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Respect our lakes : cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)

Description

This brochure provides information on blue-green algal blooms, how they affect the water quality of a lake, and what lake users should do to protect the health of themselves, their families, and... More ≫

Description

This brochure provides information on blue-green algal blooms, how they affect the water quality of a lake, and what lake users should do to protect the health of themselves, their families, and their pets if a bloom is present in their lake.

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Respect our lakes : responsible lake recreation

Description

Presents some tips on how to reduce the recreational impacts to Alberta lakes and to ensure that the lakes remain healthy and safe for everyone to enjoy.

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Respect our lakes : understanding lake science

Description

The scientific study of lakes helps us assess lake conditions and monitor changes over time. This is especially important as we are seeing increased pressure on lakes due to shoreline development,... More ≫

Description

The scientific study of lakes helps us assess lake conditions and monitor changes over time. This is especially important as we are seeing increased pressure on lakes due to shoreline development, agricultural practices, vegetation removal, intensive land-use and increased recreational use. Climatic variability also affects water quality and quantity. Through ongoing lake monitoring, we can track the state of our lakes and inform lake management planning for the long-term benefit of lakes.

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Respect our lakes : cyanobacterial (blue-green algae) blooms

Description

Cyanobacteria, often known as blue-green algae, are well adapted to growth in alkaline, nutrient-rich water bodies. During calm conditions, they can congregate near the water’s surface. These... More ≫

Description

Cyanobacteria, often known as blue-green algae, are well adapted to growth in alkaline, nutrient-rich water bodies. During calm conditions, they can congregate near the water’s surface. These “blooms” are unsightly and produce objectionable odors, and can also induce skin irritation, itchiness and severe rashes upon contact. This pamphlet provides more information on the risks posed by cyanobacteria and steps to take to protect against possible harmful effects.

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Respect our lakes : understanding lake legislation

Description

Legislation is in place to manage and conserve our natural resources. By following this legislation, we not only ensure that we can enjoy our lakes today, but also into the future. It is... More ≫

Description

Legislation is in place to manage and conserve our natural resources. By following this legislation, we not only ensure that we can enjoy our lakes today, but also into the future. It is everyone’s responsibility to be aware of regulations. For example, before starting any project that may alter the shoreline areas of a water body, you must have written authorization from all applicable regulators and a copy must be present at the work site.

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Respect our lakes : aquatic vegetation and lake health

Description

Aquatic plants along lake shorelines are important for maintaining healthy lake ecosystems. They provide habitat for fish spawning, nesting habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds, rearing sites for... More ≫

Description

Aquatic plants along lake shorelines are important for maintaining healthy lake ecosystems. They provide habitat for fish spawning, nesting habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds, rearing sites for young fish and wildlife, and they protect shorelines from wave and wind erosion. Aquatic vegetation also performs many important biological functions that maintain lake water quality, such as filtering runoff water that enters the lake.

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Respect our lakes : keeping Alberta's lakes healthy

Description

Lakes are one of the most treasured aspects of the Alberta landscape. They have become an integral part of many lives, whether you are a long-time lake resident or someone who visits lakes... More ≫

Description

Lakes are one of the most treasured aspects of the Alberta landscape. They have become an integral part of many lives, whether you are a long-time lake resident or someone who visits lakes occasionally for boating, fishing or wildlife watching. Unfortunately, many lakes and watersheds in Alberta have seen extensive land clearing and development, resulting in large amounts of nutrients entering lakes and settling in lake sediments. Years of reduced rainfall coupled with excess nutrients has resulted in lakes that have many water quality issues, such as extensive blue-green algal (cyanobacterial) blooms.

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Lake and watershed management options for the control of nuisance blue-green algal blooms in Pigeon Lake, Alberta

Description

Due to natural soil characteristics and proximity to major urban centres, the Pigeon Lake watershed has undergone significant urban and rural development in the past decades. In recent years,... More ≫

Description

Due to natural soil characteristics and proximity to major urban centres, the Pigeon Lake watershed has undergone significant urban and rural development in the past decades. In recent years, occurrences of significant blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms have been documented at Pigeon Lake. The following report includes an overview of cyanobacterial ecology and provides a list of in-lake and watershed management options for control of nuisance blue-green blooms and outlines the benefits, disadvantages and applicability to Pigeon Lake. While several options are available for stakeholders to pursue, it is important that a cost-benefit analysis be conducted beforehand and that stakeholders ensure that all applicable permits and approvals be obtained.

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A summary of paleolimnological studies conducted in Alberta

Description

Paleolimnology is the study of lake development through analysis of physical, chemical and biological information stored in aquatic sediments. Paleolimnology has multiple applications, lake... More ≫

Description

Paleolimnology is the study of lake development through analysis of physical, chemical and biological information stored in aquatic sediments. Paleolimnology has multiple applications, lake management being one of them. The main objective of this report was to produce a summary of paleolimnological studies completed in Alberta.

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