Luck Lake[1] is a shallow, marshy lake in the Canadian Province of Saskatchewan. It is located in the Rural Municipality of Coteau No. 255 in the south-central part of the province. Luck Lake is a closed-basin lake that is fed by streams from the surrounding prairie and from Archer[2] and Dougan Ridges[3] to the north. The farmland around the lake is part of Irrigation District #16–Lake Diefenbaker Development Area. There are a total of 16 irrigators covering 12,992 acres. Water is drawn from Lake Diefenbaker for the irrigation and to control Luck Lake's water level.[4]
| Luck Lake | |
|---|---|
  Luck Lake Location in Saskatchewan  Luck Lake Luck Lake (Canada) | |
| Location | RM of Coteau No. 255, Saskatchewan |
| Coordinates | 51°04′04″N 107°05′46″W / 51.0679°N 107.0960°W |
| Type | Endorheic lake |
| Primary outflows | None |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Surface area | 1,800 ha (4,400 acres) |
| Surface elevation | 581 m (1,906 ft) |
| Settlements | None |
There are no communities on the lake's shore. The village of Lucky Lake is 6.5 km (4.0 mi) to the south and Birsay is 6.5 km (4.0 mi) to the east. Access to Luck Lake is from Highways 45 and 646.[5]
Luck Lake Heritage Marsh
editLuck Lake and its surrounding shore and marsh are designated as Luck Lake (SK 003) Important Bird Area (IBA) of Canada[6] and protected as Luck Lake Heritage Marsh. Originally Luck Lake was a large, shallow saline lake prone to fluctuations in water levels and, in some years, the lake would completely dry up. Beginning in 1987, a wetland enhancement project was undertaken that divided the lake into three basins separated by dykes that created 1,800 acres of freshwater marshes. The eastern and western basins always have water while the central basin is often flooded. Lake water levels are maintained by bringing water from Lake Diefenbaker as needed.
Prior to the enhancement project, during the years that Luck Lake had water in it, it was and important staging area for migrating birds. Since the enhancement project, it has "developed into a globally significant site for many water bird species" as the lake is no longer prone to drying up. Over 200 species of birds, 35 butterfly species, and numerous other animals can be found at the marsh. Some notable bird species include the tundra swan, greater white-fronted goose, snow goose, sandhill crane, Franklin's gull, Hudsonian godwit, and the marbled godwit.
The Luck Lake enhancement project was undertaken by Ducks Unlimited Canada in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Water Corporation, Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, Wildlife Habitat Canada, and the Saskatchewan Natural History Society.[7]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Luck Lake". Canadian Geographical Names Database. Government of Canada. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
- ^ "Archer Ridge". Canadian Geographical Names Database. Government of Canada. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
- ^ "Dougan Ridge". Canadian Geographical Names Database. Government of Canada. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
- ^ "Luck Lake Irrigation District". Irrigation Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan Irrigation Projects Association Inc. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
- ^ "Village of Lucky Lake". Lucky Lake. Village of Lucky Lake. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
- ^ "Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas". Nature Saskatchewan. Nature Saskatchewan. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
- ^ "Luck Lake (SK003)". IBA Canada. Bird Studies Canada. Retrieved 29 July 2022.