Jump into some Fun Things in Lanark County
So, the unofficial half way point of the summer is upon us. We hope that it has been eventful so far, for what can be better than summer at the lake.
But just in case you are looking for other things to do we thought we would provide you with these links.
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Check out these hiking options provided by the Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists
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Fancy a night out or leisurely lunch, check out this list of top summertime patios in our area.
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Visit the local conservation areas operated by MVCA and learn about this area.
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The Mississippi Madawaska Land trust has a number of upcoming events that may pique your interest from now into the fall.
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 Take Up the Challenge.
Lanark County Warden, Richard Kidd (Beckwith Reeve), has signed the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge stating "we have a chance to take a leadership role in eastern Ontario and to be a role model for other communities,”
So let's support him and do what we can to support the recovery of the beautiful Monarch Butterfly. This iconic butterfly, whose populations have declined by 90% in the last 20 years, needs our help if it is to recover.
Simply by planting milkweed or just not removing the milkweed around you can go along way in helping. This is the food the monarch depends on to reproduce. Learn More
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 Ahoy Sailors of Mississippi Lake!
I love to sail! When Lynn and I bought our little cottage on Mississippi Lake way back in 2007 I imagined having a sailboat at some point. Last year I became the proud owner of a Windrider 17.
This year I have seen at least 6 other sailboats out on the lake and today the MLA got an inquiry from a budding sailor, who had installed a sailing kit on his canoe. He was looking for tips. It was lovely to chat with him. It looks like using wind power for fun and excitement out on the lake is rising in popularity. Our lake is perfect for this pastime!
We live at the south end of second lake. On Saturday July 27 warm southerly winds came ripping down the channel and we couldn’t resist going out. It was continuous whitecaps and took only two hours of tacking to get to the far side of the big lake. It was enormous fun… made even better by being escorted (dare I say challenged) almost the entire trip by a 16’ catamaran who was very fast indeed.
Sail on, sailors!
Article by Rob Bell- president@mlakes.org
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Hooray the "Miss" is back
The SGM of the MLA, held on 11 July, approved the purchase of a new (to us) motor for our work boat the MissLA. We had a quorum, thanks to those who turned up or sent their proxy, for this one issue meeting.,
The next day Dave Duncan, chair or the Boating Committee was off to Huntsville to pick up the motor he has sourced. The motor, Specs - 2013 Mercury 50ELPT BF, 50hp, 4-stroke, BigFoot, 84.5 running hours
So we are back in business.
Thanks again for all those who pitched in to fill the gap and help with buoy deployment and other commitments.
Long may the MissLA run.
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MLA vs Invasive Species
First round - Frog-bit
Under the direction of MLA Environment Chair Doreen Donald the MLA is going on the offensive in the battle against invasive species. First strike was against Frog-bit at a site near Innisvile.
This small, trial offensive, was undertaken by some of the MLA members in conjunction with knowledge experts from the MVCA.
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Three teams of canoeists tackled a significant in-growth found in a relatively small area and after 2.5 hours returned with a significant catch. An assessment will be made in a few weeks to determine the effectiveness of this effort which will determine the extent of follow-on actions, if any. However given the size of the lake and the amount of frog-bit found in this one location it is recommended that the most effective way to tackle this invasion in prevention of spread to new areas.
READ MORE
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Combating Invasive Species
The MLA has been working with the MVCA over the past few years to track the spread of invasive species in our lake. Not surprisingly, the number of sightings has increased. But enough of standing by watching. It is time for all of us to to go on the offense and do what we can to reduce the spread.
While removal of these plants is possible, the reality is that the most effective way we can all get involved is by working to reduce the spread.
Two to the most effective methods are:
- take care to drain, clean and dry your boat and gear, especially when moving from body of water to another.
- keep your boat clear of aquatic plants and know infested areas. Boat props are very effective spreaders of aquatic invaders.
If you have invaders around your lake front you can remove it but do so with care as incorrect removal can just increase the spread.
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Blue lakes is an eco-label program that provides a template for action and education. It is a label and a portfolio of tools, resources, and activities that can be tailored to your lake’s needs. The label also comes with access to real-time data about your lake.
The Blue Lakes eco-label is provided in recognition of your commitment to stewardship and education.The label is not provided because of a lake’s environmental conditions, but instead as a testament to your care.
Share Your Insights and thoughts
Take the Blue Lakes Pilot Survey
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Just in case you we wondering
(except from MyKemptvilleNow interview by Jennifer Westendorp)
The region saw 97 new Lyme disease cases in 2018. There have been 582 confirmed and probable cases in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark since 2010, according to the Health Unit.
Dr. Paula Stewart says this area and Kingston have the highest rate of new cases because they are on a flight path for birds. She says ticks fall off, bite mice and spread the bacteria that causes Lyme.
Stewart noted the disease has three stages and is preventable, if you know what to look for.
- if you find a tick, remove it immediately.
- watch for symptoms if the tick is engorged, including a rash in the area of the bite, along with fever, aches and pains.
- if you don’t know whether you were bitten and start experiencing the above symptoms, go see a doctor.
Around 30% of ticks in this area carry the bacteria for Lyme, according to Stewart and there are ways to protect yourself, like keeping the grass cut and clearing dead leaves on your property.
Stewart says there’s a window period where the tick walks around on your body for a few hours trying to find a nice place to feed. She says people don’t need to be intimidated by ticks.
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Turtles at Risk
All eight of of the species of turtle in Ontario have been designated as “species at risk”.
As is the case for many species at risk, habitat destruction has played a major role in the decline of turtles. Many of the marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens that turtles once called home have been drained, filled, or otherwise altered.
Roads have been built through several of the remaining wetlands, and as a result road mortality is now a major threat to turtles, second only to habitat loss
Other threats include illegal collection for food or the pet trade, boating mortality, and fishing bycatch
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MLA News Update
The Drone has been purchased, thanks to grant funds received last year from Lanark County.
Our designated MLA pilot, Rob Donald, has received his license and is undertaking flight training. Once he has the necessary experience the drone will be deployed to track events around the lake including any outbreaks of blue/green algae, spread of invasive species, loon sightings, ice break-up or what ever else makes sense, winter or summer. Guess we will need a name for her, (or are drones hims?)
Water Ranger Kits also purchased from grant funds have all been deployed and our local citizen scientists are busy checking the water conditions across the lake.
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Lake Protection Workbook
A self assessment tool for shoreline property owners. Everything you need to know about lake front property and making it work for you and your community.
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