Current News
Welcome Kallum McDonald to the WWMC Board
The WWMC is delighted to welcome our newest board member, Kallum McDonald, who brings tremendous knowledge and expertise from the field to the table. Born and raised on a grain and bison farm near Grande Prairie, Kallum has a lifelong passion for plants and nature. After completing a Master of Science degree in plant biology, he has worked on weeds and aquatic invasive species in municipal, provincial, and non-profit roles. Kallum's free time is spent seeking out rare plants, hiking mountains, trudging through bogs, and kayaking on Alberta's incredible lakes and rivers. Wabamun Lake has captured Kallum's heart and he looks forward to helping ensure its protection for future generations' enjoyment. Welcome to the team, Kallum!
(May 5, 2026)
WWMC is seeking lakeshore property owners to participate in the Bulrush Restoration Project expansion this summer.
Please contact us at info@wwmc.ca to express interest.
For more information on the Bulrush Restoration Pilot Project, see page 7 of the Fall 2024 Lakescape and check out Michael Short’s “Let’s Go Outdoors” video featuring the project.
(May 5, 2026)
New Tool for Lake Users: Algal Bloom Tracker
Planning a day at the lake? A new online resource, the Algal Bloom Tracker, offers near real-time, satellite-based monitoring of algal bloom conditions on several Alberta lakes, including Wabamun Lake.
Developed through a partnership of leading Alberta environment and health organizations, including the WWMC, the tool combines satellite imagery with on-the-ground water sampling to help residents, boaters, and lake users better understand changing lake conditions.
Using the tracker, users can select Wabamun Lake, choose dates from the ice-free season (May to October), and view either chlorophyll-a predictions, a key indicator of algae levels, or true-colour satellite imagery. Interactive charts can also be downloaded as CSV or PNG files, making the tool useful for residents, researchers, and stewardship groups alike.
Recent analysis of harmful algal blooms in Wabamun Lake from 1985 to 2024 shows blooms often intensify from mid-June through late summer, with stronger concentrations commonly found near shorelines and in the west and southeast parts of the lake. The summary also notes that bloom intensity has increased in more recent years, reinforcing the value of improved monitoring tools such as the Algal Bloom Tracker.
We encourage members to explore the tracker before heading to the lake and to stay informed about local conditions. For an overview of the concerns about algal blooms on Wabamun Lake, visit the Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria) page on our website.
Click on the graphic below for a downloadable copy (PDF).
(May 5, 2026)
Photo Credit Dave Prescott
Western Grebe Spotters 2025 - thanks for the help
WWMC had a group of active citizen scientists who helped to spot Western Grebes and enter data into an app supported by our Alberta Environment and Protected Species biologists, and in cooperation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
We look forward to 2026 and more spotting to come. Contact us if you want to be involved.
Western grebes are a threatened species in Alberta and we are committed to helping and protecting these amazing water birds. Thank you.
Water Treatment Plant position Paper
There is an updated version of the WWMC water treatment plant position paper - please see the lake level page.
2024 Fishing Regulations
The 2024 Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations has finally been published and the regulations are now in effect. No significant changes from 2023 for Wabamun Lake. But don’t take our word for it! Go to Alberta Fishing Regulations for a copy of the guide.
(July 6, 2024)
Our Gold Sponsors—We thank the following corporate members for being Gold Sponsors of the WWMC. [Click on the image to go to the respective website.] For more information about Corporate Membership, please go to our Get Involved page.
Our Silver Sponsors—We thank the following corporate members for being Silver Sponsors of the WWMC. [Click on the image to go to the respective website.] For more information about Corporate Membership, please go to our Get Involved page.
Can you Help the WWMC?
The Wabamun Watershed Management Council is seeking active and committed people to serve on its board of directors. If you are interested in serving with a group of engaged people who want to make a difference in how the lake is managed and conserved, download the position description for further information and how to apply.
(March 5, 2024)
2022-2023 Annual Report
The 2022-2023 WWMC Annual Report is now posted on the Annual Reports page. It provides a review of the WWMC’s many activities and milestones of the fiscal year: July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. This fiscal year was marked by a significant organization milestone, strengthening stakeholder engagement and participation in field activities to advance lake stewardship.
(January 22, 2024)
The Wabamun Watershed Management Council has been involved with several programs to improve the health of the lake and inform lake stakeholders of the issues facing the lake and it watershed. The council is looking into Boat Launch/Recreation Management Issues, the Importance of Wetlands around the lake and misuse of natural areas by off-highway vehicles.
If you have concerns about these or other issues on the lake, contact the WWMC or come to a meeting.
For information about the current level of water in the lake, go to our Lake Water Level page.
The following are links to information about on-going WWMC programs. Click on a link to learn more about each, and how you can help.
Reducing Nutrient Loading
Watershed residents, boaters and other users of the lake can do a few simple things to maintain and improve the quality of Wabamun Lake water.
Invasive Species
One of the biggest threats to our lakes is what is being brought into our province from afar. Invasive plants and animals threaten the health of lake ecosystems, often out-competing native species.