Month: July 2021

Look what’s new on the merchandise front for 2021!

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Check out these stainless steel lined tumblers – show your support for the watershed Association while keeping your liquids at the right temperature. Now available at The Beggars Bench in Lac-Ste-Marie. Don’t forget that a variety of adult and youth t-shirts, hoodies and coffee mugs are also available. 

Rescheduling the August 29 AGM

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Following a broad discussion concerning current restrictions, venue options, deliverable timelines, and member expectations, it was agreed that the next AGM would be virtual due to continued uncertainty on pandemic restrictions for large in-person groups, and the formal meeting will be held on Saturday October 16, 2021, 9:30 to 11:00 AM, by Zoom (likely webinar format). If the Foundation decides to participate in the virtual meeting, it could be at 9:00 AM.

The formal reports and resolutions will be posted before August 29 and formally presented by zoom/ webinar at the AGM.

July E-Blast

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Stay tuned for upcoming announcement of format and date!

USE OF ISLANDS: NEW SIGNAGE!

The islands on Lac Heney are used by lake residents from time to time. In order to preserve the land and provide guidance on use we have placed signage on several islands. Please respect the signage and help protect our islands.

HIGH WATER LEVELS

Both Municipalities (Lac-Sainte-Marie and Gracefield) are aware of the beaver dam problem and of the resulting high water level of Lac Heney. The dams were manually taken down once again last Thursday and water is running again at the lake outlet. However, the beavers rebuild the destroyed sections of the dams regularly, so both municipalities are working together to find a solution and correct the situation.

BLUE-GREEN ALGAE

Blue-green algae or cyanobacteria are a natural phenomenon occurring in freshwater bodies. The amount of available nutrients (especially phosphorus and nitrogen) can determine the growth rate and quantity of algae present in a water body. Phosphorus and nitrogen can enter the water in many ways:

  • Soil erosion and poor run-off prevention. ENCOURAGE AND MAINTAIN PLANTS AT THE WATER’S EDGE – Please do NOT mow the lawn near the shoreline!
  • Use of fertilizers on lawns and farm fields. DO NOT FERTILIZE.
  • Poor maintenance of septic systems
  • Detergents and phosphate soaps. READ LABELS BEFORE YOU BUY SOAPS. PHOSPHATE FREE!!
  • Grass clippings and leaves blown directly into the water. PICK UP CLIPPINGS IF YOU MUST CUT.
  • **Pet waste. SEE BELOW.
  • Removal of weeds from shallow water at the shore. DO NOT REMOVE PLANTS TO CLEAR A BEACH.

Managing pet waste

Pet waste contains bacteria, potential pathogens, and nutrients. This can reduce opportunities for swimming, fishing, and other lake activities, while contributing to the growth of aquatic plants and blue- green algae. While it may not seem like a big deal if your dog ‘contributes’ some waste to the neighbourhood environment, consider how many homes have a pet. PICK UP AFTER YOUR PET.