Dawn Rises on an Early Spring
Dawn brings with it expectations of a new day and a new season filled with promise. With the advent of another lock down and continued concern over COVID variants, it seems that we have been standing still for the last year. However, the dawning of this amazing early spring cannot but help to foster positive thoughts for the summer around the corner.
The early ice out on April 4th and the extended warm weather has already encouraged boaters to start the season much earlier that normal. The availability of vaccines also brings hope that there is a light at the end of this tunnel.
Last year, at this time, the MLA Board, like most of you, was just trying to plan our program within a new reality. Today we have adapted, having learned all about Zoom, and how to effectively carry on while social distancing. So expect that we will be back on the water, deploying buoys, counting loons, checking water quality, tracking invasive species and visiting you from the deck of the Mississippi Belle. Also watch for our new Water Safety Initiative posts and check us out on our new Instagram site.
Be Safe, Stay Well
See you on the lake
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Concerned with the future? Get involved with the MLA.
Do you enjoy the playing with the kids at the lake or just sitting watching the sunset while listening to the cry of the loon and croak of the frogs? Do you enjoy the water sports available in your backyard or exploring the nature that surrounds us? Perhaps you have concerns over development around the lake or about the potential impacts that our changing environment might have on the lake.
If you answer yes to any of these questions you may want to get involved with the MLA as a member of the Board of Directors, where you can have an effect  on how the future of Mississippi Lake evolves.
Since 1944 the MLA has been working to address the concerns of the property owners on the lake, be it weed control, water quality or boating safety. The organization's longevity is due, in part, to the ability of past boards to evolve and deal with changing circumstances. To continue to remain relevant for another 70 years the MLA continually needs to rotate in new members to the Board of Directors.
There are many roles to be played by board members. Perhaps you are inclined toward the traditional secretary/treasurer role or your interest may lie with environment/recreational issues or you want to get involved with municipal issues affecting the lake. In all cases there could be a role that is perfect for you to help build a future for our lake that we can leave to our children to enjoy.
If you are interested you can check out our organization online and contact board member Chris Winters or President Rob Bell for more details.
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Marker Buoy Deployment??
 The early spring means there are boats on the water already at a time when there is still normally only ice. The MLA is working to adjust buoy deployment plans to accommodate this change but as yet we can not give you a fixed date. This map will give you some indication of areas to watch for. So for now take care.
Be safe, watch your speed.
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Mark the date: 20 May 2021, 7PM
This meeting will again be held as a Zoom session, because of the continuing COVID epidemic and because last year's Zoom meeting was highly successful.
The Meeting Notice and supporting documents will be posted here no later than 30 April 2021. More to follow soon.
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 Water Safety Initiative
In response to the many comments the MLA received last summer, with concerns over increased boat traffic, unsafe boating practices including excess speed and safety concerns for others enjoying various other water sports, the MLA hosted a webinar last fall on the subject of water safety that included the OPP and at Safe Quiet Lakes/Decibel coalition. The video of this webinar is available here.
As a follow-on to this session, it was decided to highlight various aspects of water safety across our media platforms throughout the summer, to help increase the general knowledge of water safety. To start the boating season we have created a blog post on the issues surrounding getting ready for the boating season. Additionally links to a number of reference documents from various authorities, including the OPP's presentation can be found on our Water Safety Initiative page.
If you have stories or concerns you wish to share you can contact us at boat_safety@mlakes.org.
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What is an MZO and why should I care?
An MZO is a tool in Ontario's Planning Act and allows the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to make a ruling on how a piece of land is to be used in the province, with no chance of appeal by municipalities, citizens or environmental groups.
Check out this Blog Post to find out why we should care.
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 New to the Lake?
We have all heard the stories of the outward migration of city folks to the country and the resultant uptick in lake front property sales, and we can expect that we will see more new owners and visitors this year as well. For many this will be their first cottage country experience. What might they not know about the special considerations of living at the waterfront? How will you welcome then, and shepherd them into the community of lake stewards and waterfront enthusiasts?
If you are welcoming them to your neighbourhood you might point them in the direction of the MLA web site's "Living by the Lake" section where you can find useful hints and links to interesting web sites. Also a good resource for both new and old lake residences is FOCA's Shoreline Owners Guide
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Be on the look out, with the early spring turtles are already out and about. As you drive around the lake Give Way to Turtles who are moving to and from nesting sites. Remember all Ontario turtles are considered "at risk"
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Looking for something interesting to do on the water this summer?
The MLA has a few options you can consider.
Become a Water Ranger - The Environment Committee has the perfect citizen science project to give you and your immediate family something to do while helping to test the water quality of the lake. With a kit and some simple instructions you will be able to monitor water quality in a specific area and upload this data on your phone or desktop app. It only takes 10-15 minutes once a week to add to our knowledge of the quality of water in the lake. It is also a great way to introduce your children or grandchildren to the fun side of science. Contact Doreen Donald if you are interested and check out this web site to see what it is all about.
Help Track Invasive Species - The MLA is looking for people to go out and survey specific areas of the lake, basically near your cottage or house. The task is to look for invasive aquatic species and collect samples. The date for this survey is July 24th (rain date July 25th). Don't worry, training will be held via Zoom on June 29th to give you the necessary tools. Contact Doreen Donald if you require additional information or wish to volunteer for this important job.
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Thinking about a new boat?
Check out this Discover Boating site for some guidance before you purchase.
And make sure you acquired your Pleasure craft Operators Card before you take off.
Take the course and exam on line here or Here
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