Lesser Slave Basins Water Management Plan - Phase One

Phase One – Finding the Balance Between Water Use and Environmental Protection in the Lesser Slave River Basin

Alberta Environment is developing a water management plan to maximize the benefits of water use in the Lesser Slave Lake and River Basins in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way.

Using a phased approach, the plan involves input from Lesser Slave Lake Watershed Committee, a multi-sector stakeholder group that provides advice on water management in the Lesser Slave Basins, and the general public.

The first phase of this water management plan involves assessing the volume of water in the Lesser Slave River required for human use, and the flow and quality needed to protect the aquatic environment. The function of the Lesser Slave Lake Regulation Project will also be addressed, including the impact of sediment in the lake outlet channel.

Alberta Environment developed the Terms of Reference with support from the Lesser Slave Lake Watershed Committee – representing area residents, stakeholders, municipalities and First Nations. The Terms of Reference was approved after being reviewed by the public at open houses held in High Prairie, Slave Lake and Faust.

The plan is an example of the watershed planning approach recommended in the Water for Life strategy. The Framework for Water Management Planning will be used as a guide.

Phase two will address water management issues within the Lesser Slave Lake Basin, including water quality, shoreline development, sedimentation and groundwater.

For more information about the Lesser Slave Lake and River Basins Water Management Plan, contact Rod Burr at (780) 624-6567 (toll-free in Alberta by first dialing 310-0000).

Information

Terms Of Reference
Basin Hydrology
Water Conservation Objectives

Basin Advisory Committees

• Watershed Committee
• Meeting Minutes
• Government Coordinating Committee

Background Studies

click on the map for a larger view of the planning area.

Related Websites

South Saskatchewan River Basins Management Plan

Cold Lake - Beaver River Water Management Plan

(Note: The following links are not Alberta Environment websites)
Big Lake Country Tourism
Town of High Prairie
Town of Slave Lake
M.D. of Big Lakes
M.D. of Lesser Slave River
Watersheds of Alberta