April 2014

Muskoka Summit on the Environment
Register by April 15th for Your Chance to Win!


Register by April 15th for a chance to win a 1-year Family Membership tot he ROMRegister for the 2014 Muskoka Summit on the Environment before April 15th for a chance to win a one-year family membership to the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto!

The Summit runs from May 8th to 9th and features renowned Canadian wildlife artist and conservationist Robert Bateman and CBC Radio's Paul Kennedy, host of the show Ideas.
 
The theme for the 2014 Summit is Environment vs Economy: Resolving the Dichotomy and will bring together leading experts from across North America to explore the relationship between the environment and economy, including:
  • Robert Sandford, a leading thinker on the impact of climate change on freshwater resources.
  • Elena Bennet, who studies the benefits natural systems provide to human well-being.
  • Terre Satterfield, whose work focuses on culture and justice as they influence environmental values.
  • Daniel Simberloff, a leading terrestrial ecologist and expert on the biology of invasive species.
  • Peter Victor, an economist who works on environmental issues.
Register now or learn about sponsorship opportunities at www.muskokasummit.org.
 
REGISTER NOW!

2014 Muskoka Watershed Report Card
 

Are invasive species impacting your watershed? Should you be concerned about the calcium levels in your lake?

The 2014 Muskoka Watershed Report Card will be released in May and will include several new indicators of watershed health, including Calcium Levels, Invasive Species, Algae, Species at Risk Habitat, and Development Impacts.
 
The Report Card will be distributed in What's Up Muskoka in May. Leading up to the official launch, What's Up will also publish articles about the Report Card, providing readers with information about the indicators and grades.

Look for your copy in May!

Help Bring the Report Card to Life!

2014 Muskoka Watershed Report Card on IndiegogoMWC needs your help! Creating a new interactive online Report Card that allows you to access more information about your watershed and your lake takes money. MWC has launched an online crowdfunding campaign to bring the 2014 Muskoka Watershed Report Card to life. For as little as $10, you can help support this important project!

If you love Muskoka and care about protecting its natural beauty please get involved! There are many ways you can help:

  • Receive exciting rewards by DONATING.
  • Leave COMMENTS on the campaign page for a chance to win a $100 gift card. See details below.
  • SHARE the link with interested friends and family members.

Please visit the campaign page for further details about this project. A small contribution can make a big difference to the protection of our environment.

www.igg.me/at/StewardshipWorks
 

DONATE NOW!

Win a $100 Gift Card to Algonquin Outfitters!

 
Algonquin OutfittersTell us what you love about Muskoka for a chance to win a $100 gift card to Algonquin Outfitters! Simply leave your comment on the Indiegogo Muskoka Watershed Report Card campaign page (www.igg.me/at/StewardshipWorks) to be entered into the draw and the winner will be posted on the campaign page on April 28th.
Prize generously donated by Algonquin Outfitters

New Chair for MWC

At the MWC meeting in January, Dr. Peter Sale was elected as Chair of MWC, replacing Patricia Arney, who completed her 2 year term.
 
At the same meeting, long-time MWC member Lou Guerriero was elected as Vice-chair.

Peter's first act as MWC Chair was to present Patricia with a certificate of appreciation in recognition of her commitment and dedication while serving as MWC Chair since 2012.
 
Photo by Lyndsie McGregor
 

MRX Donates to FMW

 
Organizers of the Algonquin Outfitters’ Muskoka River X (MRX) paddling race presented a cheque for $1,000 to Friends of the Muskoka Watershed in January to support the work of MWC. MRX is the longest single day paddling expedition in the world.

Registration is currently open for this year’s Muskoka River X race, which will take place from September 12-14th, as well as for the Big East X, a 40 km paddling race happening June 21st in Huntsville. For more information about these races, visit www.muskokariverx.com.
 
MRX Donates to FMW
 
MWC Chair Peter Sale (left) and FMW Chair Norm Yan accept a cheque for $1,000 from Muskoka River X race directors Mike Varieur (centre) and Rob Horton and major MRX sponsor Rich Swift (right) from Algonquin Outfitters.
(photo by Lyndsie McGregor)

Are You a Friend?

2013 was a big year for MWC with the creation of a new supporting non-profit organization, Friends of the Muskoka Watershed (FMW).

By becoming a member of FMW for just $25 a year, you help support important MWC programs like the Muskoka Watershed Report Card and the Environmental Lecture Series.

Already a member?
Thank you for supporting FMW in its inaugural year. It’s now time to renew your membership for 2014, which is easy to do either online, by mail, or over the phone (705-646-0111).
 
Remember, FMW members receive discounts at FMW and MWC organized events, including the upcoming Muskoka Summit on the Environment, so renew your membership or become a Friend today!
 

Raffle to Support the MSE Research Grant

 
Raffle tickets are available for a draw to win one of three signed Robert Bateman items. Tickets are $5 each or 5/$20 and can be purchased from members of the MSE Organizing Committee, at the MWC office (16 Robert Boyer Lane in Bracebridge) or online. Tickets may also be available for purchase at the Summit in May.
 
Grand Prize: Loon Family by Robert Bateman ($2,000 Value)The draw will take place during the 2014 Muskoka Summit on the Environment on Friday, May 9, 2014 at 12:00 pm in the Multi-purpose Room at the Bracebridge Sportsplex. Winners will be notified by phone and/or email and do not need to be present at the draw. Proceeds from the raffle will go towards the MSE Research Grant.
BUY RAFFLE TICKETS!

Invasive Species Monitoring & Reporting

 
Reporting invasive species has become easier with the new EDDMapS Ontario online and mobile App for Android and Apple devices. If you see an invasive species, simply take a picture with your mobile device and report it. It's that simple!

EDDMapS OntarioThe App also allows you to search for data and distribution maps, get email alerts and learn about more than 150 invasive species. The data collected will help with Early Detection and Rapid Response efforts. The data may also be used to report on the Invasive Species indicator in future Muskoka Watershed Report Cards.
 
The App was developed by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the Invasive Species Centre and the University of Georgia Centre for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health.
 
Proposed Invasive Species Act
The Ministry of Natural Resources has introduced legislation to combat invasive species in Ontario. The legislation is intended to provide a framework to prevent, detect, eradicate and manage invasive species that impact on the natural environment and can have a detrimental effect on our fish and wildlife populations. The draft Invasive Species Act has been posted on the Environmental Registry for comment until April 14th.

Species at Risk Spotlight


WEST VIRGINIA WHITE BUTTERFLY
Pieris virginiensis
Status: Special Concern

West Virginia White Butterfly

There are now 42 Species at Risk in the Muskoka-Parry Sound area, including one of the first butterflies active in the spring, the West Virginia White Butterfly.

Learn about this species at risk, where you're likely to find it in Muskoka, and how you can help protect it and its habitat in the Species at Risk Factsheet.
 

2013 Water Quality Data Available

The District Municipality of Muskoka has released the results of the 2013 Lake System Health Water Quality Monitoring Program. New information is available for over 80 lakes from data collected between May and August 2013.
 
The Muskoka Water Web has the data collected in 2013, including Lake Data Sheets, Aquatic Invertebrate Sheets, and Shoreline Land Use Maps.

In addition to the data collected by the District, you will also find Fisheries Fact Sheets provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources and a wealth of water stewardship information.
 
The Muskoka Water Web is your link to Muskoka's water!

Muskoka Summit on the Environment Sponsors

 
The following organizations have generously provided support for the 2014 Muskoka Summit on the Environment:
 
PLATINUM SPONSOR
   ~ CBC Radio

GOLD SPONSORS
   ~ Nipissing University
   ~ Town of Bracebridge
   ~ TV Cogeco
   ~ Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations
   ~ Canadian Wildlife Federation
   ~ Muskoka Watershed Council / Friends of the Muskoka Watershed
   ~ The District Municipality of Muskoka
   ~ Lake of Bays Association
   ~ Hutchinson Environmental Sciences Ltd
   ~ Residence Inn Marriott (Gravenhurst)
   ~ The Lakelands Association of Realtors
   ~ Riverstone Environmental Solutions Inc
   ~ Canadian Geographic
   ~ Rotary Club of Bracebridge

SILVER SPONSORS
   ~ French Planning Services Inc
   ~ Bracebridge Generation

BRONZE SPONSORS
   ~ Westwind Forest Stewardship Inc
   ~ Scott Young Photography
   ~ Muskoka Ratepayers Association
   ~ Muskoka Lakes Association

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

It's not too late to become a sponsor! Learn more here.
BECOME A SPONSOR!

Events Calendar

 
  • May - 2014 Muskoka Watershed Report Card, details TBA.  www.muskokawatershed.org
     
  • May 8-9 - Muskoka Summit on the Environment: Environment vs Economy: Resolving the Dichotomy, Rene Caisse Theatre, Bracebridge. www.muskokasummit.org
     
  • April 19 - Earth Day Celebration in Huntsville, 11 am to 3 pm, Active Living Centre, Huntsville. http://huntsville.ca/en/living/EarthDay.asp
     
  • April 19 - Earth Day at the Waterloo Summit Centre for the Environment, 10 am to 3 pm. uwaterloo.ca/waterloo-summit-centre/events/earth-day-wsce
     
  • June 20 - Friends of the Muskoka Watershed Annual General Meeting, details TBA. www.muskokawatershed.org
     
  • June 21 - Big East X: a 40 km marathon canoe, kayak, and SUP race, Huntsville. muskokariverx.com
     
  • July 2014 - Researcher for a Day with Dr. Norman Yan. Join Dr. Yan on a boat cruise for a fascinating experience researching the little living lawnmowers in Lake Muskoka. Details TBA.
     
  • September 12-14 - Muskoka River X: the longest single-day paddling event of its kind in the world (128 km in under 24 hours). muskokariverx.com
     
  • October 11 - Great Muskoka Paddling Experience: a fun racing experience for canoes and kayaks for all levels of participants. www.muskokapaddlingexperience.com
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