Lake Windermere Ambassadors (LWA), in partnership with the Columbia Lake Stewardship Society, is leading a project to expand and deepen understanding of the ecological health of Columbia Lake and Lake Windermere, two critical headwater lakes of the Columbia River. Building on existing baseline data, the project will gather detailed information on water quality, quantity, and the presence of native and non-native aquatic species. Key activities include monitoring physical, chemical, and biological indicators across Columbia Lake, Lake Windermere, their tributaries, and the upper reaches of the Columbia River.
Water quantity will be assessed through data collection of water chemistry, weather patterns, water levels, and streamflow to better understand hydrological dynamics and water balance. Volunteer citizen scientists will support monitoring efforts, helping to build local capacity for water stewardship. Findings will be stored in an internal database, analyzed, and shared publicly through platforms like the Columbia Basin Waterhub to support conservation, governance, and restoration planning. The project will also focus on habitat protection and species monitoring, including conducting a baseline Native Mussel Survey on Lake Windermere, monitoring for the early detection of invasive mussel and aquatic invasive plants, and identifying waterbird species. Sensitive habitats will be surveyed for species at risk, and public education efforts will guide recreational users toward responsible lake stewardship.
Community-based initiatives such as invasive weed pulls, and shoreline cleanups will support stewardship. Education and outreach are core to the project, with plans to disseminate annual water monitoring results through reports and presentations to local governments and communities. Additional outreach will include school presentations, youth summer camps, public workshops, newsletters, and social media content to raise awareness and promote long-term stewardship of the Columbia River headwaters lakes.
“We appreciate the opportunities granted by this funding and would like to emphasize the long-term impact of our work. The Lake Windermere Ambassadors and the Columbia Lake Stewardship Society together are committed to delivering community engagement, environmental stewardship, and scientific research to ensure the health of the Columbia River headwater lakes for generations to come.
Our ability to continue our programs relies on partnerships, volunteer support, and sustainable funding. This grant will not only support our core initiatives—such as water quality monitoring, youth education, and aquatic stewardship efforts—but also enhance our capacity to respond to emerging challenges and threats these lakes may be facing.
We also recognize the importance of collaboration with our local Indigenous communities, including the Akisqnuk First Nation and the Shuswap Indian Band in our stewardship efforts. We look forward to strengthening these partnerships in meaningful ways.”
—Lake Windermere Ambassadors Project Team
