Environment
The Environmental Branch of the Planning and Development Department conducts and promotes environmental programs and policies for the municipality. The branch partners with various organizations and municipalities including the Town of Bonnyville, the Summer Village of Pelican Narrows and the Summer Village of Bonnyville Beach to achieve conservation, education and protection goals and bylaws. Currently, the branch is working on implementing the Moose Lake Watershed Management Plan’s goals and objectives, and will be conducting many projects this summer in and around Moose Lake. The M.D. is dedicated to providing residents, schools, industry and other stakeholders within the local communities with information and technical support on environmental issues in the surrounding area.
THE MOOSE LAKE WATER FOR LIFE COMMITTEE
The Moose Lake Watershed
The Moose Lake Watershed (area 755 km2) contains some of the most productive land in the M.D. of Bonnyville and is home to some of the most valued surface waters in northeastern Alberta. The watershed mostly flows north from the Thin Lake River into Moose Lake and the Mooselake River. The Moose Lake Watershed contains four lakes: Kehewin, Bangs, Chickenhill, and Moose Lake. Kehewin Lake is a vital source of subsistence fishery and drinking water for the Kehewin Cree First Nation. Moose Lake, by far the largest (surface area 41 km2), is one of the M.D. of Bonnyville’s most important tourism draws and a source of drinking water for the Town of Bonnyville. The watershed is home to cottage owners, large (corporate) and family-owned farms, First Nations, as well as the oil and gas industry.
About the Committee
Over the past few years, residents have raised concerns about the health of the Moose Lake Watershed, and the quality of life it provides. In response to concerns, local government, landowners, and stakeholders have taken initiative to ensure the preservation of the water supplies and the quality of life in the Moose Lake Watershed. Namely, the Moose Lake Water For Life Committee, is working to find solutions for these concerns through the course of a Watershed Management Plan. The Moose Lake Watershed Management Plan, the first of its scale, will be a model for future Watershed Management Plans in the province. Formed in 2002, this non-profit organization counts eight members from the Summer Village of Pelican Narrows, the Summer Village of Bonnyville Beach, the Town of Bonnyville and the Municipal District of Bonnyville No. 87.
Our Vision
“Improve the health and functioning of the Moose Lake Watershed and recognize the importance of living within the capacity of the natural environment as a means of ensuring sustainable recreational and agricultural benefits.”
Our Mission
Our mission is to encourage collaboration among lake users, scientists, agricultural producers, government, industry, special interest groups and the general public to identify problems and implement corrective actions in order to restore and enhance the Moose Lake watershed.
Our Goals
• Increase information and awareness of quality of water and habitat in the Moose Lake Watershed.
• Increase understanding of land management practices and how they affect water quality and habitat.
• Identify critical areas of fish production with an aim to protect these areas in the future.
• Encourage discussion and partnerships among stakeholders and landowners.
• Encourage and provide opportunity for community participation to prevent degradation of ecosystems.
Downloads
To download a copy of the Moose Lake Watershed Management Plan, please click here.
To download a copy of the State of the Moose Lake Watershed Inventory Report (May 2005), please click here.
Moose Lake Watershed Maps
Moose Lake Water for Life Committee’s Water Talk Newsletters