Gypsy Moths – What Can You Do?

Your Loon Call Lake Executive thought you would be interested in a communication between cottagers Heather Thornton and Tom Parsons;  and Mike Brown, Park Biologist – Kawartha Highlands Signature Site Park. You may be seeing Gypsy Moths near your cottage and wonder what you can or should do about them.  Mike will be visiting the Heather and Tom. We will update this posting with any outcomes of that meeting.

Heather Thornton and Tom Parsons (329 Fire Route 57) reported the following:

We would like to report a Gypsy moth infestation in our surrounding
cottage area on the northwest side of Looncall Lake in the Apsley
area. This is also within the Kawartha Highlands Provincial park area.

We noticed a significant increase in moths and then egg masses on  our trees last summer. We attempted to collect and burn as many egg masses as possible from the Fall to Spring (thousands of them). While we think we did reduce the number in our immediate cottage area, we are seeing devastation of oaks, white pine and many other  species(including our treasured blueberry bushes) in the surrounding area. We are literally taking hundreds of Caterpillars off of each limb of trees in order to stop total defoliation but this seems to be in vain. We have also wrapped many of our trees with burlap as another method which has also helped a bit.

We have read about pheromone traps and flakes but not sure about the efficacy of this method and unable to find a source. As you may be aware, this area area was hit by a previous gypsy moth infestation approximately 22 years ago resulting in the death of thousands of oak trees. We understand that the immediate Looncall lake area was sprayed, saving trees close to the lake. We know that spraying is controversial but wanted to provide some background. Any further information or contacts would be greatly appreciated.

Today (June 22nd) Heather and Tom added:

Unfortunately the caterpillar situation is getting worse by the day and we are seeing total defoliation of some oaks and significant infestation of white pines. Last night the forest was alive with caterpillar chewing noises. It is very unsettling to ‘hear’ the trees being eaten. Luckily the fireflies were also around to cheer us up :).

We had a dock visit from our friend, Terry Rees, who also happens to be the president of FOCA, on the weekend. He reported the same situation with a Gypsy moth infestation on Kasshabog lake where his family cottage is, on the other side of Apsley. He has sourced some pheremone traps to try but unfortunately they are back ordered right now.  We are on a waiting list. Hopefully we are reaching the peak and we will have a very cold winter to kill them off.

Mike Brown | Park Biologist – Kawartha Highlands Signature Site Park responded:

… our counterparts with MNRF’s Forest Health Monitoring Program have indicated that reports of large-scale Gypsy moth larvae infestations are starting to filter in now. Gypsy moth were introduced to Ontario in the early 1980’s, and have cyclic populations that fluctuate every 7-10 years. Their populations experience a regular and predictable collapse due to a build up of viruses during peak population years that cause widespread mortality. It seems that we are in one of those years of peak abundance.

I reached out to some folks from MNRF’s Forest Health Monitoring Program, and they provided me with some context surrounding Gypsy moth monitoring and control. The Province of Ontario is not carrying out aerial spray operations to control Gypsy moth, however, disturbance information from Gypsy moth (and all other forest pests) in Ontario is collected annually through aerial surveys and made available to the public through reports. MNRF will be collecting defoliation data in early July. I know this likely isn’t the response that you’re interested in, but Private land / woodlot owners have the option of paying for a registered pesticide application company to spray their trees with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis – a soil-borne bacteria), and teaming up with other private landowners with infestations to reduce costs.

MNRF recommends the burlap wrap method to trap congregating larvae, which you are already doing. This isn’t applicable to your situation right now, but extended winter days of extreme cold are also useful at destroying overwintering larvae in egg masses above the snow line.

Some of Ontario’s intact forest tracts are quite resilient to forest pests, even during population peaks, and can withstand mass defoliation events. I wish I could be of more help, but I think your best bet may be to continue the burlap trapping that you’re conducting, if you wish to continue. I’m interested in coming to see the area of infestation to make a few observations and take some photos. I’ll plan to have a look at some KHSSP property near your cottage this week.

Update July 2nd:

WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW?

The LCLCA executive is looking into further possible actions and will send updates. 

Some photos of the devastation:

FOCA Elert – June 2020

Another FOCA ELert has been issued for June 2020. While we will likely not post all Elerts, as you are able to subscribe to Elerts from the foca web site, with Covid-19 and the impact on cottaging we are keeping information front and centre this year.

Short term rentals are now allowed, travel to Canada for cottagers coming from the US is still not permissible. Lake water programs are on hold. And much more.

Please click her to find the June Elert

Special FOCA Members’ Elert – June 2020

During these extraordinary times, FOCA continues our work on behalf of lake and rural road Associations all across the province, and the thousands of families they represent.


While our physical office remains closed, our staff and Board of Directors continue to work digitally, in support of FOCA’s vision of thriving and sustainable waterfronts across Ontario.

This update is being sent to the executive representatives of all our member Associations and to our Supporters, to keep you informed about FOCA’s work, as well as all the services and benefits available because of your ongoing support of FOCA.

We encourage member Associations to share this information with all your member families, to help them understand the value of your annual FOCA membership. Please contact us if you need additional information for an upcoming AGM or newsletter. 

Thank you for being part of the solution for waterfront Ontario!

Sincerely,
Deanna PanitzFOCA Membership & Programs Coordinatorinfo@foca.on.ca   705-749-3622 *  https://foca.on.ca  * Note: voicemail is only being checked occasionally, at this time.

Click here for the full eLert

Loon Call Lake – Spring Newsletter #2 – 2020

 May 21 2020

Margi Colquhoun

Hi Everyone

We hope this letter continues to find you healthy!  It has been quite easy to stay home during the time of Covid 19, since the weather felt more like late winter than May until this week. I am in the city on the holiday Monday reminding myself that the trees and flowers need the rain.

The LCLCA Executive held a meeting on May 7th. The minutes can be found on the website by clicking here.

Breaking News:

Annual General Meeting

As you probably expected, the AGM is cancelled this year due to Covid 19.  We will communicate with you via emails and the website.

The decision regarding the regatta and corn roast are delayed until mid-June.

Travel to Cottage

There is a good you tube video FOCA Cottages in the FOCA Update forwarded to you a few days ago which addresses trips to cottages in our area. Please listen to it. An important thing we can do to respect the townspeople is to order online or by phone and use curbside pick-up. The Apsley stores are all set up for curbside service.

It is preferred that cottagers self-quarantine for 14 days at their properties when they return to the lake. Please take the supplies from your home in order to comply.  The people in Apsley do welcome our business and are ready for us, but the province continues to ask that we exercise caution and respect.

Governance:

New Executive for LCLCA

As you know Syd Bowcott stepped down and we thank him for all of his years as secretary.  Roger van Katwijk, has stepped down as Vice President but continues to lead the Corn Roast. We are very fortunate to have three new volunteers to serve on the executive this year.

  • Vickie Hartog is going to become Communications/Secretary
  • Henry Decock will serve as Vice President (formerly Member at Large)
  • Breanne Wells will become a the Member-at-Large
  • James Boyd will remain a Member-at-Large and  support Corn Roast

THANKS TO OUR EXECUTIVE MEMBERS THAT ARE LEAVING US AND JOINING US!!!

We will provide more info about our new executive members in the next newsletter.

Area Directors

We normally confirm Area Directors name at the AGM.  Please let us know (email president@looncalllake.ca)  whether you are willing to continue for the upcoming year!

This is our current list:

LotsFire RouteName
1 to 7 & XO’s 1 to 455 & 56Bill McRae
8 to 1855Helen Yielding
19 to 2755JP Pawliw
28 to 3958FMargaret Adkins
40 to 5258FSue and Ross Murray
53 to 6458G &  58DLeslie or Neil Guyatt
65 to 68 & Island57 & IslandHeather Thornton
69 to 7757AReiner Stimming

Collection of Dues

The executive agreed to continue collecting Loon Call Cottagers Association dues for the coming year. Any excess funds in the future can be reimbursed to the members in other ways, such as free access to the corn roast.  Please send the $20.00 dues by e-transfer to Janice Manias (janicemanias@hotmail.com), in your comments please identify your cottage lot number. Alternatively, you can drop it off at Janice’s dock on the July 1st weekend.

Communications:

Website

Vickie Hartog is monitoring the use of the updated Looncall Lake website. It is very exciting that traffic to the website increased from 3 or 4 to between 45 and 50 views immediately after the announced launch in the last newsletter. Visitors can still send any corrections by using the Contact Us link on the site.

Notes about posting:

  • Anything critical is displayed on the Notice Board
  • External announcement are directed to links rather than paraphrasing
  • If Road associations provide material using the Contact Us link it will be posted in the Latest News
  • Pictures of activities on Loon Call are always welcome! See instructions in the Contact Us link
  • You can subscribe to communications via the Subscribe link on the footer of the website. You can unsubscribe via any email you receive.

Welcome Book

The Executive considered printing the Welcome Book but determined that an online version was the initial vision and people who wish to print it are easily able to print from the website.

Taking Care of the Lake:

Water Testing

Jim Hartog will continue with the regular testing of the lake as in previous years. If he gets results from the Park and Township that can be shared they will be on the website and in the next newsletter.

Light Pollution

Light pollution – Cottagers are reminded that solar lights that are on all night create problems for wildlife and sometimes annoying to other cottagers. They affect our ability to see the night sky which is amazing to enjoy when we are at the cottage. We hope you will consider installing on/off switches for exterior lighting. Orange lights or caps over the lights are preferred. On our website and in the Shoreline Assessment there are questions and recommendations related to lighting.

Loons Nesting

Tips for taking Care of the Loons:

The loons are back and we would love to see them have chicks again! Their nests are easily flooded by waves created by boat wakes.

  • Watch loons from at least 200 feet away. Get a powerful lens for your camera, use binoculars or a spotting scope, and never explore a loon nest site. Close encounters can be deadly for swimming and nesting loons.
  • Avoid exploring or camping on islands before July 15 of each year. Loons prefer islands for nesting. Disturbance can cause a loon to abandon its nest.
  • Dispose of household garbage at a collection site. Garbage draws raccoons, foxes, gulls, and eagles, which prey on loon eggs. Trash can also ensnare wildlife, including loons.
  • Be an ethical angler. Never fish or cast near loon nests or swimming loons, properly dispose of extra bait and trash, and pick up monofilament line.
  • Keep dogs and cats away from loons and nests. Pets disturb nesting loons and can destroy loon eggs.
  • Be a responsible boater. Never chase loons or run motorboats or personal watercraft over areas where loons have been seen (both bays!) Loons and loon chicks have died from being hit by boats and pro­pellers. Boat wakes and waves may also wash eggs off of nests.
  • Practice and teach wildlife stewardship…always!

Gypsy Moths

We will be invaded by Gypsy Moths this year at Loon Call.  Even though some people have collected hundreds of egg masses (particularly Heather Thornton), at this stage if cottagers wish to minimize damage done by the voracious caterpillars you should wrap your trees in burlap with a fold to catch the caterpillars as they crawl up the tree.

There are several websites to help you see what you can do to protect your trees. Here is one: Canada Gypsy moths

Have a Happy and Safe Summer,

See you at the Cottage even if we can just wave,

Hugs from your Loon Call Lake Cottage Association Executive

FOCA Elert – May 2020

Topics covered in the latest Elert:

  1. Safe waterfront living during the pandemic:
    1. Please watch this video prior to the weekend! youtu.be/ovrgCzVtK-c.
  2. Advocacy , Policy and Program Updates
    1. Lake Partnership Program
    2. 2020 FOCA Invasive Species Program
    3. Electricity News
  3. FOCA Webinar –
    1. Recap from May 6th Association Governance during the Pandemic (available until May 19th)
    2. Next Webinar – Cottage Succession Planning – Keeping the Cottage in the Family – you must pre-register
  4. Other Topics:
    1. Toolkit for Lake Associations
    2. Water Levels
    3. Watch out for turtles
    4. Safety and Risk Management
    5. Boating Safety
    6. Rideau and Trent-Severn Waterway Survey

Link to the Elerts

Remember, you can subscribe to get Elerts automatically, by signing up here

Covid-19 Updates

As updates come available we will continue to post links in the Latest News. Our approach is to use links to point you to information in external sites, rather than directly publishing information, unless it is specific to Loon Call Lake.

North Kawartha has published a Covid-19 Newsletter, it can be found here: https://www.northkawartha.ca/en/resources/COVID-19-Pandemic-Newsletter-1.pdf

FOCA has sent Covid-19 updates, they can be found here: https://foca.on.ca/covid-19-update-from-foca/

Road Association News – 58F

The 58F Road Committee met and John McGrath has sent the road association newsletter out. Road fees for the 2020 year are due now.  The committee has decided to collect the same fees as in 2018. Please send a cheque made out to Loon Call Lake Road Association 58F (LCLRA for short) to John or you can e-transfer (contact John for the email address).

(The full newsletter with financial information is available from John).

Road Association Presidents: If you would like a synopsis of your Road Association to be included in Latest News, use the Contact Us page to reach us and we will let you know where to send your information.

Kawartha Lakes Climate Change Report

A message from the Kawartha Lakes Steward Association Chair.

KLSA has compiled the projections on changes to the physical and biological environment here in the Kawarthas, as a result of climate change.

The report can be found on our website. To review the Climate Change report, click on the following link Climate Change and the Kawarthas 2020 or check out the KLSA website home page post  here .  

Also, we have cancelled our spring meeting.  The fall meeting is scheduled for Saturday Oct 3rd, Lakehurst.  Dr. Brian Gin will be the keynote speaker.

FOCA Covid-19 Update

There were many items of discussion on the April 14th webinar. They can be found on the FOCA website Covid-19.

Some highlights (which are in constant flux) include:

  • Some jurisdictions, including North Kawartha are providing tax relief. See North Kawartha website
  • MPAC assessment will not be done in 2020 meaning we will pay taxes on the same valuation as this year
  • Electricity pricing: time of use pricing is on hold for now and we pay lowest price all day
  • There are fewer hydro employees out on the road and repairs to power lines after storms will take longer
  • The province has a blanket fire ban in place
  • Marinas and boat launches are not considered essential and are closed at this time

As everyone is aware news changes daily and there are many ways to keep informed.

I will be having a Zoom Executive meeting and we will discuss the 2020 AGM.

Keep Well!

Margi