Botanist wants lake's special nature saved
By ANDREA MAYNARD
of The Advocate
A plan to raise the level of Buffalo Lake
could wipe out rare and en­
dangered plants and ani­
mals, a retired botanist who
lives on the shore said
Thursday.
Charles Bird, a former
professor at the University
of Alberta, expressed his
fears to about 30 people at
the Kerry Wood Nature
Centre.
"I feel we should recog­
nize the fact that the lake is
special and has special fea­
tures," said Mr. Bird, who has drafted
recommendations for the provincial govern­

ment.
"Sure there have been lots of studies (on
the project) but there are certain features
not looked at."
The lake is a home for the endangered
piping plover bird and rare plants which
may be put in danger, he said in a speech
sponsored by the Red Deer River Natural­
ists.
Because the lake is one of few in Canada
that is highly alkaline, rare plants thrive.
Scatch grass and flowers like the fewflowered aster and Kalm's lobelia are found
in about three other places in Alberta. As
well, some rare algae exists in only a few
locations across the country, said Mr. Bird,
who used to take his students to the lake.
When water is channeled from the Red
Deer River to the lake, the alkaline waters

will be diluted.
If the provincial government raised the
level of the lake quickly, it could have seri­
ous consequences, he said.
He is asking the government to ensure
the lake's level is raised very slowly each
year.
There should also be regular monitoring
of water coming from Red Deer River.
If the advice is heeded, it will also help
the piping plover which nests on beaches on
the east side of the lake, he said.
Another concern is the erosion of silt
from channels now being dug in Parlby
Creek, which empties into the lake.
Muddy water could reduce pike popula­
tion.
Mr. Bird advised the government to study
the effect of silt washing into Buffalo Lake.