National Lake Blitz

National Lake Blitz

3rd Annual National Lake Blitz

OVERVIEW

The Lake Blitz encourages, empowers, and equips volunteers with simple tools and techniques for gathering water data that is scientifically robust by providing standardized monitoring kits and instructions. Participants are required to gather air and water temperature data and take photos of the water colour, the shoreline, and any invasive species and wildlife they observe. Thermometers, detailed instructions, and ongoing support are provided by the Lake Blitz Program Manager.

Lake data is available on the Lake Blitz Observation Map and the Columbia Basin Water Hub.

Living Lakes Canada also seeks to inform better partnerships and collaboration amongst individuals and established monitoring groups throughout Canada.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• What Living Lakes Canada provides you with:
  • A free Lake Blitz kit (contains a thermometer, tape measure, field guide, and data sheets)
• What you need:
  • Camera or cellphone (to take photos)
  • Cellphone or Computer (to upload your monitoring results)

LAKES APPRECIATION MONTH

Not only is the National Lake Blitz an opportunity to encourage lake monitoring all over the country, it is also a celebration of Lakes Appreciation Month. Throughout the month of July, partner groups and Lake Blitz volunteers will be publicly featured to raise awareness of their water stewardship work. To learn more about Lakes Appreciation month head to the North American Lake Management Society webpage.

LAKE BIODIVERSITY PHOTO CHALLENGE

Starting in May, the Lake Biodiversity Photo Challenge is the kick-off event to the Lake Blitz that is open to the public. The purpose of the Photo Challenge is to raise awareness of the Lake Blitz and showcase the biodiversity of lakes in Canada and the impacts that can threaten them.

The challenge is for participants to snap a single photo, with as many plants and animals as possible, OR an impacted photo displaying human threats to lake environments, and submit it to the contest (all flora and fauna must remain undisturbed). 

Visit the Lake Biodiversity Photo Challenge event page.

BUILDING CAPACITY FOR MONITORING GROUPS IN BC

To support the standardization of freshwater monitoring throughout British Columbia, Living Lakes Canada will work with partner organizations and provide funding, training, and support to improve their monitoring efforts and align them with Canada-B.C. Water Quality Monitoring guidelines and objectives.

B.C. monitoring groups participating in the Lake Blitz will have the opportunity to expand their freshwater efforts in the following areas of focus:

• Invasive Species Monitoring
• Water Monitoring Program Audits
• Network Building

PROGRAM MANAGER

The Lake Blitz is managed by British Columbia resident Camille Leblanc. You can reach Camille at lakeblitz@livinglakescanada.ca.

See Camille's profile.