Protecting Sylvan Lake Kim Schmitt President & Graeme Strathdee Vice President Sylvan Lake Watershed Stewardship Society http://livingbywater.ca http://slwss.org Outline • History and Situation • The Watershed Society • Responsible Care • Case Histories • The Future 1
Outline • History and Situation • The Watershed Society • Responsible Care • Case Histories • The Future Sylvan Lake History An Alberta Asset 2
Perspective on Sylvan Lake Environmental tradition to uphold “Mr. Speedie brought up the subject of possible contamination of the spring on account of Martin's hogs running at large in his pasture. Mr. Speedie was instructed to see Mr. Martin regarding same.” was instructed to see Mr. Martin regarding same.” -Town of Sylvan Lake Minutes, June 1940 Perspective on Sylvan Lake We’re in the Red Deer River Watershed 3
Perspective on Sylvan Lake Overview Watershed Area, km 2 106 Lake Area , km 2 42 Ratio: 2.5 Lake Volume, Mm 3 420 Total P, mg/L <0.1 Total N, mg/L <1 Algae/Chlorophyll-a, g/L 5 Clarity/Secchi, m <0.3 to 5 Municipalities 8 Population <15,000 WPAC RDRWA AE Map Perspective: Groundwater, Runoff and Wastewater Hydraulic Head Distribution-Hydrostratigraphic Unit 1-Westwater Environmental Ltd 4
Sylvan Lake in 2005 The Water and Nutrient Balance Source of Data: SLMP Committee’s AXYS 2005 Report Sylvan Lake in 2030 The Water Balance 5
Outline • History • The Watershed Society • Responsible Care • Case Histories • The Future The Strategic Plan for Sylvan Lake The Vision The natural assets and ecological integrity of Sylvan Lake and its watershed are sustained for Alberta’s present and future generations. The Mission To protect the Sylvan Lake watershed and water quality from damage The Action Plan • Preserve the natural assets of the watershed and protect lake water quality • Engage the watershed community 6
SLWSS Volunteers We actually do stuff Sample water, analyze and report on water quality, and interpret lake risk Demonstrate best practices for shoreline protection The SLWSS Monitors Sylvan Lake It’s a Bathtub Tributary monitoring reveals significant nutrient pollution during spring runoff and storm flow events NW Creek in LC Tributaries regularly exceed provincial guidelines necessary for the protection of aquatic ecosystems Golf Course Creek in RDC & TSL 7
The SLWSS Lobbies for Sylvan Lake Advocate for Lake Protection Municipal, Provincial & Federal governments The SLWSS Involves Schools Students have a voice in forming public opinion 2010 SLWSS Postage Stamp Design Contest Winners 8
The SLWSS Captures Lake Memories Members record their experience Promote Best Practices for Land and Lake Use Living by Water Project 2010 FAN 9
Outline • History • The Watershed Society • Responsible Care TM • Case Histories • The Future Responsible Care Toolbox for Watersheds For Municipal Governments, Watershed Associations and Community Groups • Continuously improve knowledge and applications of watershed science, land and water management, and best stewardship practices so as to avoid harm to people and the environment. • Use watershed resources efficiently and avoid contamination. • Report openly on performance, achievements and shortcomings. • Listen, engage and work with people to understand and address their concerns and expectations. • Cooperate in the development and implementation of effective regulations and standards, and to meet or exceed the requirements. • Provide help and advice to foster the responsible management of land and water by all those who are residents in or guests of the watershed. 10
Living by Water Needs a Responsible Care Culture $ $ The Basics $ $ Real Estate Buildings Well Water Wastewater Management Shoreline Modification Docks and Boats Landscaping Stormwater Control Living by Water The Hydrological Cycle 11
Living by Water Shoreline Management Living by Water The Homesite Assessment Program • Prevent or deal with shoreline erosion • Maintain a healthy septic system • Restore shorelines using native plants • Shoreline-friendly tips for your house and yard 12
Living by Water Wastewater Management • Less N • Less P • Less Bacteria Living by Water Docks and Boats 13
Outline • History • The Watershed Society • Responsible Care • Case Histories • The Future Case Histories Golf Course Creek and Marina Bay 14
Case Histories Whistleblowing at NW Sylvan Lake Outline • History • The Watershed Society • Responsible Care • Case Histories • The Future 15
Water Quality & Land Use Threat Matrix Today Actor Factor LC RDC TSL SV AE SRD AT DFO Land Use Urban Agriculture Industrial Lake Use Lake Access Boating Legend: High Medium Low Water Quality & Land Use Threat Matrix Future Actor Factor LC RDC TSL SV AE SRD AT DFO Land Use Urban Agriculture Industrial Lake Use Lake Access Boating Legend: High Medium Low 16
The Evolving SLWSS Action Plan Preserve the natural assets of the watershed and protect lake water quality • Understand how land use changes affect the watershed • Apply Cumulative Effects Analysis to guide decision-making • Manage land development and watershed conservation • Assess and monitor the level of watershed risk. Use expert advisors. Engage the watershed community • Focus public attention onto watershed health indicators • Involve property owners in responsible care of the watershed • Deliver an annual report card to watershed residents on the state of the watershed The Future The SLWSS Is Prepared 17
The Future The SLWSS Is Prepared The Epitaph 18
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