Sharina Kennedy, Regional Education and Outreach Specialist for Alberta ESRD, gives an update on Buffalo Lake, and describes the new education and outreach initiatives taking place this year.
Buffalo Lake is a managed lake; water is pumped in from the Red Deer river by ESRD. Since the lake level has been maintained, fish habitat has been created, as well as a nesting ground for ducks.
The Buffalo Lake Integrated Shoreline Management Plan has been created to improve the management of the lake and includes information about the five areas on the lake that have been designated as allowing development, and the population limits that have been implemented. The Inter-municipal Development Plan was also created. This enables all municipalities on the lake to come together to address shoreline management issues and other similar concerns.
Kennedy is involved in with the lake in an education and communication capacity. She provides help with strategy and beginning projects. Included in plans this year is creating a newsletter to keep residents and visitors informed, and putting up signs at boat launches to inform boaters of aquatic invasive species. She is working with residents on a new visual identity for the lake, including the creation of a new logo. They will also be presenting workshops at an open house later in the year.
This was a part of the Central Alberta Recreational Lakes (CARL) forum, at the Pine Lake Hub Centre, in May of 2014.
