| Aquatic Invasive Species Update |
 The majority of lakes and reservoirs in Alberta have been assigned a medium-high risk status for introduction and establishment of invasive mussels (zebra or quagga). To date, there has been no record of these species occurring in Alberta waterways, although there have been several mussel-fouled boats intercepted already this season enroute to several Alberta lakes.
To be proactive, three new programs have been initiated to prevent introduction and take early action if the species is introduced:
- Boat inspection stations will be set up at some of Alberta's most vulnerable border crossings to target the highest risk boaters (who travel with their watercraft or buy them elsewhere) and provides the best safeguard to protecting our lakes
- An emergency response plan is in place that will enable ESRD to respond to situations where mussel-fouled boats can be intercepted and properly decontaminated before launching. As part of this system you can call: 1-855-336-BOAT if you suspect a boat might harbour an invasive species.
- Lake monitoring for early detection. ALMS and ESRD are looking for invasive species in all lakes we are monitoring this summer. Active sampling for the larvae is occurring and we have also created artificial substrates that will be dropped into lakes to capture evidence of growing mussels.
Monitoring is a province wide approach. ALMS, ESRD, Water Management
 | | Making Artificial Substrates |
Operations, as well as Irrigation Districts are currently creating, deploying, and checking the substrates for the presence of mussels. If you think your lake is not covered by one of the groups above and are interested in creating and monitoring an artificial substrate on your own please contact us and we can provide designs and monitoring protocols. Watershed stewardship groups, water-based recreational businesses, and shoreline homeowners will all be critical in preventing the introduction.
|
| Lake Management Workshop |  You are invited to a Lake Management Workshop hosted by the Mayatan Lake Management Association
When: June 19, 2013 10 am to 3:30 pm
Where: Carvel Community Hall, Carvel AB (click here for map and directions). Lunch and refreshments provided.
The workshop will address the following topics: - What is a lake management plan ? How is it developed?
- What is an Area Structure Plan?
- What are the roles of various players--government, watershed management groups, community members, agriculture, environmental groups etc?
- What is happening in Parkland County? What are other municipalities doing?
Who should attend?
- Anyone interested in watershed management issues
- Watershed Management Group Leaders
- Parkland County councillors and administrative staff with an interest and/or responsibility for water management
This workshop will include presentations by various speakers from the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance, Alberta Lake Management Society, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resources, and various municipality representatives. The intent of the workshop is to provide opportunities for attendees to learn about lake management planning, network, share resources and lessons learned, and hear updates on lake related initiatives.
There is no fee for this workshop, but as lunch is being served please RSVP with your name and organization name before June 13, 2013 to mayatanlake@gmail.com or Myrna Neilson 780-963-5809.
This event is sponsored by the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance and the Mayatan Lake Management Association. MLMA wishes to acknowledge the financial assistance of the Watershed Stewardship Grant Program and Land Stewardship Centre for making this event possible.
|
Students: ALMS Scholarship Available |
 | | 2012 Scholarship Winner Presentation |
Aquatic sciences form the basis of the sound management of lakes and their watersheds. The Alberta Lake Management Society (ALMS) scholarship is intended to support students in the aquatic sciences, and related disciplines, and promote the objectives of the Society. $2,000 is awarded annually.
Guidelines for Applicants are available on the ALMS website. Deadline is July 15, 2013.
|
| Where are we today? | With six people travelling across the province sampling water and teaching about aquatic ecosystem health we see some amazing places - join us to see some beautiful photos!
|
|
|
| Early Bird Registration Open | |
The ALMS Annual Workshop will be held September 27 & 28, at the Lakedell Hall near Pigeon Lake.
Call for sponsors and presentations. Contact us with your ideas for the workshop. All proceeds go to support the ALMS scholarship.
Early Bird Registration Open - only $85! |
| Citizen Science and Stewardship in the Beaver Hills |  | |
ALMS, in collaboration with the Friends of Elk Island Society, are looking for people to assist with data collection on stream water quality, amphibians, and invasive plants in the Beaver Hills Area.
Training and equipment are all provided and data will be used to assit in evaluating the ecological health of the region.
|
| Loon Surveys |  | |
Bird Studies Canada is looking for volunteers to monitor loon reproduction.
Participants dedicate at least three dates, visiting their lake once in June (to see if loon pairs are on territory), once in July (to see if chicks hatch) and once in August (to see if chicks survive long enough to fledge).
|
| Events | If you are a lake group in the North Saskatchewan, Battle, or Red Deer river watersheds become a member of the Watershed Planning and Protection Councils and also consider running for a position on their board of directors. Many of the issues that WPACs are working on are the same issues affecting your lake.
Bow Basin Council
June 12 at TransAlta Auditorium. Register |
Red Deer River Watershed Alliance AGM. June 20, Red Deer. Register here. |
|
|
