What You Can Do

Help protect the lake for today and the future...

1. Weeds: Do NOT spray any weeds along the shoreline.  Yes, some sprays are approved for use by Alberta Environment - but you must be a CERTIFIED SPRAYER to use them.  Not only could there be heavy fines for misuse, but without proper application there could be harmful effects for the lake and surrounding area.
   
   The Himalayan Balsam weed in now a prohibited noxious weed, and must be removed. In order to stop the spread of this weed, the Summer Village has hired Sweet Landscaping to hand-pull all the weeds along the entire beach front.  This will be a very labour intensive (therefore costly) task.  We are asking all ratepayers to help pull the weed, at least on your own lot.
   
   
   
   The himalayan balsam must be pulled before the end of June (after which the seeds will explode and cause further issues).  
   
   Click here for further information on noxious weeds along the shorefront.
   
   Please note: If you leave vegetation to decompose on the shore, it activates and increases phosphorous leaks into the lake (it is in the plant material).  So, if pulling Himalayan Balsam weeds, please remove them.
   
   Reeds: For the sea weed, if you could please pile it up on shore to dry, then put it in clear bags, and it will be removed on Mondays along with your grass clippings.  Same as the Himalayan Balsam weed, if left on the shoreline, not only will it smell bad, but it will increase phosphorous levels in the lake.
    
2. Choose simple ways to make an impact on the environment:  http://www.onesimpleact.alberta.ca/  
   
   
3. Contact the Pigeon Lake Watershed Association for upcoming programs, activities and policy initiatives.


4. Do NOT use fertilizers. Fertilizer can run into the lake, adding plenty of nutrients upon which algae will grow. The Council of Itaska has been proactive in this area, and on January 16, 2008 passed a bylaw banning the use of all fertilizers.

   2008-01_Ban_Fertilizers Bylaw.pdf

   Edmonton Journal  July 12, 2008

5. Keep the shoreline intact. Do not clear away vegetation near the lake. Instead, consider planting even more vegetation. Plants such as willows and dogwood offer very good erosion control, which prevents sediments from entering into the lake.
    
6. Nutrients can leak into the lake from septic systems. By maintaining and even upgrading your septic systems you can lower the amount of nutrients reaching the lake.
    
7. The lakeshore area may be affected through the use of poor agricultural techniques. By building partnerships with local agricultural producers and agriculture support agencies we can work together to maintain and improve the health of agricultural shorelines on prairie lakes.
    
8. Boating: what you can do to minimize the impact your motorized boat has on the environment:
   Follow the “Green Boater Checklist”:
   · Opt for the latest four-stroke or modern two-stroke injection motor.
   · Keep up with regular engine maintenance.
   · Inspect fuel line, clamps, and filters on a monthly basis.
   · Drive at a “no wake” speed when approaching shore.
   · Fuel up away from water if tank is detachable.
   · Choose non-toxic cleaners.
   · Clean your boat well (on shore) when leaving the water.
   · Use the least toxic hull paint possible.
   · Reduce grey water release – If you have a cabin on your boat, add a holding tank.
   · Never discharge black water
   · Use bilge pillows or absorbent pads to soak up oil, fuel, or anti-freeze, or install a bilge filter.
   · Take your garbage home.
   · Remove any plants or animals that may be clinging to the hull, trailer or motor, or that are hiding in the bilge 
    
9. Quading: Ride Responsibly! Shoreline areas are at greater risk of erosion than inland areas. If you are boating, drive at a “no wake” speed when approaching shore. If you are quading, avoid riding near these sensitive areas.
    
   Please note: There is no quading to be used on the road in Itaska.
    
10. Do NOT burn anything on the lake; it can leave dead wood floating around in spring, and any nails / debris will sink to bottom of lake.
     
11. Write to your local MLA: SV_Form_Letter_to_MLA.doc