Lacombe County is encouraging ice fishing hut owners on Gull, Sylvan and Buffalo lakes to register them.
“Most of the people on the lakes seem to understand the importance of taking their huts and garbage out with them before spring arrives, and the Take it Off program is a great way to protect our water resources,” said Lacombe County environmental co-ordinator Jennifer Berry.
“We do remind people that they need to re-register each year to get their identification card.”
Registering is voluntary and ensures that each hut is accounted for at the end of the season, reducing the likelihood of huts falling through the ice in the spring and polluting the lake.
This not only helps protect the environment, but also ensures the safety of the animals who depend on the water source, as well as lake users throughout the year, says Berry.
Registration also protects ice fishing huts from vandalism and theft, and helps identify the owner in the event of any issues related to ice hut property.
The registration process is quick, easy and free of charge. Once completed, an identification card will be mailed to each angler.
To register an ice hut on Sylvan Lake, visit www.sylvanlake.ca/take-it-off. Anglers on both Gull and Buffalo lakes can register their ice hut online by visiting the Lacombe County website or by calling the county office at 403-782-8959.
For more information, visit www.lacombecounty.com.