Lac La Nonne State of the Watershed Report
For more than two years, the LWSS has been working at developing a State of the Watershed Report (2.8 MB PDF) for the Lac La Nonne Watershed. With the assistance of a contracted consultant, the long-awaited report is now complete.
The report identifies and validates many of the issues within the watershed, and points out that much work needs to be undertaken to halt the nutrient loading of streams and lakes throughout the watershed from local land-based activities - agricultural and recreational alike. Although the naturally low water levels and the lack of inflow and outflow to the lakes are also contributing factors, land use, development, and our own daily practices are those over which we can influence some control.
The report suggests that the community embark on a watershed planning process to come up with a strategy to address the issues in the watershed. Success of such an initiative will depend on all stakeholders (lake users, watershed residents, municipal and provincial governments) becoming actively involved.
Copies have been distributed to County Offices, school libraries, local libraries, LEPA, and to many inidividual stakeholders. Copies and CD's of the report are still available free of charge.
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Riparian Study of Nakamun and Majeau Lakes
The overall health of a lake can be influenced by the shoreline vegetation and soils. A healthy riparian area (green zone of vegetation around our
waterbodies) can assist us in achieving goals of water quality, water quantity, fish and wildlife habitat, and recreation.
Over the past year,, Cows and Fish, with significant grants from the Alberta Stewardship Network, has completed a review of the riparian health of the shores of Nakamun and Majeau lakes,,, Lac La nonne is scheduled to be completed this year.
In general, the riparian areas of Nakamun and Majeau are for the most part, healthy, but with problems. The report , Nakamun Lake Riparian Health Inventory 2008 Final Report.pdf (3.1 MB PDF) provides full details of the study metholdolgy and results."
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Living by Water - HomeSite Consultation Program (300 kb PDF)
Homesite Consultations consist of a “driveway to dock” walk of the homeowner’s property and suggestions on how to adjust to living habits and land use practices to reduce our cumulative impact on lake water quality. In short, we make suggestions, and adherence to them is voluntary.
The Living By Water Project was founded in B.C. by waterfront residents and since has become a nation wide initiative through the cooperation of several non-profit organizations like Federation of Alberta Naturalists (FAN) who run the program in Alberta. The project offers the unique opportunity for many residents to get advice and information specific to their properties regarding their environmental impacts (septic systems or lack thereof for example) and information on the legality of practices without fear of backlash by a regulatory agency. In a sense, it is like having an environmental consultant visit your home and research your concerns for free.
The 2007 summer program is now complete with over 20 stakeholders taking advantage of this educational and informative insite into ones own homesite. Some reviews of those who had a Homesite Consultation done in 2005 were reviewed with the technical advisors.
*Note: Nursery Coupons Expiration Date has been extended into 2007.
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Beneficial Management Practices (BMP)
With the financial assistance from the Alberta Stewardship Network (ASN), the Lac La Nonne Enhancement and Protection Association (LEPA) and the Canada-Alberta Farm Stewardship Program (CAFSP) together with volunteer labour from the land owners (Stan and Cathy DeZaeyer), LEPA members and LWSS members, significant progress was made in installing another riparian improvement project near Lac La Nonne.
The project consists of a shallow well, a water delivery system (windmill, storage tank and watering trough) and fencing which will allow approximately 75 acres of lowlands to be used as riparian areas while still being able to utilize the area as a managed pasture.
Once complete, this project, together with the two previous projects completed by LEPA, will showcase a variety of options for effective management of riparian areas while still being able to use the areas for agricultural purposes.
The Western Canada Conservation Group (WCCG) out of Lac Ste Anne along with AG Field Services Personel showcased a Touring Workship in Barrhead and Lac Ste Anne Counties. Included were the Kirchner and De Zaeyer BMP projects.
August 22, 2007, the Water's Edge Resource Group (WERG) sponsored a Watershed Tour covering such sites as the J. Wood BMP project; Woodlots; Solar Power; Shelterbelts; Walkin' Tall Ranch (Elk) and the George Pegg Historic Gardens. Over 40 participants registered.
Anyone interested in discussing BMP practices, including the three projects identified above, are invited to contact the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) offices at #204-10619-100 Ave., Westlock or phone Jim Craig at 780-349-3963.
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Farm Water Watch (FWW) Program
The LWSS is proud to partner with the Alberta Fish & Game Association (AF&GA) to deliver the much-acclaimed Farm Water Watch Program (FWW), a surface water-testing program to the Lac La Nonne Watershed.
The FWW program was developed by the AF&GA in response to Producer’s questions about their impact on surface water quality. The program emphasizes a farm specific approach that gives landowners the tools and support they need to go from awareness of water quality issues to planning of beneficial management practices specific to their land.
Participants in the program have the opportunity to gather information on how their agricultural activities may be affecting surface water quality. The on-farm collecting provides a confidential and practical way for Producers to test and analyze surface water run-off from individual fields and pastures, or monitor the changes in water quality within a creek or dugout on their lands. Participants will have the opportunity to develop a watershed map and runoff supply model of the farm.
On farm consultation is provided by AF&GA to assist the Producer in identifying potential risks to surface water quality, and planning any beneficial management practices which would improve riparian habitat or mitigate impacts on water quality.
The approach is objective, minimal labour intensity, the results are confidential and the cost of participation is free.
If you wish to participate in this program or have further questions regarding the program for surface water testing in the spring of 2007, please contact Ed Petrie at 967-5639 or Stan DeZaeyer at 674-4040.
We hoped for 10 participants but only have three thus far! This is an excellent confidential chance to assess the quality of the surface water on your own property with technical aid from Alberta Fish and Game staff. It's FREE!
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Ag Capture Land Use Inventory Pilot Project
The LWSS and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada-Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) along with the Counties of Barrhead and Lac Ste Anne recently embarked on an initiative entitled Ag Capture – An Agricultural Land Use Inventory Tool: Lac La Nonne Watershed Pilot Project. The project is being developed by PFRA’S Land Use Decision Support Unit and is intended to provide local and regional land-use decision makers with a means to acquire detailed information about agricultural land use activities.
Agricultural land use was assessed through a “windshield survey” while travelling public roads in late August and will be analyzed by PFRA and presented to the LWSS this winter. The resulting report is intended to include assessment of land use activities and the potential impacts to watershed health. This information should be helpful in future efforts to identify and implement appropriate management practices that reduce negative effects on surface water quality Environmental Farm Plan
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Riparian Improvement Projects:
Lakeshore 101 Sessions (a.k.a. Beach Walks) - small groups of cottagers have gathered together and walked their lake fronts to learn more about what makes a healthy lakeshore for the environment and recreation. Technical riparian information was be provided by Cows and Fish. Testimonial (PDF)
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Environmental Farm Plan (EFP):
LWSS in partnership with local Facilitators offered 2 and both were unsuccessful. This is an opportunity for Ag Producers to have access to up to $50,000.00 financial assistance through the Canada Alberta Farm Stewardship Program. Not difficult, not very time consuming, the opportunity is there ...... take advantage!
A reminder that this program is finished by March 31, 2008 and for those interested to act before it is too late to contact Wendy Could at: tsf@telusplanet.net
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Lac La Nonne Restoration Workshop Report:
Available at www.lepa-ab.com
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Watershed Inlet Stream Sampling Report:
Contact Darlene Sadoway at bdsadoway@telus.net or lepa@lepa-ab.com
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