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Respect our lakes : responsible lake living

Description

This brochure highlights actions individuals can take in the watershed, on the shore and in the water to help maintain or improve the health of Alberta lakes.

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Respect our lakes : lake legislation in Alberta

Description

This one-page infographic provides a handy overview of a lakeshore property in Alberta, indicating what part of a property is private land, what part is public land, and the provincial and federal... More ≫

Description

This one-page infographic provides a handy overview of a lakeshore property in Alberta, indicating what part of a property is private land, what part is public land, and the provincial and federal legislation that applies to each of these areas.

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Respect our lakes : agriculture around Alberta lakes

Description

This brochure explains how agricultural activities around a lake can affect the water quality of the lake, and what agricultural producers can do to keep sediments and nutrients resulting from... More ≫

Description

This brochure explains how agricultural activities around a lake can affect the water quality of the lake, and what agricultural producers can do to keep sediments and nutrients resulting from agricultural activity out of Alberta's lakes.

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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 : 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 : 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 : 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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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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Stepping back from the water : a beneficial management practices guide for new development near water bodies in Alberta's settled region [2012]

Description

The question often arises: what is the minimum setback needed to protect aquatic ecosystems from development such as buildings, roads and other permanent structures? This handbook answers this... More ≫

Description

The question often arises: what is the minimum setback needed to protect aquatic ecosystems from development such as buildings, roads and other permanent structures? This handbook answers this question by providing decision makers with information for determining setback widths and designing effective buffers adjacent to water bodies.

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