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... by keeping our lakes clean and thriving

Help
our lakes

How Can You Help Our Lakes?

All of us who own property on or near one of our lakes are impacting it.  There are several ways we can reduce our negative impact on the lake.  Blue-green algae thrives on Phosphorus and Nitrogen.  We can decrease the amount of these nutrients entering the lake in several ways, including reducing the amount of nutrients produced (e.g., not using fertilizer) or increasing the natural absorption of nutrients before they reach the lake.  Plants with deep root systems (trees and shrubs) absorb these nutrients and decrease the amount going into the lake.  This is especially important along the edges of the water (riparian zone).​

Here are some simple things we all can do to decrease the nutrient overload in our lakes causing the blue-green algae:

 

 

  1. Plant or retain native plants along the shoreline- create a natural zone as a buffer between any lawn and the lake🌳🌲 

  2. Retain native aquatic plant growth (don’t remove aquatic “weeds”)

  3. Increase the number and density of trees and shrubs on your property

  4. Don’t use fertilizer on your lawn- use fertilizer only in containers where the fertilizer will not get into the lake

  5. Don’t use insecticides, herbicides, and/or fungicides ☠

  6. Ensure that your septic system works properly and does not allow *any * sewage to enter the lake. Outhouses need to be pumped out, and septic tanks, NOT fields, should be used

  7. Properly compost biodegradable waste- don’t let these nutrients get into the lake

  8. Use Phosphate and phosphorus-free soaps – (shampoo, laundry, hand, and dish soap).  Ensure all chemicals are stored properly 

  9. Properly fuel boats and lawn equipment to avoid polluting the lake

  10. Ensure all animal waste is disposed of properly

  11. Conserve water – use low-flow toilets and shower heads, minimize watering of the lawn

  12. Clean, Drain, and Dry Your Boat - Prevent the spread of harmful, invasive species in Alberta Lakes

  13. Let your friends and neighbours know what you are doing to help the lake.  None of us wants to deliberately damage our lakes – help your neighbours help the lake!

  14. Become a member of the Lake Isle Lac Ste. Anne Stewardship Society (LILSA)!

  15. Attend LILSA events to learn more about our watershed

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LILSA

Lake Isle Lac Ste. Anne

Stewardship Society

lilsawaterquality@gmail.com

PO Box 152, Alberta Beach, AB
T0E 0A0

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

LILSA acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 Territory and on the homelands of the Metis Nation.  We acknowledge all indigenous peoples who have walked these lands for centuries.  We acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past, and we dedicate ourselves to move forward in partnership with indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.

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