GENERAL INFORMATION
Site Name: Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park
Stewards Names: Big Lake Environment Support Society
Email:
Date: March 28, 2006
Inspection Number:
Hours:
Phone:
Changes: Yes

DISTURBANCES
- Vegetation/Animals: Crushed and trampled riparian vegetation
- Soil:
- Vandalism:
- New Trails/Cleared Lines: Snowmobiles
- Comments On Disturbances: Packed trails on lake and in riparian areas indicate there has been an excessive amount of snowmobile traffic on Big Lake this winter. Hard packed trails provide evidence that a large amount of snowmobile traffic has entered the park from the privately-owned land north of 137 Avenue along 199 St that has been cleared for a golf course. Riparian vegetation has been crushed and moved down, see attached photos. There are no signs in this area indicating park status or specifically prohibiting snowmobile/ATV operation on the lake.

Snowmobile users continue to defy the small yellow park signs marking park boundaries at the north end of 231 St. Tracks indicate at least some of the snowmobile traffic originates from the Lakeshore Estates Subdivision in Parkland County immediately to the south and adjacent to the park. Enforcement of park regulations prohibiting snowmobiles appears non-existent. Small signs are ineffective and appear to be ignored by snowmobile operators, see following photos.

USES
- Recreation: Snowmobiling, ATV'ing, X Country Skiing, Hiking
- Other:
- Comments On Uses:

BIOLOGICAL NOTES (optional)

ACTION RECOMMENDED More signs are required in more areas marking park boundaries. More signs prohibiting motorized vehicles are required in areas where traffic enters the park. Signs should be more prominent (larger, posted higher up). Suggest also posting penalties for not obeying park regulations.

More enforcement action is warranted. Educational initiatives on the harm done to natural areas by motorized traffic, directed to residents in subdivisions and municipalities adjacent to the park, may be beneficial.

- Reclamation: None
- Materials & Supplies:

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