The Sylvan Lake NA on the north shore is largely undisturbed but faces potential change due to nearby subdivision development. The area features distinct natural zones, wildlife observations, and signs of human encroachment.

A subdivision is being built nearby; this can be either a problem or an opportunity to educate those living there.

1. Inspection Report
2. Images from Inspection

Inspection Report

Question	Q##	Response
		General Information
Date/Site/Submitter:	Q21/22/12	2024-08-16: Sylvan Lake (NA); Tony B.
Guest Names	Q14	Tony B.
SAPAA Member	Q16	Yes
		Over all Impression of the Site
What is the Naturalness of the Site? 4=Great, 0=Terrible	Q31	4 – Great
How Natural?: comments	Q32	Interior of site is undisturbed (except for a few creeping thistles). Although there is a paved road along the west side there was no evidence of human use. Visitors have to park on the road shoulder.
		How was your visit to the PA?
Trip Duration	Q41	1-2 hours
Why Did you Go?	Q42	Visit nature, Birding, Plant identification
Visit Details	Q43	see track map
		What is in the Site?
Ease to Visit	Q51	Other (see comments)
Biological Observations	Q52	Three distinct natural zones separated by natural “”berms””. Lake edge is dominated by rushes and reed canary grass and willows take over further inland. Birch and alder are common. The middle zone contains balsam poplar and a dense population of stinging nettles. Dress appropriately! Upland area is mature aspen and poplar forest with an understory of native plants typical of the parkland. In past years there was an eagles nest near the south end but the tree has probably blown down. The eagles have moved their nest a few hundred meters westward onto private property. Two fully feathered juveniles were in the nest.
Submissions to iNaturalist	Q53	Yes
Geological Observations	Q54
Designation as a Protected Area	Q55	Signage
Comments	Q56	One sign at the Northwest corner. There is another sign 400 meters south which has fallen off the tree.
		Human Activities/Disturbances
Agricultural Activities	Q61	None noted
Resource extraction	Q62	None Noted
Motorized disturbances (ATV or vehicle activity).	Q63	None Noted
Animal or self propelled activities	Q64	None Noted
Gathering and Dumping Activities	Q65	None Noted
Infrastructure encroachment	Q66	Other (see comments)
Comments	Q67	The property on the north boundary has been subdivided and full services including paved streets and sewers have been installed. No houses or construction yet.
		What Needs to be Done?
Remediation/Protection Activities Needed	Q71	Signs, Continued Monitoring
What Have you Done Recently to Help the site?	Q72	Visit and Submitted This Report!
Nearby Stewards?	Q73
Comments	Q74
Last Words	Q82

SAPAA Site Inspection Report: 2024-08-16: Sylvan Lake (NA); Tony B.

Images from Inspection