Eyes on Lesser Slave is made possible by Sunstone Inn Bed & Breakfast, deSIGNS by Tam Ltd and RMS Electrical.
Funding Opportunities
Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program
A funding program for projects that will increase watersheds ability to mitigate harsh weather conditions like drought and flood events. The LSWC has grant funding available for projects that meet the specific goals of the program.
Funding to help producers make improvements to their operations. The LSWC can help producers with preparing, applying for, and implementing funding projects.
Created in 2020 in honor of two of the LSWC’s founding and longest serving directors Brian Elliott and Brian Rosche, the Bursary of $1,000 is given annually to a student pursuing post secondary education in the sciences.
Looking to conserve, protect, or create riparian areas and wetlands? The LSWC provides comprehensive project support, including planning, budgeting, funding, and resources.
A point-and-click tool that helps scientists, communities, and government decision-makers to understand accurate, real-time information about water resources in Alberta.
The MD’s public-use Geographic Information System (GIS) portal displays layered map datasets like property features, utility locations, zoning details and more.
With the freezing temperatures we've been experiencing, Big Lakes County would like to remind residents to take the time to inspect all outbuildings—such as barns, sheds, garages, and shops—as well as any unoccupied buildings, for potential leaky faucets or plumbing issues. It's also crucial to check any outside taps to avoid water damage or freezing concerns.Here are some key tips to protect your property from the cold and prevent pipes from freezing during winter:1. Keep the Heat On: Even if you’re away, make sure the heat remains on in your home or buildings. A stable indoor temperature will prevent pipes from freezing and reduce the risk of damage. It’s a small step that can save you from costly repairs later on.2. Allow Faucets to Drip: When temperatures plummet, letting your faucets drip slightly can be a lifesaver. This helps to relieve pressure in the pipes, preventing the risk of frozen pipes bursting due to pressure buildup.3. Keep Interior Doors Open: For even heat distribution, keep all interior doors open, especially those in areas with plumbing, like under sinks and in cabinets. This will allow warm air to circulate, helping to prevent cold spots where pipes could freeze.4. Seal Up Cracks and Holes: Inspect your home for any gaps or cracks around windows, doors, and pipes, particularly in exterior walls. Caulking these openings can prevent cold drafts from creeping in, which could otherwise cause freezing in your pipes.5. Apply Heating Tape: For any exposed pipes that are at risk of freezing, consider applying electrical heating tape. This tape can be wrapped around pipes to provide gentle heat and keep them warm enough to avoid freezing.6. Add Extra Insulation: If you have pipes in uninsulated areas like basements, attics, or crawlspaces, adding extra insulation can make a big difference. Insulation helps maintain a stable temperature around the pipes and minimizes heat loss, which can prevent freezing even in the coldest weather.By following these simple precautions, you can ensure that your home and outbuildings remain safe and secure through the winter months, avoiding the damage that frozen pipes can cause. ... See MoreSee Less
Friendly reminder that it’s not too late to register for one or all of our upcoming 2025 virtual Green Acreages Workshop Series for acreage, hobby farm, and recreational property owners! 🎉➡February 19, 2025, Planting Native Trees and Shrubs with Agroforestry and Woodlot Extension Society➡March 18, 2025, Mitigating the Risk of Wildfire with FireSmart Alberta ➡March 25, 2025, Working with Beavers with Cows and Fish - Riparian Management SocietyRegister today at: www.landstewardship.org/enable/programs/green-acreages... See MoreSee Less
Check out this free webinar being hosted by our neighbours at the Athabasca Watershed Council.Coming up on March 11th is our FREE webinar, Water Quality in the Pembina Watershed, Alberta! Join us to hear about our water quality monitoring work in the Pembina River watershed, as well as additional presentations by the Northern Fly Fishers on Arctic Grayling conservation and Alberta Environment and Protected Areas on the Upper Athabasca Surface Water Quality Management Framework! ... See MoreSee Less
Its going to be too cold for Ice Fishing on Saturday but we hope to see you at the JCA hall for breakfast and some fun with the LSWC and LSFES. ... See MoreSee Less
WEBINAR! Join us on February 27, 2025 for a panel discussion on Wildfire. How to Register:This webinar is free to attend but space is limited and on a first-come-first-served basis. Register on Teams:https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/aced613a-017b-4475-a8c9-1554766a0b5e@794cae37-34bb-4717-999f-82f7bd789bc1 ... See MoreSee Less
We had to check on our Widewater Live Camera to see how it was handling these frigid temperatures! A OK. A lovely view... from the warmth of the office! ... See MoreSee Less
Wetlands are vital habitats to plants and animals and are a hub of biodiversity. There are several types of wetlands, including swamps, marshes, wet meadows, bogs, and fens. They filter water of pollution, offer flood and drought protection by storing excess water, reduce erosion, maintain stream flow, and capture carbon from greenhouse gases, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change.In winter, although blanketed in ice and snow, they are still active ecosystems that many plants and animals use for shelter, food, water, breeding, and migration.They are threatened by human disturbances like draining or filling for development or sand & gravel mining, as well as invasive plants like phragmites. On World Wetlands Day, lets remember the year-round importance of these invaluable ecosystems to our planet. #WorldWetlandsDay #FreshwaterConservationCanada #WetlandConservation #Biodiversity #EcosystemProtection #WildlifeHabitat #HabitatProtection #EnvironmentalAwareness #FreshwaterEcosystems ... See MoreSee Less
This will be a good one!February 5th WATERSHED WEDNESDAY WEBINAR 💧 Natural Assets for Watershed Function with Kristen Andersen.Our first speaker will discuss the vital role natural assets play in improving watershed function and drought resilience. Kristen is a wetland scientist and restoration ecologist with 28 years of professional experience specializing in the design and implementation of wetland and stream restoration projects, wetland delineation, functional assessment, remote sensing, wetland monitoring, and has managed the regulatory and compensatory mitigation process for a variety of projects in Alberta and USA. Kristen is passionate as an educator and has been teaching wetland courses at the University of Alberta since 2010 including a course on wetland assessment and a course on wetland restoration and construction!Register on Evenbrite today: www.eventbrite.ca/e/nswa-watershed-wednesday-webinars-tickets-1015641128957?aff=oddtdtcreator... See MoreSee Less
🚨🎉Exciting news! Green Acreages has expanded its program to include virtual webinars to any acreage, hobby farm, or recreational property owner across Alberta!Plan to join us in our upcoming 2025 virtual Green Acreages Workshop Series with guest speakers: ➡February 6, 2025, Living with Bears with Provincial Wildlife Conflict Specialist from Alberta Parks ➡February 19, 2025, Planting Native Trees and Shrubs with Agroforestry and Woodlot Extension Society ➡March 18, 2025, Mitigating the Risk of Wildfire with FireSmart Alberta ➡March 25, 2025, Working with Beavers with Cows and Fish - Riparian Management Society Register today and attend one or all of these informative sessions at: www.landstewardship.org/enable/programs/green-acreages... See MoreSee Less