Article Submitted by: Jessica Popadynetz, Program Coordinator, Alberta Health Services

 

Each summer Alberta Health Services (AHS) conducts routine water sampling of recreational waters to identify water quality problems and manage any associated health risks.  Samples are tested for feacal coliforms, cyanobacterial cell counts and microcystin concentrations.

 

In 2013, AHS monitored 37 lakes, which included 55 public beaches, across the province.  In total, over 1500 water samples were collected and submitted to the Provincial Laboratory for faecal coliform testing.  600 composite samples were submitted to the Alberta Centre for Toxicology (ACFT) for microcystin testing and another 600 composite samples were submitted to a University of Alberta research lab for determination of cyanobacterial cell counts.

 

Based on the faecal coliform testing, there were no advisories issued for unacceptable bacteriological water quality.

 

For the cyanobacteria monitoring program, AHS issued 35 blue-green algae (BGA) health advisories across the province (see table below). These advisories were based on visual inspections and/or total cyanobacterial cell count exceedances and/or microcystin-LR concentrations. The earliest advisory was issued for Lake Isle on June 27 and the latest was issued for Vincent Lake on September 9. All advisories were rescinded in the months of October and November.

  

Notice of blue-green algae health advisories are posted at the beach and other public locations around a lake when an advisory is issued. The advisory signs are removed when the advisory is rescinded. In addition, general information signs are posted and removed at the same time as advisory signs. But for lakes with at least two consecutive years of AHS issued BGA health advisories, public BGA information signs will be posted permanently at beach locations and other public locations. After the 2013 sampling season, 12 lakes received permanent information signs. 

 

Visit our webpage to see the data and read the full report

Last time I checked many of you weren't listed on the Land Stewardship Centre's Stewardship Directory. We think it is important to remind you to that it is a great tool and you should sign up!

 

The online Stewardship Directory helps community stewardship groups, organizations, businesses and government connect with each other to share their experiences and lessons learned in stewardship and natural resource management.

 

Easy to use

To search for a listing you can browse the entire Directory (organized alphabetically), view Directory listings on a Google map, filter the Directory by Organization Type, Services or Focus, or enter your own key search terms. When you find what you're looking for, just click on the organization name and this will take you to the full organization profile.

 

Get listed

It's a quick and easy way to get your stewardship organization or business noticed on the web. Simply register for a Stewardship Directory account. You will be notified when your account is confirmed, and once your account is confirmed you will be able to log in, create and manage your online profile. They will even send you an update reminder to keep your listing fresh!

 

Have questions or need assistance setting up your listing? Email at [email protected].

Join the Stewardship Directory Today!

As of April 1st, Winnipeg's International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) successfully negotiated a takeover of the ELA. Transitional financial help from the Provinces of Ontario and Manitoba helped make this happen but the reason the closure didn't happen was really because of the tremendous public outcry of support for this vital facility. Details, including press releases and media response, can be found at www.saveela.org.

 

Folks at the IISD are busy getting ready for a full field season; they are hiring staff and getting prepared for ice off. Many scientists are already dreaming of experiments that will start up again and will start in the future. However, although there is short-term funding from the provinces, the real work in securing ELA's future now rests in fundraising. To this end, a crowd-sourcing platform for raising funds was recently launched. Many donated money to Save ELA to help keep the pressure on governments to prevent closure. But now the IISD is asking for your financial help. This money will go to IISD to fund ELA directly.  

 

The Save ELA group is extremely grateful for all the support: donations, messages of support and encouragement, phone calls and signatures. We all know that the ELA's doors would have been shuttered forever without your efforts. Congratulations to everyone for helping to save ELA!!!

       

 

AIS signs at boat launches are a priority. Signs (like the one above) have been created that are ready to order, free of charge, with the agreement that you will provide pole, put in and maintain the sign. Contact Gavin Berg to order. 

The new guidelines for P and N enable managers to establish nutrient limits specific to individual lakes and their watersheds.

Event: CARL Forum