GENERAL INFORMATION
Site Name: Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park
Stewards Names: Big Lake Environment Support Society
Email:
Date: June 7, 2006
Inspection Number: 2006-03
Hours:
Phone:
Changes: Algae bloom east bay, ATV trail

DISTURBANCES
- Water: Algae bloom
- New Trails/Cleared Lines: ATVs
- Comments On Disturbances: An extensive algae bloom has occurred in the east bay of Big Lake. It extends a considerable distance out into the lake along the southeast shore and into the Sturgeon River outlet, see photos below. Carrot Creek and the Sturgeon River at Meadowview Drive, Atim Creek at Highway 44 (Range Road 794) and the west bay of the lake at 231 St (Range Road 261) were checked with no algae bloom found at any other location around the lake. Photographic evidence obtained shows the algae bloom covered far more area within the east bay over the past three weeks and appears to be presently diminishing.

Recommend Alberta Environment investigate the cause of the algae bloom in the east bay for possible introduction of unusual amounts of nutrients from somewhere around the lake or upstream. Reports have been received that the upstream town of Onoway has been decanting its sewage lagoons into the Sturgeon River lately.

USES
- Recreation: ATV'ing, Bird Watching
- Other:
- Comments On Uses:

BIOLOGICAL NOTES (optional)
Fencing, signs, maps

ACTION RECOMMENDED Ruts from ATVs noted in riparian area along the south shore, see photos below. ATV trail heads east from 231 St. Recommend fencing of trails in the riparian area to curtail use by ATVs. Large signs indicating park status might help prevent ATV use. Signs should also include a map of the area covered by the park.

- Reclamation: None
- Materials & Supplies:

SUMMARY
- Change In Condition Since Last Inspecton: Deteriorated
- Summary Comments:

Closeup of algae: