The water level in Sandy Lake has naturally been dropping, exposing new, dry land in a process called accretion. Sturgeon County will be adding this accreted land into the existing Municipal Reserve. This area is environmentally sensitive and must be managed under federal and provincial environmental regulations.

What's Changing and Why

• Sturgeon County has a legal obligation under the Migratory Birds Convention Act and provincial environmental regulations to protect this sensitive ecological land.
• Starting in 2020, Sturgeon County adjusted mowing practices to protect migratory birds and sensitive habitat. Mowing happens once a year after August 18. The area is checked for bird nests before mowing.
• The water level is dropping through natural processes, exposing lakebed as new land.
• Naturalized shoreline buffers provide wildlife habitat. They also protect banks from erosion, reduce flooding, absorb and filter runoff, and discourage nuisance geese.
• Residents can enjoy this natural area as a space that supports wildlife and offers great bird-watching opportunities close to home.