We are sad to announce that Cathy Meades will be stepping away as a Director and as the Treasurer of the Association. We would like to thank Cathy for all her contributions and support to the Board and Association over the years.
With that, we'd like to again offer you the opportunity to support the Association by volunteering for the role of either Treasurer or Secretary. Ideally we'd like to see someone from either Little Redstone or Pelaw to give us wider representation from the lakes of the Association.
The executive meet about 6-8 times a year for about 2 hours. We meet in person or on video or conference calls when needed. Your commitment can be for 2020 only if that works for you.
Thank you in advance. Please email president@redstonelake.com if you are interested.
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FOCA Fall Seminar for Lake Associations.
Saturday, November 16, 2019 - Toronto. Mark your calendar and plan to attend on behalf of RLCA!
The title of this year’s FOCA Fall Seminar for Lake Associations is “Lake stress, road egress, water tests, extra guests, septic checks” and is drawn from current issues and top ongoing concerns of our membership.
FEATURE SPEAKER:
John Smol, paleolimnologist, is one of the world’s foremost experts on environmental change. His research deals with using lake sediments to study climate change, eutrophication, and other environmental stressors. A Canada Research Chair and professor of biology and environmental studies at Queen’s University, Dr. Smol has been at the vanguard of scientific discovery related to lake ecosystems for over 30 years. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada, and was recently awarded the Polar Medal by the Governor General of Canada
SEMINARS WILL INCLUDE:
- an update from FOCA on the current issue of electricity pricing and the proposal to eliminate the seasonal rate class
- septic re-inspection programs: FOCA’s new Report, and municipal case studies & best practices explained
- status of the Lake Partner Program of water quality monitoring in an era of government funding cut-backs
- short-term rentals: hear from a panel of municipal partners about their varied responses to the issue, including everything from licensing to by-law enforcement to education campaigns
- rural road issues: highlights from the FOCA 2019 Roads Survey, including benchmark statistics from road groups across the province.
If you'd like to attend on behalf of RLCA, please let us know. We'll cover the costs in exchange for a short summary of the Seminar.
Thank you in advance. Please email president@redstonelake.com if you are interested.
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The County of Haliburton has a NEW online engagement platform. The new platform includes tools, resources, surveys and more. Register to Wade In! Share your ideas, stories and insights on County of Haliburton projects and initiatives.
One of the first initiatives is seeking public input (by Nov 30th) on the creation of a Shoreline Protection By-law.
Our lakes, rivers and associated natural environmental features support Haliburton's way of life and our stewardship is central to the creation of a Shoreline Protection By-law. Building on the current policies and by-laws, the County may:
- add new protection for natural shoreline vegetation, specifically native species, located within 30 m of the high water mark;
- create a permit process for site alteration within 30 m of the high water mark;
- address cleaning and clearing of land; and
- direct permitted uses within 30 m of the high water mark.
Please register by clicking on the article banner or this link https://wadein.haliburtoncounty.ca/
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Naturalizing Coleman Lake
On August 10th and 11th, the residents of Coleman Lake participated in a weekend-long event on naturalizing their shorelines and their properties, sponsored by the RLCA. Julia Sutton, of Sweet Fern Consulting, was our guide for the weekend.
Julia first did a row-boat tour of the lake, to get an overview of the health of our shoreline. Which, due to several factors (no gas motor boats one of them) is in pretty good shape, though she did note some problem areas, mostly with the presence of some invasive non-native species.
On Saturday afternoon we held our annual meeting for residents of the area, where Julia gave us her assessment of the lake, followed by a very detailed and helpful discussion on the whys and how’s of naturalizing. Most important, she emphasized, was the fact that successful waste treatment consists of two parts: a working septic system (something the township is in the process of checking and enforcing already), and a naturalized shoreline. The latter acts as a buffer to capture and utilize the nutrients that even a good septic system will introduce into the soil, thus ensuring they don’t make it into a lake where they would foster algae growth. She encouraged us to develop a new garden aesthetic, and learn to appreciate the messy garden, instead of the cultivated beds of more urban settings.
In the second part of her talk, she introduced us to a wide variety of native plants that we might consider for our properties, covering not only shorelines but meadows, forest edges, and woodlands. All of the plants she discussed were available from Grow Wild!, one of her preferred suppliers.
John Smith, our councillor, spoke to us after Julia finished, adding his and the township’s strong endorsement of our efforts.
Over the course of the weekend Julia was able to visit 7 properties on or around the lake and give assessments and suggestions about where people could introduce more native species. Her approach was always an incremental one – ‘start small, or you’ll never start at all’ was the message. She offered suggestions for property-specific problems:
- weak shorelines
- barren areas with erosion problems
- grassy areas requiring upkeep and possibly chemicals to maintain
- invasive species to be controlled, or eradicated and replaced
By the end of the weekend a number of residents had filled out order forms for plants, and in September we took delivery of over 200 plants, all of them arriving in great shape. Julia returned to help with planting or planting advice. We look forward to touring the results next summer.
If you’d like to consider hosting a similar event for your lake (or your nearby neighbors), the RLCA will be happy to help you with the planning. You can start by sending a note to shorelines@redstonelake.com.
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Thanksgiving saw a spectacular show of colour but fall is giving way to winter and after this week of high winds and lots of rain, the leaves are almost done.
Over the winter visits to the RLCA mailbox will be few and far between. Rather than mailing a cheque I encourage you to make your membership payment by PayPal or Interac knowing that your deposit is made immediately into RLCA's bank account and you receive instant confirmation.
Stats:
2019: 330 members (todate)
2018: 292 members
Take a look at the top of this newsletter to see your own personal membership status.
Annual fee $30
Save $10 with a 3 yr. membership $80
Easy payment - eTransfer or PayPal to treasurer@redstonelake.com
Please visit our website and be sure to fill out the Membership Registration form and submit online with your payment.
Donna Luger
Membership Coordinator
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Have some great shots around our lakes? Share them on Instagram with hashtag #rlcahaliburton or on our Redstone Lake Cottagers Association Facebook page!
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