In 2018 Alberta Environment and Parks suspended the license that allows water to be pumped from the Blindman River into Gull Lake. Prussian Carp have been found in the river, and the risk of having them infiltrate and damage the ecosystem of the lake is too high to continue with the pumping project.
Gull Lake Watershed Society believes that there is a solution to the dilemma, whereby pumping could resume safely. A September, 2020 article in the Rimbey Review explains the work they have undertaken to date. Open link below for a copy of the news item…
2020-Test Article-Rimbey Review
It is estimated that 26% of the lake volume may be attributed to pumping water from the Blindman by the “Gull Lake Stabilization” committee, which is made up of the municipalities that surround the lake (Summer Villages of Gull Lake and Parkland Beach, Lacombe County and Ponoka County). The committee began pumping 1976 and without the stabilization effort, levels are at the mercy of unpredictable weather patterns.
The economy of Gull Lake communities and the enjoyment of users is at risk with the Water License in limbo. Property owners who wish to express their concern, and their support for finding a solution to the Prussian Carp threat, may write to Alberta Environment:
Operations Manager at Alberta Environment: Carlin Soehn, 304, 4920 – 51 Street, Red Deer, AB T4N 6K8