Other Reference Materials

There is a wide assortment of excellent reference materials pertaining to shoreline and water quality protection of lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Many documents have been published by private organizations, community groups and government departments in other provinces; a number of these are listed below.

• The Atlas of Alberta Lakes, edited by Patricia Mitchell and Ellie Prepas. The Atlas focuses on 100 of Alberta's most interesting, most popular or most studied lakes, and provides all the information lake users, especially anglers and cottage owners, scientists and lake managers, might need. Information includes lake characteristics, access, location, fisheries, land use and facilities. Technical information includes lake water quality, biological characteristics, drainage basin of the lake, soils, plant communities and wildlife distribution. The Atlas was written and researched over a five-year period with assistance from Alberta Environment; Water Resources Commission; Fish and Wildlife Division; Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation; and the University of Alberta.
• Caring For Shoreline Properties, published by the Alberta Conservation Association and the Fisheries Management Division. This booklet describes management practices that can be adopted on lakeshore properties to help protect the shoreline and preserve the water quality of the lake. The booklet includes ways of restoring damaged shorelines to their natural state, which, in most cases, is the best management for shorelands. To obtain further information, visit Alberta Conservation Association.
• The Community Stewardship Lake Book, published by the Pine Lake Restoration Society. This booklet is a helpful tool for any individual or organization wanting to take an active role in protecting and improving their lake environment. Contact the Pine Lake Restoration Society to find out more.
• A Citizen's Guide to Lake Watershed Surveys, published by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the Congress of Lake Associations. This booklet describes surveys in which trained volunteers identify sources of water pollution and help their community find ways to eliminate them. Volunteer lake watershed surveys are one of the most effective ways to protect lake water quality. To obtain further information, click here.
• The Long Lake Watershed Study - A handbook for long-term lake protection, published by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the Lakes Environmental Association (USA). This handbook describes a study initiated to develop a model approach for municipalities, watershed districts or civic organizations to follow in order to protect lake water quality. To obtain further information, click here.
• The Manitoba Clean Water Guide, published by Manitoba Environment, Water Quality Management Section. The guide was written for cottage associations, river stewardship organizations, conservation districts, environmental organizations, waterfront residents, and other citizens interested in keeping water clean. To obtain further information, visit Manitoba Environment.
• Assessing Alberta's Water Quality, Haynes Creek Watershed Study and the Provincial Stream Survey are three special information bulletins on agriculture and resource management produced by Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. These bulletins are part of a larger, five-year study monitoring water quality in the province's streams, lakes and groundwater resources, and many reports summarizing findings were produced. This study was initiated under the Canada-Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture Agreement (CAESA). To obtain further information on CAESA, or its successor, the Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture (AESA) project, visit their web site.
• Canadian Wildlife Service, Hinterland Who's Who contains an excellent summary on everything you need to know about wetlands.