Botanist wants lake's special nature saved

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 en­dangered plants and ani­mals, 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 recog­nize the fact that the lake is special and has special fea­tures," said Mr. Bird, who has drafted recommendations for the provincial govern­ment. " 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 Natural­ists. Because the lake is one of few in Canada that is highly alkaline, rare plants thrive. Scatch grass and flowers like the few-flowered 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 seri­ous 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 popula­tion. Mr. Bird advised the government to study the effect of silt washing into Buffalo Lake.