A group has been formed to look at issues that threaten the future viability of Dauphin Lake.
Sediment loads coming into the lake from nearby rivers, as well as weed growth because of this, has led to rapidly decreasing water levels over time, especially on the south shore of the lake.
Bill Griffin from the group Friends of Dauphin Lake says the Edwards Creek drain was started in the 1950s to get water off of farmland and into the lake quicker.
"Channels were straightened and places were cleaned out. And since then there has really been nothing done with regards to the sediment levels that have actually occurred within the lake. The south basin of the lake is getting shallower as we speak because of the load that is coming in."
The group is looking to get support, in the forms of both funding and letters of support, towards the purchase of weed cutting machine so they can cut the weed beds, and make the lake more accessible for boating, water skiing, and other lake uses.
Griffin says the future of the lake is bleak if these issues are not controlled.
"Everyone has to realize that we are not doing this just for us people that live along the lake. We are doing this for the people in the area. This lake has been huge for the area - economically, tourism-wise - and I think that is the thing that we really have to stress is that is not just about the people that live along the lake. This is for everyone in the area to not lose what we have. Once it becomes a marsh, there is no going back."
If you are interested in supporting their efforts, you can contact the group through the Friends of Dauphin Lake Facebook page.
