LAC LA BICHE – If you notice drones flying along the shoreline of Lac La Biche Lake, there’s a reason for them.

A Foreshore Integrated Management Planning project is underway to reassess the health and condition of the lake’s shoreline and help guide how it is managed in the future.

The project will look at shoreline conditions, important habitat areas and locations that may be priorities for restoration.

Information gathered through the survey will eventually be used to support science-based planning, development recommendations, habitat restoration and long-term stewardship of the lake.

Drones being used to survey shoreline

As part of the work, residents and visitors may see or hear drones operating around Lac La Biche Lake.

Drone imagery will help researchers examine land use, shoreline conditions, vegetation, streams and human-made structures around the lake.

The imagery can also help identify changes to the shoreline caused by development or natural disturbances.

According to Lac La Biche County, drone operations will follow federal regulations and Government of Canada drone operator guidelines.

The County says drones will also be flown at heights intended to prevent the identification of individuals, faces, names or licence plates.

Several organizations involved

The shoreline assessment is supported by Lac La Biche County, Healthy Waters Lac La Biche, Alberta Lake Management Society, Athabasca Watershed Council, North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance and Portage College.

The work comes as lake health continues to receive attention locally, including discussions around aquatic vegetation, shoreline conditions and the long-term health of Lac La Biche Lake.

Information collected through the project will help provide an updated picture of what’s happening along the shoreline and identify areas where future protection or restoration work may be needed.

Residents with questions about the project can contact Lac La Biche County at green@laclabichecounty.com.