A program encouraging owners to register their ice fishing huts on Gull Lake is going online.
Lacombe County, in partnership with Ponoka County, Summer Villages of Gull Lake and Parkland Beach, is expanding the Take it Off Program this winter so anglers fishing on the can register their hut online by visiting the Lacombe County website or by calling the County Office at 403-782-8959.
Registering ice huts ensures that each one is accounted for at the end of the ice fishing season, thus reducing the likelihood of themfalling through the ice in the spring and polluting the lake. It also ensures the safety of the animals who depend on that water source, as well as lake users throughout the year.
Registration also helps to identify the owner of an ice hut in the event of any issues related to ice hut property, such as vandalism and theft.
The registration process is free of charge. Once registered, a number will be given to each angler. These registration numbers must be clearly displayed on the outside of each ice hut, either by placing the numbers on wood blocks or by spray painting them on the side of structure.
Anglers are only required to register once, as previously issued ice hut numbers continue to be valid. Lacombe County asks to be informed about any changes to contact information by calling the Lacombe County Office.
Lacombe has a similar partnership with Sylvan Lake for the registration and removal of ice fishing huts. To register an ice hut on Sylvan Lake www.sylvanlake.ca/take-it-off. For more information, visit www.lacombecounty.com