• A blue-green algae bloom has been permanently established in Islet Lake.  
• General precautions
• Avoid all contact with blue green algae blooms.  If contact occurs, wash with tap water ASAP.
• Do not swim or wade in any areas where blue-green algae is visable.  
• Do not allow your pets to swim or wade in these areas or to eat fish or fish trimmings from the lake.
• Consider limiting human consumption of fish from the lake.
• For detailed information, go to Alberta Health Services Blue Green Algae Health Advisories.  Please refer to the specific advisory for this lake.
• Blue-green algae bloom advisories are issued and rescinded by Alberta Health Services.  Typically, advisories are lifted in late autumn, when water temperatures are so cool that blue green algae growth is no longer supported. 

Lamont County has restricted traffic along the main access road - range road 195 - from HWY 16 south to Blackfoot Staging Area.

• A 50% weight restriction has been placed on the road. This means smaller passenger vehicles are permitted, however trucks hauling horse trailers are not permitted on RGE RD 195.
• County ban information can be found HERE.
• The staging area will remain open for access and use but will be closed to truck and trailer access.
  • The purpose of the restriction is to reduce further damage to the road
  • The restriction will be in place until further notice - watch for county signage
  • It is recommended that trails from Central or Waskehegan Staging Areas be used for equestrian recreation

Check trail conditions before heading out.

SEASONAL CLOSURE- This staging area is seasonally closed to ALL EQUESTRIAN use between December 1 and March 31 annually.

Recreational hunting season occurs between the beginning of September and end of December each year.  You must obtain a discharge permit in order to hunt within the park.  First Nations may hunt year-round on site.

To obtain a hunting discharge permit, click HERE

To find out more about hunting in Alberta Parks and protected areas, click HERE

Planning on recreating in Cooking Lake Blackfoot during hunting season? Here are some tips to stay safe:

• Wear bright colours like orange for visibility
• Make noise
• Stay on designated trails
• There is no hunting on Sundays so that is a great day to visit

NO WATER is provided at the staging areas, potable or non-potable.

Please come prepared with your own water.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.