The purpose of the Society is to promote understanding and comprehensive management of lakes and reservoirs as well as their watersheds. We work to build understanding and awareness among Albertans for responsible management through programs and information sharing. Our program, LakeWatch, is a volunteer based monitoring program whereby locals take ALMS technicians on their boats to collect water quality data using professional protocols. Technicians may also be responsible for tributary monitoring on individual lakes. The AWQA program distributes water test kits to increase awareness and understanding of water quality, while also promoting stewardship and personal involvement in the protection of our lakes. Beach Outreach programs operate each summer to educate lake-users on lake issues as well as responsibilities for protecting lake health. The society works directly with lake communities to help develop watershed management plans and hosts a workshop in a different community each year. ALMS also serves as the Lake Environment Conservation representative on the Alberta Water Council. ALMS is the first Canadian chapter of the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) and in November 2016 will be hosting the NALMS international symposium in Banff.