Expansion of facilities continued through the early 1970's, as permanent frame residential buildings were added (1971-76), a large laboratory building was constructed (1972), and various other structures were added or expanded. By the mid '70's, approximately 30 buildings were present on the site and over 50 personnel were frequently being accommodated.
In 1972, the Fisheries Research Board of Canada was absorbed by the newly created Department of the Environment, which took over operation of the ELA. Subsequent reorganizations of the Federal government structure led to creation of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) in 1979, and the ELA was transferred to this department. During all these changes, headquarters for ELA operations remained at the Freshwater Institute, located on the campus of the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.
Forest fires in 1974 and 1980 decimated the mature forest in many of the experimental watersheds. By 1981, concerns for the security of the watersheds and the future of research at the site, resulted in a study to select an alternate ELA site. After extensive surveys, the uniqueness and value of the existing ELA was confirmed. However, negotiations were conducted with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) resulting in an exchange of some designated lakes and watersheds. although the total remained at 46. Three experimental stream segments were also designated. Permission was obtained to use a new northern access road. These changes were made official in a new Federal-Provincial agreement for the ELA, signed in 1983.
As public environmental concerns increased, and as resource extraction pressures continued, this 1983 agreement became less and less adequate to meet the needs of ELA research activities. A new Memorandum of Understanding was negotiated between Canada and Ontario. Signed by representatives of DFO, OMNR, and the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Energy (OMOEE), it came into effect on 1 October 1993. Under this agreement, the total number of designated research lakes was increased to 57. This agreement also established a joint Management Board to deal with issues of Federal-Provincial and public concern. An amendment in March 1995 increased the number of designated lakes to 58, and this agreement has recently (February 2000) been updated to reflect current land use pressures and public concerns.
