at the app store.
Also available for download to your phone is the Alberta Conservation Adventure Guide. This app may make choosing which one of Alberta's lakes to visit next a little bit easier. |
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Lake Winnepeg Phosphorus Crisis
After the recent release of results from a five-year study of the health of Lake Winnipeg the Government of Manitoba has announced a plan to significantly cut phosphorus levels flowing into the lake. Increased phosphorous is entering the lake from livestock farming, pollution from cities and wetland loss. The Manitoba government will immediately focus on these three key areas to reduce the pollutants that put the lake's water at risk. Additionally, in the coming year, the province will host an international summit to bring together stakeholders and levels of government throughout the Lake Winnipeg watershed to coordinate phosphorous reductions. To read the full press release click here.
Phosphorus pollution is a problem that also plagues Alberta lakes. Although many lakes in Alberta are naturally high in nutrients, research has shown that human-caused development has increased levels, leading to futhur eutrophication of these water bodies. For more information on phosphorus and the problem of eutrophication you can download this fact sheet.
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