Sunday August 29 Chez Malo 11-2 pm (306 Chemin du Lac Ste Marie)

The watershed association will host our annual BBQ on Sunday August 29 from 11 am -2 pm at Chez Malo (former Pub McVey), 306 Chemin du Lac Ste Marie. Lunch will be provided. The Association will provide the meal and the first drink, either a soft drink, a glass of wine or a beer. Others can be purchased for $2 for a soft drink and $6 for a glass of wine or beer.

Members or those wishing to join are asked to drop-in. Space is limited at Chez Malo and thus only up to two members of a household can be accommodated. RSVP to Membership Director Liz Stirling aplh@yahoo.com.

• Meet other watershed association members.
• Join the association and become a member for $35. (cheques or cash only)
• Chat with members of the Board about watershed issues.

There will not be a formal presentation at the BBQ. However information on water quality, environmental stewardship and ongoing communications plans will be made available. Check the website for details or to join online.
NOTE: Information on how to register to vote in the upcoming municipal elections will also be available.

See you on August 29!!

While the Association has concluded it is more practical to move the formal AGM to a virtual basis this year, we are looking forward to ensuring that the Foundation and Association membership can meet our Boards in-person at the barbecue. This event will be maintained, unless we can’t for reasons beyond our control, on August 29 at approximately 11 AM to 2 PM. The planning committee are working to identify a venue and format that meets current restrictions.

Recognizing that the situation might change, we hope that we can define an event that will allow for important networking and consultation with our members. The formal reports and resolutions will be posted before August 29 and the Foundation and Association Boards of Directors will be there to discuss the reports and gain members’ input, they will be formally presented by zoom/ webinar at the AGM.

As in previous years the food will be provided by the Association, however venue licensing requirements for beverages might be different. We plan to have membership and merchandise tables set up for members’ convenience. 

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. 

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.