North Kawartha Township News – Turtle Crossing Alert
6/6/2024 9:39:46 AM
Please be aware of turtles crossing roads through North Kawartha, especially during warmer months. Your safety and the safety of other drivers is top priority. If you see a turtle on the road, please do not stop your car in the middle of the road or walk into direct traffic.
When handling smaller turtles, gently pick them up behind their front legs and move them in the direction they were heading. Snapping turtles can be aggressive, so use something long and sturdy to guide them to their destination.
If you cannot stop to help a crossing turtle, please try to avoid hitting the turtles by slowing down and steering around them, where possible. Cautious driving can help protect the turtles!
If you find an injured turtle, contact the Ontario Turtle Conversation Centre at 705-741-5000. They operate a turtle hospital that treats and released injured turtles.
Welcome back to the cottage. Spring made an early appearance this year, with warnings about bears leaving their dens earlier than usual. But now spring is rapidly disappearing making way for summer. Yeah!
Governance
AGM
The AGM will be held on Saturday June 8th from 10am until noon at NKCC. See you all there!
Agenda:
Welcome
Treasurer Report
Presidential Nomination
Lake Steward Nomination
Water Quality Report
Fire Committtee Report
Boating and PFD Awareness
Events in 2024
Paddle Palooza/Food Drive
Regatta / Corn Roast
Shoreline Management
Invasive Species Awareness
Kawartha Highlands Park Report
North Kawartha Mayoral Insights
The Executive
The Looncall Lake Cottagers Association was formed in the mid 1900’s to represent the interests of property owners and to help protect the lake for current and future generations of cottagers. Every year new development and environmental threats put additional stresses on this valuable resource. We need your support and as a member you can help ensure the vitality of this beautiful lake.
How do we make a difference?
We monitor water quality in the lake by taking samples and by performing underwater vegetation studies
We organize and support social events and presentations for members and residents of the lake
We play an active role in local politics and voice your developmental and environmental concerns
We participate in the larger provincial network of lake associations
We purchase equipment to enhance safety on Looncall Lake as funding allows
Two positions, the President and the Lake Steward, are open for nominations this year. The votes will take place at the AGM. The sitting President will become the Past President following the vote.
Role of the President
The President is the “leader” of the Executive Committee. The role of the President is to:
Serve as chairperson in meetings of the Executive and in all meetings of the membership
Seek consensus in making decisions of the Executive
Avoid the interference of personal agendas
Lead the Executive in the selection of contractors and professionals that will serve the needs of the Association
Seek the input and communication of the member
Exercise fiduciary duty (duty of care) in the management of the Association’s business
Promote a sense of community by supporting open communication through whatever means available, encouraging member participation and making him/herself available to the membership.
Role of the Lake Steward
The Lake Steward leads association in guardianship of the lake. The Lake Steward is responsible for:
Conducting the Lake Partner Program (LPP) water sampling in May
Conduct regular Secchi disc readings throughout the season (every 2-3weeks), and mail to Dorset (LPP) in November
Attend annual NORKLA Lake Stewards meetings hosted by Doug Wellman and report back to LCLCA
Report to LCLCA AGM on Water Quality based on LPP and Trent University test results
Maintain the water quality data (past and present) and update to show trends for web site
Familiarize yourself with Aquatic Invasive Species (plant and animal) and facilitate their identification
Familiarize yourself with cottager practices that will impact water quality (e.g. Shorelines, septic systems) and share best practices with the community
Cottage Association Fees
Fees are $40 this year.
What do you get for your money:
FOCA Membership – providing us with a broader view of lake health and cottage issue awareness, the fees have increased in recent years
NORKLA Membership – access to lake health data, North Kawartha view of cottaging (Invasive Species, Septic data, etc.)
Community donations
Meeting in NKCC for a fee
Cover the Regatta games costs
Services and materials used to communicate to all cottagers
Equipment to benefit all cottagers
Cottager List
Do you need your cottage neighbour’s contact information? email info@looncalllake.ca to request a copy
Lost and Found?
Have you lost something? Found something? email info@looncalllake.ca and we’ll post on the Facebook page.
Community
Fire Pump Committee
The fire pump purchase is imminent. The fire committee is finalizing the guidelines and procedures for the maintenance and training on the fire equipment, including responses to the questions you sent in, along with a set of cottage fire prevention practices. In addition, a web page is being constructed to make this information easily accessible (a link will be sent once it is published).
Henry Decock, Fire Pump Committee Chair
Events
Paddle Palooza and Food Drive
The Paddle Palooza and Food Drive will be held on June 29th starting at 10:30am. Paddle the lake with your friends and family. Greet lake friends at their docks and support the community by bringing non-perishable food to the drop off points for donation to the Apsley food Bank.
Regatta and Corn Roast
We are looking forward to the Regatta and Corn Roast on August 3rd, and welcome all volunteers. We will have more information at the AGM.
On the Water
Loon Report
Loons were seen on almost every day in the summer of 2024. Sadly, we witnessed a loon death on the lake last year. The cause of the death is unknown. Please take care to watch out for loons in the water and do not fish with lead.
Thanks to Sue Murray for leading this program for Loon Call Lake and reporting to Birds Canada on our behalf.
Boating and PFD Stats – Stay Safe
More marine fatalities occur on small, non-motorized watercraft than you may expect. A marine fatality is considered any event caused by entering the water involuntarily – primarily falling overboard, and capsizing; far fewer were due to collisions.
Some stats:
The largest proportion (92%) of fatalities are male.
31% of fatalities involved alcohol but only 3% are impaired… it doesn’t take much alcohol to impact you on the water!
The Lake Partner Program results for 2022 have finally been released. They appear to be working a year behind schedule. All data- Secchi disk, total phosphorus, calcium and chloride ion – are within historical values. Although the Lake Partner Program data is behind schedule and redundant to the Trent University data, it is free and the Lake Partner Program covers many more lakes than Trent does. It is beneficial to be part of the larger set of data.
The water samples for May 2024 have been collected and mailed to Dorset, the home of the Lake Partner Program.
Trent University sampled our lake on August 10, 2023. The data for chlorophyll a, Secchi disk depth, calcium, total phosphorus, dissolved organic carbon and dissolved oxygen at lake bottom are all close to our historical average, except for one, which is too good, Secchi disk depth. Trent got a Secchi disk reading of 6 metres on Loon Call Lake. 5 metres would be believable in August, but 6 metres, not so much. Apparently, the entire region showed good water quality in 2023.
Are you interested in finding out more about Lake Health. Everyone is welcome to a Lake Health Seminar at NKCC on Saturday afternoon June 8th (the same date as our AGM). The topics: Shoreline Conservation and Preventing Aquatic Invasives.
Hi All, thought you would be interested in the topics covered in the FOCA AGM. If any of them interest you, let us know and we can get you more information.
This article from Cottage Life and the Ontario Government
Ontario government advises caution as bears come out of hibernation early due to mild winter
BY LEYLAND ROCHESTER
Spring may have sprung early for Ontario thanks to Wiarton Willie’s expert predictions, but the cost of an early spring is sometimes not as nice as the weather. The Government of Ontario has released a statement in conjunction with the Ontario Provincial Police urging caution as black bears have started to come out of hibernation. Due to unseasonably warm winter temperatures and a lack of snowpack, bears have started to emerge from hibernation earlier than expected in some parts of the province. This has been one of the warmest winters on record for much of Ontario. The Hamilton airport reported a record-breaking 20.9°C on March 4, 2024. This has prompted some slumbering animals to end their hibernation weeks ahead of schedule. …. The Government of Ontario has opened its non-emergency, toll-free Bear Wise reporting line early this year, due to the early end of hibernation. For 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from March 1 to November 30, residents of Ontario can call 1-866-514-2327 to report a bear in their area. However, if it is an urgent emergency, call 911.
Do your part to preserve shorelines, for the long term health of our lakes.
The 2024 BASC Tree and Shrub Program is now open!
They are taking orders now for spring pick up the first week of May. Be sure to place your order soon to avoid disappointment as supplies are limited. Thank you for liking and sharing this post to spread the word! (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064860963664)
The cottage season has come to an end (for most of us). Closing is always a bit melancholy, saying goodbye to friends and the land, but what a glorious summer it was, especially with the last hurrah in tember as temperatures soared again and we were able to get out for bug free walks. We’ll close the season with some housekeeping both at the cottage and for the cottagers’ association.
Governance
Cottagers’ Association Fees in 2024
Decision: An increase of the Loon Call Lake Cottagers’ Association fees by $20, taking us from $20 to $40 will be in effect in 2024.
After much deliberation and in consideration that fees have not been increased since at least 1986, while other costs have gone up significantly in that time; and that $20 is less than the price of gas to reach the lake for many cottagers, the LCLCA Executive have unanimously put forward this increase.
We do look for grants where possible (e.g. the Planting Palooza in 2021), and will continue to do so.
What do you get for your money and what have we added recently:
FOCA Membership – providing us with a broader view of lake health and cottage issue awareness, the fees have increased in recent years
NORKLA Membership – access to lake health data, North Kawartha view of cottaging (Invasive Species, Septic data, etc.)
+ Meeting in NKCC for a fee (more feasible than peoples‘ cottages (distant past) and Legion Hall (hot, hot, hot))
+ The Regatta games costs have been absorbed by the organizer (Scott Phillips). While we are thankful to Scott for his generosity, funding the regatta is a more sustainable model.
+ Funding is required for services and materials used to communicate to all cottagers (e.g. Web site, posters). Often the cost is absorbed by the person doing the work
+ Funding is required for equipment to benefit all cottagers and our (e.g. Fire Pumps, other proposed projects under consideration)
Your LCLCA Executive
AGM 2024
The AGM turnout in June was better than we expected and we heard lots of positive reviews of the earlier date. And, with earlier warning, we understand that even more people will be able to attend.The AGM will be held on the 2nd Saturday in June for AGMs going forward.
Mark your calendar for the 2024 AGM on Saturday, June 8th, 2024.
LCLCA Executive and Volunteer Opportunities
There have been no changes in the executive this year.
We do have interest from some Loon Callers who will be added to the executive next year. As well, preparation is underway in advance of a turnover in presidents in 2025.
Volunteers are warmly welcomed. Please reach out to learn the many ways you can help.
Thank you to everyone who voted in the electronic poll. 78% of the respondents approved the expenditure for a fire pump.
The committee of six cottagers has drafted a set of guidelines and procedures for the maintenance and training on the equipment, including responses to the questions you sent in, along with a set of cottage fire prevention practices, all of which will be made available to the Loon Call Lake community through the website and email communication.
Over the winter, the fire pump committee will purchase the fire pump and related equipment in time for summer 2024.
Look for further information in the spring newsletter and at the annual AGM.
Community
Drive Safely
Please remember that many Loon Callers, pets, and friends of all ages and agility, are walking on the roads this time of year, enjoying the colours and the fall air. Cars share the roads with people. Please, Slow Down,Sound Your Horn on tricky turns and hills to signal that you are approaching. Keep everyone safe.
Event Wrap Up
– Paddle Palooza and Food Drive / Regatta and Corn Roast
Following the Paddle Palooza (so thankfully renamed from the Pandemic Paddle), we donated two very large, very full, bins of food to the Kawartha Food Bank. They were so happy to receive these donations and send their appreciation to all Loon Callers.
The Regatta and Corn Roast attendance was record breaking this year. It is so great to see these crowds again. Thanks again to Scott for many years of Regatta fun, and to Erin who has volunteered to run them in the future.
Do you have photos from the Regatta and Corn Roast? Send them along so we can share them.
The Raffle proceeds of $755 were also donated to the Food Bank. This put a smile on their faces.
It came a surprise to me that not all cottagers’ associations make donations to the community. Thank you, Loon Callers. You are a very special group of people.
Obituaries
As you have seen in the notices, we have started a new tradition. So many Loon Callers make a special mention of their time at the cottage and on Loon Call Lake. It seemed fitting to pay them a special tribute on their passing. Loved ones or cottage friends are most welcome to recognize them. Just send us a note at info@looncalllake.ca and we’ll work with you.
The response to the Loon Call Lake Wear was tremendous, with requests for more. Please see the email of October 11th with instructions for how to order your apparel, or Click here to go to the Order Form.
(Note: The logo location on the Tshirt has been correct to centre front)
Order by November 14th. Pickup in Whitby.
Cottager List
We have removed last names and email contact for executives and directors from the web site to reduce the spam and scam. The cottager list now includes this information for your reference. Hardcopy lists will be available at the AGM and a link will be sent to newsletter subscribers after the AGM updates or upon request.
It was observed last year that leaves were being blown into the lake. We remind cottagers that leaves are living tissue and contain phosphate. Leaves can account for much of the excess nutrients in a lake. Thus, it is preferable to let your leaves rot/compost on land – rake them to where they will rot without being unsightly and unsafe.
Wondering: “Don’t leaves fall into the lake naturally, so isn’t this okay and natural?” Answer: “Volume! A few leaves may not tip the balance, but large quantities will.” See Lake Steward’s report for more info.
For other cottage closing tip see these helpful tips:
Wondering how to clean without harming the lake or your septic system? Jacquie Cane shares her recipe with us.
Lake Steward’s Report
by Jim Hartog
NORKLA Lake Health Meeting Report 2023
Hartog attended the NORKLA Lake Health Meeting on August 26 at the Wilson Park Community Centre on Northey’s Bay Road. This is an annual event organized by Doug Wellman as a gathering for the local lake stewards to touch base and also to hear speakers on relevant topics.
The meeting was not as well-attended as Doug would like but the Mayor, Carolyn Amyotte, was present as was Ambrose Moran, a local environment activist who doubles as a real estate agent.
Although not on the published agenda, Diane Trauzzi, Big Cedar Lake, opened the meeting with news on the status of the application for a three-year, $750 000 grant from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to cover the purchase and maintenance of boat clean/drain/dry stations for local lakes. These are solar-powered, on trailer, vacuum systems that can be moved from lake to lake and will have “attendants” present to help the boaters. Cedar Lake has everything bad, zebra mussels, Eurasian milfoil, spiny water flea and starry stonewort, so it has a vested interest in boat cleaning stations. One of the points of discussion was if the stations should be on “clean” lakes for protection or on “dirty” lakes to stop the spread of invasive species. Diane has received a lot of support for her work and she hopes that the application will be successful.
At this point, local lake stewards in attendance gave a short update on their lake. Hartog reported that all is well on Loon Call Lake in terms of Secchi Disc readings, Trent U testing and the Lake Partner Program testing. Loon Call Lake has escaped the Cedar Lake problems with our unfavourable to some invasive species water chemistry and good luck. Chandos Lake has no invasive species even though the conditions good for them. Jack Lake reported that they may have a mercury problem. The new Wolf Lake steward was in attendance.
The first key-note speaker was Dr. Norman Yan who gave a dissertation on the causes of an algal bloom on Dickson Lake which is in Algonquin Park. This is a pristine lake that has no business having an algal bloom. Dr. Yan covered all the factors that likely contributed to the bloom. These include spiny water fleas, high water temperature, decreased calcium, increased chloride and development (fertilizer). Much of his presentation described the battle between the algae and the zooplankton that eat the algae. The best scenario is to have conditions bad for the algae and good for the zooplankton so that the zooplankton wins!
The second speaker was Paul McInnes, who is the chair of the Coalition of Haliburton Property Owners Association (CHA) which now has scores of lakes represented. His message was that the maintenance of a natural shoreline is paramount to lake health. At least 75% (more is better) natural shoreline is needed to protect a lake from deleterious runoff. Unfortunately, the average cottage lake can only claim about 50% natural shoreline. The other high priority is the good maintenance septic systems on the lake. He mentioned that laundry facilities and dish washing machines are not good for septic systems because to the powerful detergents involved. Reclaiming a distressed lake is much more difficult than protecting the lake from problems in the first place. Much was said about getting local political bodies and companies on board with protecting the environment by implementing environmentally friendly bylaws versus development at all costs.
The last presentation, also unscheduled, was from Mike Gibbs of ESSE Canada. This is a company based in Brantford but works province wide to provide invasive septic system inspections that include cameras in pipes and digging in the leaching bed.
More on Septic System Health
Septic system construction is regulated under the Ontario Building Code, but maintenance, including pumping and inspection, is a homeowner responsibility.
Take action to ensure your septic system is in good working order:
have a licensed technician inspect the system, pump out the tank, and install an effluent filter
remind visitors to avoid putting anything down the drain that might interfere with the system function (examples include: coffee grounds, food scraps, tampons, applicators, flushable wipes, condoms, anti-bacterials, solvents)
remind everyone to conserve water – large volumes can overload the system and cause failure!
There are varying opinions on the use of septic system additives: Some people use Septobac – a septic system treatment that is said to be environmentally friendly and helps to prevent septic backup by helping to breakdown waste. Research and decide for yourself.
Hello Loon Callers, the presentation and minutes have been distributed. Please let me know if you did not receive it. If you would like to receive Loon Call Lake news, please use the subscribe button found at the very bottom any of our web pages.
