Dillberry Lake

    1.Introduction
    2.Drainage Basin Characteristics
    3.Lake Basin Characteristics
    4.Water Quality
    5.Biological Characteristics
    6.References
    7.Appendix

1. Introduction

Map Sheets:	73C/12, 73D/9
Location:	Tp41, 42 R28 W3 Tp41, 42 R1 W4
Lat/Long:	52°35'N 110°00'W

Dillberry Lake is a small lake set in rolling aspen parkland on the Alberta-Saskatchewan border. It is situated in the Municipal District of Wainwright, approximately 80 km southeast of the town of Wainwright and 80 km south of the city of Lloydminster. The closest population centre is the village of Chauvin, 20 km northeast of the lake. To travel to Dillberry Lake from Lloydminster, take Highway 17 south to Dillberry Lake Provincial Park, which borders on the Alberta side of the lake (Fig. 1).

The origin of the lake's name has not been documented. Before Europeans arrived, the area surrounding the lake was inhabited by Cree, Blackfoot, Sarcee and Assiniboine Indians. Anthony Henday, the first European to explore Alberta, entered the province in 1754 at a point about 40 km north of Dillberry Lake. Settlers arrived in the region about 1909 and grazing leases were issued, but the land that later became Dillberry Lake Provincial Park was never homesteaded. By 1930, the lake had become a popular recreational area, and in 1932, land was reserved for the park. Cottages were built on the western shore of the lake, and a subdivision was surveyed in 1933. The park was formally established in 1957 and expanded in 1965. By the early 1970s, there were 37 cottages near the lake within the park boundary (Alta. Rec. Parks n.d.). No further development was allowed until late 1988, when leases were offered for several existing lots (Loomis 1988).

Dillberry Lake Provincial Park encompasses all of the Alberta side of Dillberry Lake, parts of Killarney and Leane lakes, and most of Long Lake (Fig. 1). All of the recreational facilities within the park are located adjacent to Dillberry Lake (Fig. 2). There are 235 campsites, showers, sewage disposal facilities, playgrounds, a concession, a picnic area, swimming and beach areas, a boat launch and walking trails. Points of interest in the park include unique wind-blown sand dunes, vegetation characteristic of both prairie and parkland, and at least 139 species of birds (Finlay and Finlay 1987). Fishing, power boating, water skiing, canoeing, sailing, observing wildlife, cross-country skiing and swimming are some of the activities available to park visitors. Over most of the lake there are no boating restrictions, but in posted areas such as designated swimming areas, all boats are prohibited, and in other posted areas, motor boats are subject to a maximum speed of 12 km/hour (Alta. For. Ld. Wild. 1988).

Dillberry lake is shallow and has clear, fresh water with low concentrations of algae even in midsummer. Aquatic vegetation grows abundantly in the shallow southern bay and in a narrow fringe along parts of the shoreline. The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, which, along with yellow perch, support a popular sport fishery. Fishing for bait fish and the use of bait fish are not allowed in Dillberry Lake (Alta. For. Ld. Wild. 1989).

Recreational Information

Camp Ground Present

Boat Launch Present

Sport Fish Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch

Water Quality Information

Trophic Status Oligotrophic

TP x (µg/L) 15

CHLORO x (µg/L) 3.4

TDS x (mg/L) 188

2.Drainage Basin Characteristics »