Phragmites Eradication is Coming! Tender Process is Open until October 19, 2019
The amazing phragmites group has received funding to hire people to use saws for the removal of phrags around the lake.
Click here to see the document and all the details as well as contact information. They are accepting bids for this work just until October 19, 2019. |
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Blue-Green Algae Update
Blue-green algae was positively identified in a number of locations on the lake at the end of a few recent summers, causing great concern and potential health risks to people and pets who come in contact with the water. Whether you can see the algae or not, swimming in or washing with the water when the bacteria is present can cause serious illness.
All residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the appearance of blue-green algae and the health consequences of exposure to it at https://www.ontario.ca/page/blue-green-algae or http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/topics/safewater/beachwater/bluegreenalgae_copy1.aspx. We encourage you to check your shorefront regularly. If you suspect you might see some blue-green algae on the lake, please immediately contact the Ministry Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060 and they will arrange to test the water promptly. As your Association we would also appreciate being notified so we can follow up and answer questions from other members. You can e-mail us at [email protected].
As your representative to local and provincial governments, we have been speaking to all levels of government to ask for stronger regulations to protect the lake and we will continue to update you on progress made. Last year we acted to to be certain an efficient protocol of notification will be followed the next time an outbreak occurs, if it does. It is the responsibility of the North-Bay Parry Sound Health Unit to advise local municipalities and they report to the media. Sundridge will further post the information on its website, Facebook page and on signs at all beaches. When we become aware, we also post the information in a "red alert" on the home page of this website and in posts on our Facebook page, Lake Bernard Property Owners Association, and our accounts on both Instagram @lbpoa and twitter @l_b_p_o_a . Follow us!
By popular demand here is an infographic to summarize key information for everyone on the lake. Feel free to share widely:
All residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the appearance of blue-green algae and the health consequences of exposure to it at https://www.ontario.ca/page/blue-green-algae or http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/topics/safewater/beachwater/bluegreenalgae_copy1.aspx. We encourage you to check your shorefront regularly. If you suspect you might see some blue-green algae on the lake, please immediately contact the Ministry Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060 and they will arrange to test the water promptly. As your Association we would also appreciate being notified so we can follow up and answer questions from other members. You can e-mail us at [email protected].
As your representative to local and provincial governments, we have been speaking to all levels of government to ask for stronger regulations to protect the lake and we will continue to update you on progress made. Last year we acted to to be certain an efficient protocol of notification will be followed the next time an outbreak occurs, if it does. It is the responsibility of the North-Bay Parry Sound Health Unit to advise local municipalities and they report to the media. Sundridge will further post the information on its website, Facebook page and on signs at all beaches. When we become aware, we also post the information in a "red alert" on the home page of this website and in posts on our Facebook page, Lake Bernard Property Owners Association, and our accounts on both Instagram @lbpoa and twitter @l_b_p_o_a . Follow us!
By popular demand here is an infographic to summarize key information for everyone on the lake. Feel free to share widely:
Lake Steward’s Report 2019
LBPOA Lake Steward Alan Burt presented a slide show to members at the 2019 AGM and took many questions and comments after the meeting. The slides can be found by clicking here.
Calcium and Phosphorous Levels
At the AGM in 2019, Lake Steward Alan Burt reported that our calcium levels are fine in Lake Bernard. Our total phosphorous levels are at the maximum level they can be in order to keep the lake trout alive in our lake. In order to keep those levels down, we need to maintain safe septic systems, stop fertilizer use and keep natural shorelines (rather than lawns) that will reduce runoff into the lake.
Invasive Species 2019 UpdateAt the Annual General Meeting in July 2019, a report was provided. The following areas on the lake were identified as key sites for invasive phragmites on Lake Bernard last year and extensive work has been done by Marilee Koenderink, Steve O’Donnell and the Phragmites Working Group. Much success has been observed - and more needs to be done this year.
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Phragmites look like this:
If you see these plants, there are VERY specific steps to remove them. DO NOT DIG THEM OUT! Contact the Phragmites Working Group at [email protected] and they will send someone over to look at your lakefront. They can even help you cut and remove stands. They have the cane cutters, machetes, saws and machinery. (Update: Funding has also been received to hire people to do this work in 2020. Again, contact Marilee for more information or for help with your waterfront.) You can Help in Many Ways! They need volunteers of all abilities to help in half day shifts even to hand out water. They also require donations to buy or rent the equipment needed and will be conducting fundraisers all summer. |
For more information at this time, we suggest you go to the Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations' 2017 guide "A Shoreline Owner's Guide to Invasive Species." It can be downloaded here: https://foca.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/FOCA_InvasiveSpecies_REV_FINAL.pdf
You can also see the Ministry of Natural Resources website at: https://dr6j45jk9xcmk.cloudfront.net/documents/2675/stdprod-089643.pdf
You can also see the Ministry of Natural Resources website at: https://dr6j45jk9xcmk.cloudfront.net/documents/2675/stdprod-089643.pdf
Advocacy on Your Behalf
In 2019 we are meeting with local officials to discuss the prevention of Blue-Green Algae and measures which can be taken at the township or village level. All parties are again reviewing the accepted science and discussing septic systems, safe shorelines, fertilizer use and more. We are also working with FOCA to ask them to take on this issue with us provincially. To share your thoughts we welcome your emails at [email protected] and look forward to seeing you each year at the Annual General Meeting. The AGM is held the Saturday morning following the Canada Day weekend each year.
We have supported the Phragmites Working Group in their efforts to recruit volunteers, raise funds and make property owners aware of the spread of this invasive species. We continue to work with them an applaud their enthusiasm and energy in tackling this troubling plant.
We have had several discussions with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and the Mayors about the health of Lake Bernard. In 2018, we held meetings with the MNRF, representatives of government and local stakeholders to discuss water levels on Lake Bernard.
A summary of key points from recent meetings is as follows:
We have supported the Phragmites Working Group in their efforts to recruit volunteers, raise funds and make property owners aware of the spread of this invasive species. We continue to work with them an applaud their enthusiasm and energy in tackling this troubling plant.
We have had several discussions with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and the Mayors about the health of Lake Bernard. In 2018, we held meetings with the MNRF, representatives of government and local stakeholders to discuss water levels on Lake Bernard.
A summary of key points from recent meetings is as follows:
- Water levels were lowered in the winter of 2018-19 because levels were causing significant shoreline damage with the ice. Improvement seems to have been noted.
- The erosion of land into the lake increases the levels of phosphorous in the water, and this is a leading contributor to blue-green algae. If we can reduce the erosion, it may reduce the phosphorous levels and therefore reduce the occurrence of blue-green algae.
- Mayor Hall indicated at our 2018 Annual General Meeting that the municipalities are considering legislating mandatory septic system checks in order to protect the viability of the lake and the tourism industry on Lake Bernard. If you support this initiative, we would encourage you to email him at [email protected]. At the 2019 AGM new councillor Marianne Stickland suggested residents call the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority to report unsafe practices on the lake (such as residents who do not have septic systems, or safe septic systems) in order to protect Lake Bernard.
How Does my Membership in the LBPOA Help?
Water levels, shoreline erosion, blue/green algae and invasive species continue to be of serious concern to residents on the lake. As your representative to all levels of government, the LBPOA continues to try and give us all a voice with the Ministry to keep our lake clean and beautiful. To be heard, though, we need YOUR support! The more people on the lake we connect with and speak for, the more support we will get from the Ministry. In order to protect our lake, the LBPOA absolutely needs your input and support.
2013 Lake Bernard Conservation Guide
For more information on protecting and caring for the health of our lake, find the LBPOA-created Lake Bernard Conservation Guide here!
Depth Map
Here’s an interesting map of Lake Bernard from the Ministry of Natural Resources (2011) we thought you might be interested in.