Lake stewardship

Overview

Maintaining the health of Alberta's lakes is everyone's responsibility. Actions of individual lakeshore residents, decision makers and land users around the lake add up to make a huge difference. Here are some examples of what you can do:

• Consider sharing docks, piers and boat lanes within your community to minimize shoreline disturbance
• Get involved with your local lake stewardship group to help promote healthy lake living
• Have your septic system inspected regularly and empty septic tanks as recommended
• If you are a stewardship group, municipality or First Nation living along a lake, consider getting involved with the Central Alberta Recreational Lakes initiative, which is an annual spring forum to share new information and resources. Contact:
  • rol@gov.ab.ca
• Keep wheels out of the water – regulations prohibit people from using off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on the beds and shores of a permanent and naturally occurring body of water
• Leave your shoreline and aquatic vegetation in its natural condition – in fact, it is illegal to do any shoreline modifications or aquatic vegetation removal without written authorization from Alberta Environment and Parks
• Plant native plants and shrubs where shorelines have been cleared
• Refuel your boat using spill control devices or fill tanks well away from water
• Use no fertilizers or only organic, slow-release fertilizers placed well away from the shoreline
• Watch for aquatic invasive species and report or remove as appropriate

For More Information

For more information about Alberta's lakes, lake management or lake stewardship visit:

• Alberta Lake Management Society
• Alberta Stewardship Network
• Nature Alberta