Ice fishers are urged to keep Sylvan Lake beautiful by registering their fishing huts.
Registrations benefit both ice fishers and lake conservation, said Beverly Anderson of the Sylvan Lake Management Committee.
They make it easier to investigate thefts and incidents of vandalism to the huts. And they also enable officials to contact hut owners if the structures are abandoned on the lake after March 31, the last day of ice fishing season.
Abandoned huts will fall into the lake as ice melts — along with any debris left inside, such as gasoline, plastic and furniture.
This careless disregard can cause lake contamination, which is harmful to fish, waterfowl and ultimately to swimmers and other lake users.
The Take It Off program is managed by the committee with the help of the Town of Sylvan Lake, Lacombe and Red Deer counties, the five summer villages, RCMP, provincial government, and the fish and game association.
Registrations are available at Sylvan Lake Town Hall, the Lacombe County office and Sylvan Lake RCMP station.
Registrations are also available online at sylvanlake.ca/home/take-it-off.