Fall/Winter 2004-05 ul / GREATER BOBS & CROW LAKES ASSOCIATION ,,To cherish what remains of the Earth and to foster its renewal is our only legitimate hope of survival." Wendell BerrY Why the need for a Lake Management Plan? Perhaps ....
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Fall/Winter 2004-05ul
/
GREATER BOBS & CROW LAKES ASSOCIATION
,,To cherish what remains of the Earth and to foster its renewal is our only
legitimate hope of survival."
Wendell BerrY
Why the need for a Lake Management Plan? Perhaps ....
Board of Directors 200412005Bonnie CarabottMud Bay Representative/lVater
Qualityjcarabott @ symPatico.ca
Mel FlemingHabitat & Fisheries
Bernie GelineauCottage Safety
Brian McAndrewsV.P./Newsletter/Crow Lake ReP
mcandreb @ educ.queensu.ca.
Edie MacNinchMembershipmacninch @ allstream.net
John [email protected]
NormMoleMarine Safetynorm.mole @ symPatico.ca
Susan O' Brien [email protected]
Rich PhillipsSeptic Re-inspection/FEP ReP
phillips @ adan.kingston.net
Ludwig RatzingerCommercial Campsllodges/ResortsLiaisontheoaks @ frontenac.net
Joe SlaterWater Levels iTaY River Watershed
Rep
Diane Stevens
Charlie StewartPast President, Emal UPdates
Peigi WilsonLake Planning & [email protected]
Kathy Yach
Sunset Shores ReP.
cityviewky @ rogers.com
Martin Yates
SecretaryA'[onis B aY ReP
Editor's Notes
i) Thanks againto Tammy for her desk top publishing'
ii) Thanks to Martin Yates for the cover photo. He captured one of my favourite
places on our lakes: the channel between Crow and Bobs lakes.
iii) Thanks also to the other photographers who submitted pictures.
iv) You can see all of our past newsletters in colour on our web site:
www.bobsandcrowlakes.ca and a reminder that our email address is:
v) Along with the membership form you should find three other inserts in this
magaziie: a cookbook recipe and information form, a GB&CLA information
brochure,and a good boater information pamphlet'
Happy Holidays,Brian McAndrews
President's Report
Dear Members
Jt has been a very busy summerIand fall for the Board ofDirectors as there are many projectsin process at the moment. First, Iwant to thank the Directors for alltheir dedication and hard work.They are an amazingteam and I amcontinually indebted to them fortheir guidance, innovative ideas andsupport.
The Lake Plan is foremost oneveryone's mind. These areexciting yet demanding times fortheAssociation andourlakes, as wehave the ability to develop adocument that will have farreaching implications for the futureintegrity of these waters. We havean opportunity to produce a planaimed to protect the water qualityand natural environment aroundthese shores. In this process, we arealso leading the way for other lakeassociations who hope to developsimilar plans and our work will beof assistance to them.
We applied for a grant from theOntario Trillium Foundation to helpfund the heavy expenses of thisproject. Last September, Joe SlatetRich Phillips and myself appearedbefore a Trillium panel to defendour application for the grant.Weeks later, we received thewonderful news that the
Association was granted $71,500.over the next two years to developthe plan. Peigi Wilson is theDirector in charge of the lakeplanning process and I want allmembers to be aware of herdedication, as she has undertakenthis challenge in addition to herregular law practice. You will readher report later in this magazine.
The lake plan is not just for theAssociation. We are the vehicle orfacilitator, if you will. This plan isa COMMUNITY project. Itinvolves every resident (permanentor seasonal or regular visitor),every person (whether you are anAssociation member or not), everybusiness and every commercialcamp in the area of these lakes. Itis your opinion and the historicalenvironmental data that will formpart of the direction of the plan. Tothis end, I encourage you to attendthe workshops over the next twoyears as it is at these sessions andthrough the questionnaires that weseek your opinions and concerns.I thank the over 500 persons whoresponded to the first survey andprovided excellent comments.
We continue to work closely withthe Townships that cover ourwaters (South Frontenac, TayValley and Central Frontenac), the
Ministries and ConservationAuthorities and the umbrellaorganizations and sisterAssociations in our area. Thecommunication network isexcellent and we look forward tocontinued co-operation and datasharing in the future. TheAssociation has recentlyestablished an excellentcommunication with the Townshipof South Frontenac (the Townshipthat covers the largest section ofourlakes) regarding development andI personally thank Council and theStaff of the Planning Departmentfor their help in this regard.
I know many ofyou have concernsover the sub-division planned onMud Bay of Bobs Lake and on partof Crow Lake. (You receiveddetailed information in this pastSpring Newsletter.) We monitor theprocess of this developmentapplication on a continual basis.Any sub-division application mustgo through detailed and stringentenvironmental studies demandedby the Official Plan. The RideauValley Conservation Authority isone ofseveral agencies involved inthis process and their guidelines areclearly stated. For example,building set backs for each of theproposed lots range from 30, to 35,to 40, to 50 meters from the water
depending on the topography ofthelot. There are also detailed lotdevelopment guidelines in theirreport. We shall continue to informyou of the status of the applicationand any public meetings that willtake place in the New Year.
On a lighter note, I am happy toreport on another project, a fundraising project, under the capabledirection of a past president of theAssociation, Anna Chadwick. NextSpring, you will see a cookbookentitled, "Something to CrowAbout. The Best of Bobs." To makethis cookbook a success, we needyour help. Please note the
cookbook forms in this magazineand send Anna your recipes and
useful information by the deadlinedate.
Now,I want to ask for your help!!Each of you can do something foryourDirectors. The strength of thisAssociation comes from thesupport of the members. We need
your involvement both financiallyand in support of our lakes. Wehave developed an excellent newbrochure and it clearly delivers the
message of the Association. Willyou not only renew yourmembership but also go to a
neighbour,just one neighbour, and
encourage them to belong. Givethem the brochure that wasenclosed in this magazine. Youcould help make a difference!!
I look forward to meeting many ofyou next year through the lakeplanning workshops and as I travelaround the lakes. Please make noteof Sunday, July 3 1 on your calendar
next year. We have a specialAnnual Meeting planned.
I wish all of you a happy holidayseason with family and friends and
hope that someday the peace and
understanding we share on Bobsand Crow Lakes will reach to therest of the world.
Susan O'Brien Mactaggart.
Peace on the Lake Photo by: Ludwig Ratzinger
Information Regarding How Marinasand Boaters are Protecting our Marine
EnvironmentBy: Joe Slater
whether you take to the waterby power, sail or paddle, the
pleasure we all derive fromboatingis based on our enjoyment of thepristine waters and scenicshorelines. To ensure that we have
a clean and healthy environment forour enjoyment today and for futuregenerations, Ontario's marinaoperators are leading the way,voluntarily enrolling in the CleanMarine Program to ensure that theirmarinas are following theseenvironmentally sound practices
and protecting our waterways forall to enjoy.
The Ontario Marine Operators r'Association (OMOA) has beenworking for many years with otherrecreational boating associationsand the Federal and ProvincialGovernments to create the CleanMarine Program and promoteenvironmentally responsibleboating. The Clean MarineProgram has received manyenvironmental awards and isconsidered the best marinaenvironmental practices program in
the world. As part of the CleanMarine Program, the Clean Boaterprogram encourages boaters to be
more environmentally responsible.The Clean Boater Program is a newenvironmental initiative aimed toeducate the boating public in"Environmental B est ManagementPractices". The Clean BoaterProgram will continue to ensure
that we have clean waterways for
future generations to enjoy.
A clean environment will ensure
that future generations can enjoythe pleasures of boating on ourlakes and rivers and better yet - aclean environment will ensure ourchildren have water to drink. Tolearn more about these initiatives,refer to the brochure enclosed inthis issue of your newsletter.
The Diving Rock, Crow Bay Photo by: Martin Yates
Development ApplicationsBy: Susan O'Brien Mactaggart
Q ome of you may be spending
J the winter months planningadditions or upgrades to yourhomes and cottages. Theseimprovements are fine but there are
certain points you must keep inmind when developing your plans.
'V official Plans and ZoningBylaws exist for a reason. Thesedocuments are your "blue print" as
to what is possible for development.In our area, shoteline developmentpolicies exist for the purpose ofensuring environmental protection.
{ Any new structure must beset at least 30 meters (100 feet) as
a minimum distance from the highwater mark. In some cases,sensitive cold-water lakes and lotswith steep terrain, this set backrequirement can be even greater.
.l Remember a deck orsunroom is still counted as anaddition to a structure.
./ Additions to structurescannot be closer to the water thanthe existing development. Focus onthe rear of an existing home.
{ Minor variances, severances
and zoning amendments require adetailed site plan.
A well-drawn site plan should show
all the buildings on the property,
septic system, driveways, well, tree
growth and water access. Thisinformation is needed for theenvironmental review of thedevelopment application or theexpansion development applicationfor a property.
./ Shoreline maintenance iscritical. Manicured lawns shouldbe left in the city.
There should not be any soil orvegetation cover degradation on the
slope or area to the water within the
3O-meter (100 feet) set back
required. The ideal situation is tomaintain the shoreline in its naturalstate with the least disruptionpossible.
./ Runoff from roofs should be
diverted from direct flow into the
water. This will reduce nutrientsentering the lakes and in turn helpto limit weed growth.You are the steward or caretaker ofyour property. Collectively we can
improve and maintain excellentwater quality and the integrity ofour shorelines.
Sereniry by the Lake Photo by: Martin Yates
By: Mel Fleming
Th" Fall Walleye Index NettingI (FWIN) program of 2002
confirmed the 1991 FWIN findingsthat there are low numbers ofwalleye in Bobs and Crow Lakes.This is in part due to the very heavyfishing pressure on Bobs Lake andalso to the poor walleye spawningareas on the two lakes. Although thespawning areas were rehabilitatedin the past, they were allowed todeteriorate since thattime. Now wemust improve themandcontinue tomaintain them.I recently toured the lakes withRoss Cholmondeley, the districtbiologist for the Ministry of NaturalResources (MNR), and from thatexercise, we now have a plan toimprove the spawning areas overthe next few years. After evaluatingthe various spawning areas, weidentified what has to be done.First, the Crow Lake Village Creekwill be washed out to remove thesilt and hopefully get the OntarioStewardship Rangers from theFrontenac Stewardship Council toclean up the area of branches,sticks, and weeds and rearrangesome rocks. Next in line areMcEwen's CreekinBobs Lake andScott's Creek in Crow Lake to carryout the same procedures. Thechannel between the two lakes is
Fisheries
in excellent shape. We are alsoplanning the following for the nextyear:
We want to seed three of the Creekswith walleye fry. These includeMcEwen's (of Bobs Lake),Thompson's (Jim Lackey'sproperty on Long Bay of BobsLake) and Scott's Creek. We hopeto get permission and eggs/fry fromMNR to carry these out. We alsoplan to cany out walleye spawningassessments in the springtime in allof these creeks as well as a numberof other spawning areas and reportthe results to the Association andto MNR. We carried out a seedingof Scott's Creek 4 years ago(courtesy of the Napanee Rod andGun Club). We look forward forresults of this seeding at nextspring's assessment. We actuallyneed to seed the creeks over anumber of years.
We also have a plan to monitor andenforce illegal bass fishing nextspring. In addition, we plan to havenetting just outside of Scott's Creekat the walleye spawning time todetermine what the walleye andother fish are up to.Other improvements in the channelbetween the two lakes and at thePortage Cut might be made.Following these activities, we must
look at Fish Creek to determinewhether or not we can address thisarea for improvement. I havereports of lake trout catches of 5 -14pounds fromGreenBay. We willalso look at the Lake Troutspawning and lake trout fishery inthe next few years. If anyonecatches lake trout, particularly inGreen Bay, kindly report your catchto me by calling (613)219-2871atmy cottage or (6 13) 267 -2516 at myhome in Perth.Regarding the stocking of laketrout, MNR have a problem in thatthere is construction at the WhiteLake hatchery off Highway 7. Sincethey won'tbe able to continue withthe stocking in 2005, they havestocked an additional 20,000 laketrout in November 2004 rnto CrowLake. They have also stocked an
additional 25,000 fingerlings and40,000 yearlings into Green Bay ofBobs Lake also in November, 2004These are in addition to the 10,000stocked into Crow Lake in thespring of 2004 and the 25,000 intoGreen Bay in the spring of 2004.There will be no stocking of laketrout in 2005.It is not expectedwe'll experience any change insurvival rates of the stocked laketrout.
By: Mel Fleming
T am looking for someone to take
Ion the responsibilitY of a
wildlife/habitat Portfolio.This can include rePorting &writing on the invasion of various
species on our lakes, such as, zebta
mussels, spiny water fleas and/or
round goby. Other areas to be
covered include all other wildlife(including loons, gulls, ducks,crows, hawks, turkeY vultures,woodpeckers, nuthatches,chickadees, turtles, frogs, toads,
By: Bernie Gelineau
rTthe title Learn CPR and Save
I Liu". appeared as a letter inThe Kingston Whig Standard this
summer. It tells how CPR saved the
life of Donna Harper's husband Billwhen he had an unexpected cardiac
arrest in a Kingston McDonald'srestaurant. The quick action ofsome that had an understanding ofcardio-pulmonary resuscitation led
to his survival. To this daY Donna
is a strong advocate for all, Youngand old to learn CPR. A studY
reported in the New EnglandJournal of Medicine shows that ifbystanders perform CPR, thesurvival rate soars almost four fold.
In the same article as rePorted bY
Wildlife
snakes, muskrats, otters, beavers,
fishers, mink, weasels, bears,
coyotes, wolveso deer, etc.). Littlestories about any ofthese or ofother
creatures would be useful. Ofcourse, articles on rarer species are
also worthwhile. So if You have an
interest, let me know and we can
discuss the subject.
For example:The composter that attracts black
rat and garter snakes. How about
an eight-foot black rat snake? How
the Globe &Mail it states thatabout
957o of people who suffer cardiac
arrest diewithin minutes. With such
statistics on the benefits of CPR itseems self evident that we should
all be trained to Perform CPR. Ifyou are like me, we are sPending
more time at the lake & although
cardiac arrest could strike any age
group, there is agreatet chance ofthose in the older age group being
more susceptible. Local emergency
response be it ambulance, firedepartment orpolice are trained and
often equipped to deal with cardiac
arrest. As Doctor Roberts of the
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
reported, although emergency
about the birth and rearing of turkey
vultures? How about the sighting
of a timber wolf in earlY August?
Any information about theprotection, abundance and resPect
for wildlife is useful, or discussions
about loon nesting sites, heron
rookery, bald eagle sightings or
nests, wild turkeys, or invasive
species are also of interest.
response with a defibrillator arrived
within 8 minutes 94.57o of the time
the key to survival was the quick
action of bystanders. This was inthe city of Ottawa. At Bobs &Crow Lake time before helP arrives
is more critical. In response to this
need your lake association inconjunction with the BedfordDistrict Fire DePartment isplanning a session this summer. Itwilt be opened to all interested
regardless of municiPalitY. Lookfor more information in this and the
next issue.
Learn CPR and Save Lives
Bobs and Crow Lakes Water LevelsSummer and Fall 2004
By: Joe Slater
f his past summer was a nearI normal water year for the
watershed. On May 27 themaximum summer reservoir levelof 162.85 m. was reached, some 18cm. above the rule curve for thatdate. The cool temperatures andlimited heavy rains resulted in asteady decline in the lake withlevels being above the rule curvethroughout the summer. TheSeptember 9 major rainfall, over120 mm, caused the lake to rise 15
By: Martin Yates
B rfiiiiil'J ;:'i:::'lf tr"llive in shallow water at the shoreedges we can find out a lot aboutthe health of our lakes. A highproportion of pollution sensitivespecies (such as mayflies) tells usthe environment is healthy, while apreponderance of pollution tolerantones like black-flies gives an earlywarning of problems.
Calling all fnsectophiles!
cm. Then summer weather finallyarrived, giving lake residents andlate visitors a wonderful autumn.The minimum lake level of 16I.57m was reached on October 14, some18 cm. above the curve. LateNovember rains caused the lake torise to 16l.llm. Consequently weare entering the winter period withthe water level some 30 cm. abovethe rule curve. This level will provebeneficial for the lake troutspawning. The first snowfall of the
The Rideau Valley ConservationAuthority is setting up a networkof volunteers to do this monitoringand we would like to be able toparticipate. The work involvescollecting samples in a net in thespring and fall, identifying thespecies and recording theinformation on a central WaterInformation Management System.The RVCA provides full support
season occurred on December 1.
The temperatures have been abovethe seasonal normal so freeze-upwill likely not occuruntil sometimein January.
Also anyone having views on waterlevels that they wish to pass ontothe Association are invited tocontact Joe Slater either by phone(613-279-1161) or by e-mait(slater@ kingston.net).
and training. We need volunteers tocollect samples from about 10 sites,as well as a coordinator for theproject.
Ifyou are interested in this project(or could be persuaded to be!),please contact me, Martin Yates,through the GBCLA e-mail or at(613) 213 7505
Lake Planning:Stakeholders' Questionnaire
By: Charles Stewart
A s part of the lake planningl1. initiutive we distributed a
questionnaire to stakeholdersaround Bobs and Crow Lakes. Ourobjective was to get your views onwhat you value about our lakes, thecurrent issues affecting them, and
actions you propose to preserve thelakes and their environs for thefuture. At the beginning of thesufilmer season we distributed 1200questionnaires to residents andbusinesses in the area. We alsoincluded copies in the springnewsletter and posted a copy on ourwebsite.
We received over 500 replies; morethan 400 were from seasonalresidents. That is a trulyoutstanding response. We are nowanalyzing the data and preparing a
report of the overall findings. Thecomments are far-reaching andextremely valuable. However, theconsistency of the views wasremarkable. Some initial findingswere immediately evident. The toppriority is to preserve the quality ofour lakes. In addition, people wantto preserve their natural characterand to enjoy peace and quiet. Theyalso want to preserve the fisheries
and maintain a consistent lake levelthroughout the summer recreationalseason. The primary issues relate toactions and conditions that detractfrom those qualities. For example,people are concerned about septic
systems and other potentialpollution sources. They object tobig, noisy boats and PWCs andboaters who speed near shore and
in restricted bays. Other issues
include alterations to naturalshorelines and structures that are
built close to the shore. And theyare concerned about fishing out-of-season and commercial orindustrial water taking.
We are tabulating the overallfindings. Our report should becompleted soon after the holidayseason. This major element of thelake planning initiative will providethe springboard for actions topreserve our lakes for futuregenerations.
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Lake Management Plan UpdateBy: Peigi Wilson
II f ork is progressing on the
W n"*rprru." iro"ueloping the
Lake Management Plan. At present
volunteers are collectinginformation about the lakes from a
variety of government and othersources. This includes maps of the
geology of the lakes, fish spawningand stocking data, water samplingdata, historic photos, and townshipofficial plans and by laws. All thisinformation will be sifted andconsidered in the development ofthe plan. The scientific data willbe considered to determine if thereis sufficient information on whichto begin to understand the carryingcapacity of the lakes. Furtherscientific research will beconducted if necessary.
This winter and early spring twomore workshops will be held. One
will be for permanent residents ofthe lakes including commercialinterests other than camp owners.
This will be held at Bedford Hall,from 10 am to noon on January 15,
2005. Please plan to attend. Asecond workshop will be held onApril 9, 2005 for commercial camp
owners to hear about their interests
and concerns. This workshop willalso be held from 10:00 am to noonat Bedford Hall.
We are looking forward to a busywinter and spring as we continueto develop the lake managementplan. If you are interested in beinginvolved please feel free to contactPeigi Wilson, Director, LakeManagement Planning [email protected].
Showing we care! - Lake Planning Workshop - July 17/04
T t is with sadness that theI As.o"iution notes the passing oftwo well known members of ourlake community.
Sylena Greenslade who lived allher life in Burridge died onNovember 26. Many of you willremember her for the wonderfulbutter tarts she supplied for theBurridge store.
Carl Barr of Green Bay died onNovember 21. Carl was Reeve ofBedford Township for severalterms and served on Council from1954 to 1994. They will be missed
by everyone who knew them.
Th"Association is very pleased
I that Robbie Hughes has agreed
to continue the boating courses nextyear. Will you keep in mind thedates of June 11, July 9, August 20
and September 10. All dates fallon a Saturday. As you know thiscertification for boating ismandatory. Please encourage theyounger members of your family toattend. There will be furtherreminders in our Springmagazine and on our informationboards next summer.
News and NotesGB&CLA Won An Award!!Excerpt from Friends of the Tay
Fall/04 Newletter:
tTt he second award forI contribution to the Tay
watershed - was presented to theGreater Bobs and Crow LakesAssociation for its majorcontribution to preserving and
enhancing the quality of theenvironment in the TayWatershed.The award was presented by Boardmember Cameron Macleod, onbehalf of the Friends and accepted
by Susan O,Brien MacTaggart,President of the GB&CLA
The list of this 30O-memberassociation, s achievements is long,
and includes, amongst otheractivities, water quality testing,Shoreline Living Workshops,rehabilitation of fish spawningareas, cooperation in themanagement of the BolingbrokeDam, development of the MeiselWoods conservation area, and lake
management planning workshops.The Greater Bobs & Crow Lakes
Association has also justaccomplished an outstandingachievement by receiving a
Trillium Grant of $71,500 todevelop a lake management planduring the next two years. TheFoTW award recognizes theleadership and the contribution ofthe GB&CLA to the TayWatershed, and to the community.
Hot off the press !!
n 11 is now ooerable for South
Y Fronr"nac and for CentralFrontenac Townships for allemergency calls. More on this in the
next issue.
UPCOMING THISSUMMER
A n Uncertified Basic First AidAunO CPR Course will beoffered by the Bedford District FireDepartment in conjunction withGB&CLA this summer. It will be
offered to all interested regardless
of municipality. The course will be
open for up to 30 and held either at
the Bedford Municipal Hall or theBunidge Fire Hall. More specificdetails will appear in the SpringMagazine.
T would like to thank the members
Iof the Greater Bobs & CrowLakes Association and especiallythe directors who presentedus withthe beautiful watercolor picture ofour cottage at Bobs Lake. We wereoverwhelmed; it was a truly special
gift. The lovely picture reminds us
daily of this special place.
Charlie and Debby Stewart
T[illium Grant Press Release
T h" Greater Bobs and CrowI LakesAssociation was among
the organizations that received oneof the grants recently announcedbythe Ontario Trillium Foundation.
The grant is for $71,500 over 24months and will be used by theAssociation to prepare and publisha Lake Management Plan. Itrepresents the successful outcomeof eighteen months of hard workbythe Lake Planning committee, ledby Peigi Wilson.
Said Peigi: "We are thrilled that theOTF has approved our application!Now we have the resources to move
from the planning phase of ourproject to a very activeimplementation. With the help ofthis grant, we will produce a LakePlan that will be of value toresidents, municipalities andstewardship or ganizations fordecades to come."
Susan O'Brien Mactaggart,President of the GBCLA,commented: "The Association isextremely pleased that the TrilliumFoundation has endorsed our workto produce this major lake plan.The next two years will be verydemanding for our volunteers but
everyone is very dedicated to theproject. We hope all residents willparticipate in the surveys andworkshops that will take place nextyeat."
The next stage of the plan, alreadyunder way, will be to analyze theresults of the residents' surveyconducted earlier this summer, andto start pulling together informationand data on the condition of thelakes and their capacity to handlechange. The Association expectsto have a draft plan available in2006.
Inke Management Advisory Committee "hard at work" Photo by: Mel Fleming
Stop the Invastion!By: Mel Fleming
1/ ebramussels, spiny water flea,
L&. other invading species, are
spread by boats. Before entering a
water body, follow these stePs toensure you do not spread invadingspecies.
Inspect your boat, trailer &equipment. Remove visible Plantsor animals.
Never release live bait.
Wash/Dry your boat, trailer &equipment. Some species surviveout of water, so it is imPortant to:
* Rinse with hot tap water (>40 C)
or* Spray with high-pressure water(250 psi)or
To report sightings or for moreinformation call the:
Invading Species llotlineOntario Federation of Anglers &Hunters
1-800-563-7711
Drain water from motor, live well, * Dry yourboat/equipment for fivebilge or transom wells on land. days before moving to another
Empty bait buckets on land. water body
Clean Boats mean clean water!
Heather IRVINGSalcs Representative
liutton groulFnflsters realty inc.255? Princess lit
Kingstor* Ontrrio. K7P 2W8
19 Yrs, EXPERIENCE
A ltll-time Rerltor scrving you inKingston & Tht Lskes Area.
* A BOBS LAKE RF.SIDENTS
[email protected]: ors - 375-6550Canada Toll Freer
L-800-808-4448City olllcer 613-38+5500
'Ihis is nol intendcd to salicit hrryrru orsellersounentlY Itldur c{rntf Acl.
Sunset Over the Dock (Norris BaY) Photoby: MartinYates
Water Quality Testing/Trend DataBy: Jeff & Bonnie Carabott
Th" Rideau Valley ConservationI Authority (RVCA) conducred
a comprehensive analysis of thequality of our lakes in 2003. Manyof our volunteers helped in thateffort. Their final report waspublished in July 2004. Becauseof the size of our lakes and eachportion's unique characteristics,they published it in 11 sections.The report is available on their website at:
htt p : //www. r id e auv all e y. on. c a/programs/wwatch/w at e r s he d _w at c h _do c s. htm.Because of the technical nature ofthe report and its size, we haveasked RVCA to prepare a sufirmary
of the overall findings andrecommendations in abrief format.
The water quality survey indicatedthe possible presence of ZebraMussels. They can foul motors,fish lines and water intake pipes,and destroy swimming areas.Additionally, they can significantlychange the overall nature of ourlakes. Boaters coming frominfested waters in the area canintroduce ZebraMussels and otherinvasive species. Therefore, wehave purchased educational signsthat highlight preventive measuresand are distributing them tocommercial camp owners so theymay post them at their landings.
This summer, the RVCA alsoconducted intrusive species testingat various locations in our lakes, tomore accurately determine the levelof infestationof ZebraMussels, as
well as possible presence of thespiny water flea.
Each year, beginning in May andrunning through September, a
dedicated group of 11 volunteersconduct water quality testing atvarious key locations of our lakes.Testing includes Secchi discreadings (for clarity) and totalphosphorous (TP), the principlenutrient that makes lakes morefertile.
Thinking of Summer Photo by: Ludwig Ratzinger
Secchi disc readings are interpreted as follows (the higher the reading, the clearer the water)
Over 5.0m - oligotrophic lake condition (unenriched, with few nutrients)
3.0 to 4.9m-mesotrophic lake condition (moderately enriched, with some nutrients)
Less than 2.9m- eutrophic lake condition (enriched, with higher levels of nutrients)
please refer to the table below, which provides average historical test data of Secchi disc readings (in metres)
dating back to 1996. Keep in mind that weather conditions play alarge part in yearly averages. For example, a
wet, rainy summer will produce more nutrient run-off, which will contribute to increased algae growth, and a
corresponding decrease in water clarity.
LocationBuck BayEast BasinCrow BayCentral NarrowsGreen BayLong BayMill BayMud BayNonis BayWest BasinCrow Lake
t9964.r5.1
N/A4.35.8
3.1
N/A4.0N/A4.5
5.1
1997
4.94.8N/A4.4
5.7
4.1
3.0N/AN/A4.5
N/A
19984.r5.8
N/A5.0N/A5.0
3.0N/AN/A4.2
5.3
19994.06.05.05.7
5.6
5.6
3.1
N/A7.3
4.8
5.2
2000N/A5.03.8
4.6
6.0
4.3
3.3
5.05.03.7
5.0
200L3.45.64.4
5.3
6.2
5.1
2.84.65.24.1
5.0
2002J.J
4.93.6
4.55.2
4.5
2.9
5.7
4.74.r5.0
20034.74.64.25.8
5.5
4.5
2.9
5.1
5.3
4.3
5.3
Avg.4,1
5.24.25.05.7
4.7
3.04.95.5
4.4
5.1
We are presently awaiting test results from the summer of 2004, and I will report on these results in the
spring newsletter, along with the RVCA invasive species testing results.
Thank you to all of the volunteer water quality testers.
How NOT to Catch a BassSubmitted by: Norm Mole
l\ rf any people remainM uninformed about thedamage of catch and release bass
fishing before the official openingofbass season.
In early June male Smallmouth andLargemouth bass are the 'fathers ofthe year'.In spring male bass move into theshallows and dig nests, shallowbowl-like depressions in the lakebottom which are easily seen. Oncethe eggs are laid and fertilized themale will guard the nest until theeggs hatch and are free swimming.And they guard the nest ferociouslymaking them easy target for lures
- 15 casts over a nest resulted inl07o of the bass being hooked withhalf of that number being landed.
Angling a fish off the nests opensthe eggs and fry to predation.
In 1990 a study was conductedwhen it was thought that up to 63Vo
of anglers were intentionally goingafter bass during the closed season.
A known spawning territory wasdivided into no fishing and fishingpermitted zones.
.Inthefishing zone23Vo of thebasshad hook wounds while there wasjust 4Vo in the no fish zone.In the fishing zone 447o of thenests in the unprotected areaproduced free-swimming fry whilethe success rate hit 63Vo inthe no-fishing zone.
On average, if males took just twominutes to return to the nest fromthe moment they were caught,49Voof the nests were visited bypredators and24Vo of the sites wereabandoned.
Further, if they took ten minutes to
return - very possible when youconsider fighting time, unhookingtime, recovery time, and boat drift- 72Vo of nests were raided, and 83
7o were abandoned.
To protect spawning fish,regulations state that it is illegal toharvest fish during the closedseason.
Further, it is also illegal to attemptto capture fish during the closedseason, making pre-season catch-and-release illegal. And, therearen't too many conservationofficers around that will believe youare really going for walleye with aweighted spinner in three feet ofwater over a sandy, gravel bottom,adjacent to a swamp.
The only ethical thing for anglersto do is to leave the shallow wateralone until bass season is officiallyopen.
Pathway to Fishing: The Ethical AnglerSubmitted by: MeI Fleming
1. Supports conservation efforts.2. Practices catch & release.3. Practices safe angling & boating.4. Obeys fishing & boating regulations .
5. Does not pollute.
6. Respects other angler's rights.7. Respects property owner's rights.8. Shares fishing knowledge & skills.9. Does not release live bait into waters.
10. Promotes ethical sports fishing.
Treasurerts ReportBy: Diane Stevens
As reported at theAnnual General Meeting, revenues were down somewhat from the previous year. This was due
to a small decrease in membership and f"*rr people taking the boating courses. Lake planning was a major
expense, and will continue to be this year, but we have received a Trillium Grant so should be able to realize our
goal of a formal Lake plan by Decemb er 2005. However, we do need your support to keep the lake a place we can
all continue to enjoy, so please keep up your membership and encourage your neighbours to join theAssociation to
enable us to maintain the programs, which enhance our environment'
INCOME STATEMENT for year ended 30 June 2004
REVENUEMembershiPsDonationsInterest IncomeBoating CoursesMisc. Revenue
EXPENSESOffice and Printing ExPense
Miscellaneous - Road signs, etc
DonationsNewsletterAnnual MeetingInsuranceMembershiPs/SubscriPtionsProfessional Fees
Fishing/Fish RehabilitationBoating S afetY/SecuritY
Boating CoursesLake PlanningWater Quality/Testing
12 mos.30t6104
$ 8,6701,817
t632,640
------:$13,290=====
12 mos.30t6103
$ 9,1502,288
1324,665
70*1=::
$ 9s127550
2,0961,581
1,350800450
2,6932,149
546$12,941
$ 582t23400
2,185796
r,096783481246
983,4353,060
44$r3,329
NETINCOME (LOSS) FOR THE YEAR $ 349 $ 2,976
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