The Land Between is known as Lake Country for a reason! There are over 2,500 lakes in this bioregion that provide drinking and household water, economic opportunities through tourism and fishing, as well as recreational activities that many people come here to enjoy. However, our lakes face a number of threats including pollution from chemicals applied on land, harmful algal blooms due to run-off from fertilizers and septic systems, pollution and damage from wave action from boating, denaturalization at the shoreland, and the spread of invasive species.
Because of how reliant we are on our lakes for consumption, economic prosperity, and enjoyment, and because issues with our lakes can substantially affect property values, addressing issues as they arise or, preferably, taking preventative action to protect the existing health and integrity of our lakes, is important. This is especially true given issues that impact our lakes are often time-consuming, costly, and potentially irreversible, at least in the short term, to manage.
About the Program
The Blue Lakes Program is a guided program available to individuals with waterfront property in The Land Between bioregion as well as the lake associations that represent them. Through the program, participants agree to undertake a set of actions that positively impact their lake. The program is free to join, with lots of support offered along the way. Learn more about how it works below!
Eligible individuals are those with waterfront property in The Land Between bioregion that do not have walls or gabion baskets hardening their shoreland. All lake associations in The Land Between are eligible. After meeting eligibility criteria, prospective participants have an initial meeting with Blue Lakes staff to learn more about how the program works as well as to receive guidance on selecting the actions they will participate in the program under.
Eligible individuals are those with waterfront property in The Land Between bioregion that do not have walls or gabion baskets hardening their shoreland. All lake associations in The Land Between are eligible. After meeting eligibility criteria, prospective participants have an initial meeting with Blue Lakes staff to learn more about how the program works as well as to receive guidance on selecting the actions they will participate in the program under.
Participants undertake their selected actions independently on their property throughout a one-year period. The Blue Lakes team is always available for questions and runs optional workshops, site visits, and events (for a small fee) to support. At the end of the year, participants complete a quick assessment. Successful participants become Blue Lakes certified, are able to purchase a Blue Lakes kit, and can enroll for future years under the same actions or new ones altogether!
Performance Areas
SHORELAND HEALTH
Restore or maintain a natural shoreland, which provides vital habitat for wildlife as well as erosion, flooding, and water filtration services.
INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT
Map, remove, and educate or take preventative action to avoid the introduction and spread of harmful invasive species in and around your lake.
NUTRIENTS, SPRAYS & CHEMICAL APPLICANTS
Reduce or eliminate the application of things like insecticides and fertilizers on your property as well as commit to responsible septic maintenance.
HABITAT CONSERVATION & BIODIVERSITY
Create pollinator gardens, habitat hotspots, full scale connectivity or corridors with neighbouring properties, and more to create habitat on your property.
OUTREACH, EDUCATION & INCLUSIVITY
Spread awareness about the threats our lakes face and how people can help, including through the Blue Lakes Program.
CITIZEN SCIENCE & NATURE CONNECTEDNESS
Collect data that helps inform conservation science, or just get outside to connect with nature on a regular basis!
RECONCILIATION, HUMILITY & KINDNESS
Learn about Canada’s colonial history as well as what you can do to help achieve reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
Interested in more information about the Blue Lakes Program?
Check out the link below
More about our programs
