Environmental efforts continue to protect Gull Lake watershed

GULL LAKE -- Environmental advocates continue their efforts to preserve the Gull Lake watershed. 

These efforts, undertaken by the Gull Lake Watershed Society, have been underway for several years in hopes of slowing the depletion of the lake's water levels while also protecting the overall watershed for future generations. At their annual general meeting held in late August, the organization came together at Meridian Beach to discuss several ongoing projects and initiatives.

As of this year, the water levels at Gull Lake have dropped to a historic low of approximately 898.2 masl (metres above sea level), falling roughly 57 to 78 centimeters below its historical average and full supply target. This is the result of several factors, many of which have plagued lakes across the province for many years. Steve Murray, President of the Gull Lake Watershed Society, discussed how this summer's wet weather impacted water levels at the lake.

"Even with the extra water in the lake, we're still down 120 centimeters," said Murray. "So, we can't take our foot off the gas; this is why we can't hope for another good snowfall or more rain. We always want more snow and more rain; it always helps. But this is what we're focused on, and there's still a lot more ground to cover."

Some of the major initiatives being undertaken by the non-profit organization include stabilization pumping from the Blindman River, the Haynes Aquifer, and an investigation into the blockage of water flow on the northern end of the lake. Murray says work is underway to determine what's causing the blockage and that more answers are expected by next year.

"After all the rain this year, one of our Board Members, Craig, went up and was able to take a video of all the water flowing into the Gull Lake from the northwest," said Murray during their recent AGM. "We know it still wants to come here, so we want to know why it isn't getting here." 

The study, which is funded by a provincial grant, seeks to determine if intervention is needed, such as restoring streams to their original channels, installing flood control measures, and evaluating potential impacts on wildfire, agriculture, forestry, and surrounding communities. 

For their stabilization pumping from the Blindman River, it's expected that this work will also resume in the coming months. This comes as pumping into Gull Lake has not taken place for ten years after the discovery of Prussian Carp in the Blindman River. With assistance from the province, a new pumping infrastructure, as well as a new pump house is now being constructed so pumping can resume.

"With tremendous support from Alberta Agriculture, Water Infrastructure Operations Branch Manager Carlin Soehn and Director Sean Douglas, as well as strong advocacy from our local MLA Jennifer Johnson and Premier Danielle Smith, the government agreed to not only restore the pumping, but to upgrade the pump house and pumping infrastructure to modern standards, and fully fund the initiative," said Murray. 

At their recent AGM it was also announced that Treasurer Lee Ann Brander, Membership Chair Henry Brander, and Director Wendy Konsorada, will all be stepping down from their roles with the organization.