Wabamun Watershed - A Plan For All Seasons

Let's Go Outdoors says:
It was an absolute pleasure to work with the fantastic volunteers at the Wabamun Lake Watershed Council. In this video, I continue my understanding of the Wabamun Lake Watershed plan and how many partners representing various levels of government and volunteers have come together to work towards a common goal. As you will see, the work required to maintain a healthy watershed is a year-round process.

Click to Watch the video from Youtube: Wabamun Watershed - A Plan For All Seasons

Let's Go Outdoors is based in Alberta, Canada. Host Michael Short runs a fully integrated media company that provides outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists with news and info about Alberta's outdoors.

A Watershed For All

Take a look at the work being done by the volunteers of the Wabamun Lake Steering Committee. These folks have been working on behalf of all of us who enjoy spending time at this wonderful Lake just west of Edmonton. Recently a Watershed Plan was released by the committee that worked closely with other stakeholders within the watershed. This is just a brief overview of some of the issues Wabamun Lake faces.

Watch the video: A Watershed For All

The Science Behind the Ribbon of Life
Why Vegetated Shoreline Buffers Matter

What is the Ribbon of Life and why is it essential to the health and sustainable use of waterfront properties?

The ‘Ribbon of Life’ is the natural shield protecting our freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams. It is what mitigates erosion, protecting the beauty and property values of waterfront properties. It is a haven for wildlife. It is a key natural feature increasing resilience to climate change for people and wildlife.

Watersheds Canada’s survey of nearly 200 Ontario freshwater stakeholders found that the science of inland water ecosystems was the least understood area of shoreline stewardship.  

Please view Watersheds Canada’s Chris Dennison on November 28, 2022 as he discusses the scientific literature supporting the restoration and maintenance of native vegetation on shorelands and the importance of informed policies that protect both properties and the environment.

Please click the link: The Science Behind: Vegetated Shoreland Buffers

Wabamun Watershed Management Council (WWMC)

Let’s Keep Wabamun Lake Clean and Clear

WWMC Chair Sue Styles Happy Spring 2022!

The following is a brief synopsis of what the WWMC has been doing over the last few months and an open invitation to get involved.

In the 1st quarter of 2022, the WWMC board has been immersed in work concerning two overarching themes, namely board governance and implementation of the Wabamun Watershed Management Plan (WMP). WWMC's board governance efforts include formalizing a 3-year strategic plan, advancing by-law revision, and completing an application to register as a charity.

Current WMP implementation efforts are centered on collaborative initiatives related to the priority WMP focus areas including, but not limited to, planning summer education events on aquatic invasive species, riparian restoration, and advocating for municipal bylaws/policies alignment with the protection of the lake and watershed. For a review of the WMP priority focus areas, see ‘page 5 of the WMP’.

Boat Launch Update

Parkland County has informed the WWMC that crews will begin clearing land very shortly (with accommodation to bird nesting and fish spawning season) for the approved boat launch site on the Wabamun Lake south shore near the Sundance power plant. This will be the beginning of Phase 1 of the project, constructing the new launch. Phase 2 will involve the closure or restricting access to the informal launch sites around the lake. These efforts will go a long way to helping protect the lake’s fragile ecosystem while allowing easier access to the lake for most users. More information about the launch can be found on Parkland County’s website (parklandcounty.com), search for Wabamun Lake Boat Access.

Get Involved to ‘Keep Wabamun Lake Clean and Clear’

Keeping Wabamun Lake “Clean and Clear” requires each one of us to be engaged in the protection of the watershed. There are many aspects, and many areas to get involved in. It can be overwhelming to know where to begin. Importantly, it does not matter where you begin to get involved, just PICK ONE aspect to delve into, to participate in.

The motto of WWMC is ‘Keep Wabamun Lake Clean and Clear’; this is in fact a collective responsibility - Let’s Keep Wabamun Lake Clean and Clear.

Now more than ever we must have a strong bold collective voice and action to protect the lake and watershed. Visit WWMC.ca for information on the watershed and ideas to get involved. Connect with us to share your involvement in protecting the lake and watershed or your interest in getting involved. info@wwmc.ca