LICA - Environmental Stewards

08/29/2026

🪶 Biodiversity Awareness Spotlight: Sandhill Cranes

Have you heard them lately? 👂🪶

Right now, sandhill cranes are making their presence known across the LICA region as large flocks take to the skies during their seasonal migration. Their distinctive calls can often be heard long before you spot them overhead.

These impressive birds are an important part of Alberta’s biodiversity, using wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural areas as they travel through our region.

Next time you hear that unmistakable “kar-r-r-r-r”, look up—you might just catch a flock passing overhead! 🌾

08/28/2026

Are You at Risk? Children, older adults, pregnant women, people with lung or heart conditions, and those with weakened immune systems may be more vulnerable to poor air quality. Know your air quality and protect your health.

08/27/2026

🌾 Dust Management in Alberta

Dust can be more than a nuisance—it can affect air quality, visibility, health, agricultural operations, and nearby communities. Whether you're dealing with agricultural dust, road dust, construction, or other sources, good dust management practices can make a difference.

📖 Want to learn more? Check out the CASA Best Management Practices Guide for Dust Management in Alberta for practical information and strategies to help reduce dust impacts.

👉 Read the guide:https://www.casahome.org/attachments/CASA%20BP%20Guide%20Dust%20Mgmt%20AB.pdf

08/26/2026

Fresh air and fresh adventures go hand in hand. 🚴🥾
From morning walks to weekend camping trips, air quality can change throughout the day. Checking the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) before heading outside helps you choose the best time to enjoy your favourite activities.
Plan ahead, stay informed, and keep exploring.

08/25/2026

🌱 Has this wet summer highlighted runoff or erosion issues on your property?

With a wetter-than-usual summer, you may have noticed water pooling, increased runoff, exposed soil, or erosion in certain areas of your property. If so, LICA’s Riparian Health Campaign may be just what you’re looking for!

Planting native vegetation can help slow runoff, stabilize soil, reduce erosion, and provide valuable habitat for wildlife. 🌿

As part of the campaign, LICA has native seedlings available for members:
🌳 Available seedlings:
• Beaked Hazelnut
• P***y Willow
• Tamarack

📅 Pickup begins September 1st
📍 LICA Office (5107W - 50st Bonnyville)

For more information email [email protected] or phone 780-812-2182

LICA (Lakeland Industry and Community Association) is a not-for-profit organization operating as the Watershed Planning and Advisory Council (WPAC) for the Beaver River Watershed, an Airshed Zone and a Synergy Group.

Celebrating 25 years in 2025!

08/24/2026

📣Don't forget to register for the Blue-Green Algae Webinar!📣

📅Wednesday, August 26, 2026
🕘12:00 - 1:30 PM (MDT)
💻Virtual
🎟️Free

Scan the QR Code, or click on the link below to register today!

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9keKUWOmSmmganETL-KFig?_gl=1%2A1riyg6v%2A_gcl_au%2AOTM1MzkxOTIwLjE3ODU4NzU3NDEuMTQwODY0NjY2OS4xNzg2MDI3ODk0LjE3ODYwMjc4OTMuNzgyODUxMjk4LjE3ODYwMjc4OTQuMTc4NjAyNzg5Mw..%2A_ga%2ANDE0NDQ5ODguMTc4NTg3NTg4MA..%2A_ga_L8TBF28DDX%2AczE3ODYwNDI5NDAkbzgkZzEkdDE3ODYwNDMwMTMkajU0JGwwJGgw&fbclid=IwY2xjawT5L11wZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMXNRYk4zNmZZaWpmZVFXSk9zcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEei49SCiAHwQCinbeNszrMqMWePaPTbaOIX2r9en9b67KtZvreCSD_mEPtK1k_aem_CJj-_w6emYCn5EmQf44jxg #/registration

08/22/2026

🐠 Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness: Goldfish

Think your goldfish is just a harmless pet? Not when it’s released into the wild.

Goldfish (Carassius auratus) are an aquatic invasive species in Alberta. They can survive and reproduce in our lakes and ponds, where they may grow much larger than they do in an aquarium.

🚫 Never release a pet goldfish into a lake, river, stormwater pond, or wetland.

Once introduced, goldfish can:
🌱 Disturb aquatic vegetation and stir up sediment
💧 Reduce water clarity and affect water quality
🐟 Compete with native fish for food and habitat
🥚 Reproduce and establish populations that are difficult to remove

Even one unwanted pet can contribute to a much bigger problem.

What should you do with an unwanted goldfish?

🏠 Keep it as a pet or find it a new home.
📞 Contact your local pet store or animal organization for rehoming options.
🚫 Don't flush it and don't release it.

Clean. Drain. Dry. Dispose responsibly. Help protect Alberta's lakes and waterways from aquatic invasive species!

Learn more from Alberta Invasive Species Council

08/21/2026

Do you or someone you love have asthma? Individuals with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions may notice an increase in symptoms due to poor air quality conditions. Learn more about air quality in Alberta – read the 2025 Alberta Airsheds Air Quality Report here: https://www.albertaairshedscouncil.ca/air-quality-reports

08/20/2026

🐟 Species at Risk: Spoonhead Sculpin

Small, secretive, and easy to overlook—the Spoonhead Sculpin is an important part of Alberta’s freshwater ecosystems.

The Spoonhead Sculpin (Cottus ricei) is a small bottom-dwelling fish found in cold, clear lakes and streams. Its broad, flattened head and large mouth help it hunt for aquatic insects and other small organisms among rocks and gravel.

🌊 Why does it matter?
The Spoonhead Sculpin is listed as a Species at Risk in Alberta, making healthy aquatic habitat especially important for its survival. Like many freshwater species, it can be affected by changes to water quality, sedimentation, habitat disturbance, and changes to aquatic ecosystems.

🔎 Did you know?
Spoonhead Sculpin are often found hiding among rocks on the bottom of lakes and streams, where their mottled colouring helps them blend into their surroundings.

Protecting clean water, healthy shorelines, and natural aquatic habitat helps provide a home for species like the Spoonhead Sculpin. 💧🐟

Every species plays a role in a healthy watershed—including the ones we rarely see.

08/19/2026

🌊 WATER QUALITY & CYANOBACTERIA ADVISORIES

Planning to spend time at the lake? Alberta Health Services (AHS) has active health advisories that may affect recreational water use.

It’s important to know that water quality advisories and cyanobacteria advisories are two separate things.

💧 WATER QUALITY ADVISORY
A water quality advisory may be issued when there is a concern about the safety of using a particular water source. The recommended precautions will depend on the reason for the advisory. Always follow the specific directions provided by AHS.

🦠 CYANOBACTERIA ADVISORY
Cyanobacteria, commonly called blue-green algae, can form blooms under certain conditions. Some blooms can produce toxins that may be harmful to people and pets.

If a cyanobacteria advisory is in place:
🚫 Avoid swimming or wading in affected areas.
🐕 Keep pets away from affected water and shoreline accumulations.
💧 Do not drink or use affected water for cooking.
🎣 Follow AHS guidance regarding fish consumption.
🧼 If you come into contact with affected water, wash with clean water as soon as possible.

Advisories can change as conditions change. Before heading to your favourite lake, check the current Alberta Health Services advisories and follow any posted warnings.

👉 Check current Alberta Health Services advisories: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/page1926.aspx

💙 Know before you go. Stay informed. Stay safe. Protect our lakes.