History
The recreation potential of the Dahl and Norman Lakes area was recognized as far back as 1959. With the Prince George regional population growing, a need for additional park facilities within an hours drive of the community was identified, and Dahl Lake Provincial Park was established in 1981. An additional 830 hectares was added to the park in 2000 on the recommendation of the Prince George Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP).
Cultural Heritage
There is no documentation to suggest that the area has any significant history of long-term habitation or use, but archaelogical sites associated with the Carrier people have been found.
Conservation
Dahl Lake Provincial Park contributes to the preservation of a range of vegetation types and wildlife species. Forest cover consists primarily of spruce and pine with aspen, willow, and alder along the lakeshore and creeks. Pockets of balsam, cottonwood, or birch are scattered throughout the area and large old Douglas fir trees dot the northwest shore of Dahl Lake.
The area has a variety of habitat types supporting a diversity of wildlife species. Large and small mammals are abundant and the relatively shallow bays of Dahl Lake provide nesting and feeding sites for waterfowl. The marsh areas surrounding Theodore Lake are particularly attractive to ducks and geese.
Wildlife
Wildlife found in Dahl Lake Provincial Park include moose, black bear, wolf, and coyote. Smaller mammals such as fox, beaver, otter, and muskrat are also abundant. In addition to geese, ducks, and loons, other common bird species at Dahl Lake include owls, eagles, and osprey. Please respect the wildlife, especially in the spring when many bird species use the shoreline of the lake to have and raise their young.
Norman Lake has been stocked with rainbow trout in the past, and although not heavily used, Dahl Lake has moderate fishing potential as well.