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.