GENERAL INFORMATION
Site Name: Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park
Stewards Names: Big Lake Environment Support Society
Email:
Date: July 23, 2005
Inspection Number: 11
Hours:
Phone:
Changes: Yes

DISTURBANCES
- Vegetation/Animals:
- Soil:
- Vandalism: Garbage
- New Trails/Cleared Lines: All Terrain Vehicles, 4 Wheel Drives, drainage ditches
- Comments On Disturbances: Alberta Environment has improved a drainage ditch at 215 St, where there was a diesel spill last winter. The drainage ditch enters the park boundary. The ATV trail along the south shore of the park is becoming more established with usage. It runs from east of the "narrows" to a considerable distance west of 215 St. It may reach all the way to the next access road (231 St.). At the narrows there are a number of old vehicle tires in the grasses by the water. These are used by people in the winter to set up a snowmobile slalom course on the lake at the narrows. The BLESS observation platform (it is in the park) is in need of repair, one of the cross beams has come off of a post. The City of St. Albert has agreed that it is their responsibility to repair it, however, they have not done so yet.

USES
- Recreation: ATVing, Bird Watching, Fishing, Hiking, dog walking
- Other:
- Comments On Uses: People are often observing bird watching, hiking, fishing and dog walking along the perimeter of the lake, on the east and south sides.

BIOLOGICAL NOTES (optional)
A large flock of pelicans was observed over the east end of the lake. They seem to be semi-resident on the lake this year as they have been seen all spring and summer. A bald eagle was spotted on the SW corner of the park perching in some dead poplars. Local bird watchers have seen a nest in the area within the boundaries of the park. It was very windy that day so few other birds were seen. Thistles and scentless chamomile (both obnoxious weeds in Alberta) were noticed in St Albert near the BLESS platform and on the Ducks Unlimited lands along their access road. Water levels in the lake are moderately high due to the recent rains in July. Some ducks are attempting a 2nd brood, as several females were seen with some very young ducklings on Riel Pond and on the lake. Ducks Unlimited have set up 5 nest boxes on their land near the lake shore, it looks like they are intended for wood ducks. This would be a boon if they could attract this species. Franklin Gulls have been seen over the lake all spring and summer, it is possible they are nesting again in the west bay. A spring/early summer canoe visit next year would help to confirm this.

ACTION RECOMMENDED
- Reclamation: None
- Materials & Supplies:

SUMMARY
- Change In Condition Since Last Inspecton: Deteriorated
- Summary Comments: The ATV trail along the south shore continues to be used and is degrading the habitat along the south shore vegetation. However, overall the lake habitat is in good condition with moderately high water levels. The BLESS observation platform needs to be repaired.