It looks a like a deal has been made to keep a popular Eckville-area trout pond open to anglers.
Lacombe County has approved subdivision and is just waiting to do the final paperwork to transfer the pond from its private owners to the municipality.
As an interim measure, a lease has been worked out to allow the public to continue to use the area, says a report presented to county council on Thursday.
Ernie Beskowiney, who owns the land where the trout pond is located about eight km southeast of Eckville, approached county council in March to ask if the municipality was willing to take over maintenance of the fishing hole known as Niemela Trout Pond.
Sylvan Lake Fish and Game Association has long handled those duties but a dwindling and aging membership has left the group with a shortage of members able to do the mowing and site cleanup necessary.
Vandalism had also become a problem.
The pond, which is stocked by the province, is regularly visited by anglers and the parking lot is often full on summer weekends.