The Fish and Lake Improvement Program for the Parkland Region

History   Strategy  Water Quality  Fishery Improvement   Marketing   

 

Water Quality

Lakes that contain clean, clear water are the greatest assets that a region could have in attempting to establish, promote and maintain a fishing industry. Trout require clean, well-oxygenated water and boaters, cottage owners, fishermen and all involved profit from lakes that are healthy and visually appealing. 

Given the need for clean, clear water, it is unfortunate that many lakes in the southwest Parkland region are affected by phosphates and nitrate loading to the point where they are susceptible to algae blooms.  For example, extensive summer kills were experienced on Goose Lake in Roblin, Spear Lake near Russell and Silver Beach Lake in the RM of Silver Creek, in the late summer of 1998.  While mild algae blooms have little effect on spring and fall fishing, clear water lakes would attract more fishermen from crowded western USA rivers.  Moreover, many would-be visiting American fly fishermen must take their holidays during summer months when existing Lakes in the southwest Parkland region could possibly have bloomed. 

The proponents of FLIPPR feel that a series of studies should be initiated on various lakes and/or watersheds in the Region to examine the possibilities of reducing phosphate and nitrate loads. Each body of water must be studied to determine an appropriate plan of action since each situation may be unique.  Commitment to a cure would be inappropriate until sufficient analysis is completed.   To this end, a partnership is being forged between the local community, the Department of Agriculture, PFRA and others to run a series of tests on a variety of lakes within the Region to determine nitrate and phosphate loads.

Other methods proven to reduce algae reproduction could be implemented as resources allow.