Be sure to explore the latest edition of Eagle Eye. 

On June 8th, The Eagle Lake Conservation Association (ELCA),  partnered with the Machar Township to hold a workshop on blue-green algae. Please read the NorthBayNippsing.com’s article that provides highlights from the workshop, and recommendations on what each of us can do to help prevent blue-green algae on Eagle Lake.

Click here: Blue-green algae, climate change and what it means to Almaguin

Michael Mitchell, President, Eagle Lake Conservation Association

Thanks Jim White for the photo of the lake in November 2017!

Thanks Jim White for the photo of the lake in November 2017!

Be sure to check out the latest edition of the Eagle Eye! In this edition you will see an update on:

• The Code Red Alert
• Invasive Phragmites on the lake
• Lake Stewart report
• The date for our next AGM Social!

Reach out to the ELCA with any questions, comments or concerns and enjoy the winter season!

On Friday, September 22 the North Bay- Parry Sound District Public health unit issued a blue-green algae warning for Eagle Lake. The full advisory can be found here.

Photo of blue gree algae taken from Eagle Lake in the Fall of 2017.

The water was tested by the Ministry of the Environment and blue-green algae bacteria was found. Chunks of algae ranging in size from small peas to bread plates have been seen floating in and out of Angus Bay and Mikisew Provincial park. Toxins were not present at the time of testing but with the very warm weather it is likely that the algae came in bloom. The Health Unit will not re-test the water again this year.

In subsequent phone calls, the public health unit advised us that to be safe, no one on the lake should be ingesting water or using it for cooking. Do not eat fish from the lake. The bacteria can be spread throughout the lake by the wind moving the water around. Boiling the water does not kill the toxins.

Swimming, bathing and showering in lake water should be avoided especially in the south basin.

We have been told that algae can survive cold winter temperatures so it is not clear when the water will be safe again. Blue green algae has been seen in other lakes under the ice.

A few years ago, when the lake water was tested by the association, the clarity was six metres. There has been obvious deterioration as the clarity is now only two metres.
Management of blue-green algae is a complex issue and requires the participation of all the lake residents. The Eagle Lake Association is looking into how best to control it for future years.

Algae is caused by the use of fertilizers, shampoo, bathing in the lake and faulty septic systems. With all the rain we’ve experienced this summer there has been a lot of run off into the lake. Please do not use fertilizers, bath in the lake, and, consider testing your septic system. We all need to work together to manage this very disturbing development. There were some sightings of algae in August 2016 but it wasn’t in bloom. Because of this no warning was issued. We have been told that algae is generally worse when the weather is warm. So warmer summers in the future may trigger algae earlier in the prime cottage season.

We all love this lake so let’s all do our parts to protect the lake.

We will investigate best practices for remediation and report back to everyone later this fall.

Please feel free to use our Contact page if you would like to reach out to the association directly.

Sincerely,
Michael Mitchell, President
Eagle Lake Conservation Association.

Catch up with the community on the lake and learn about how we are celebrating Canada Day, hear the journey of a dog named Solo, receive an update from the Lake Steward, learn more about invasive phragmites on the lake, understand potential insurance savings, find out where to pick up a copy of the 5th annual calendar and more!

2017 – June

Don’t forget to renew your membership for 2017!

Mark your calendars and join us at the Highlander Brewery for the AGM and Social!

Feel free to contact the ELCA if you are having trouble viewing the newsletter.

DID YOU KNOW SOUTH RIVER AND SUNDRIDGE HAVE AN AIRPORT IN THEIR BACKYARD?

Join CALLE on June 4th for “Where is the Airport?” at the Joly Airport in the airport terminal. Be sure to arrive at 9am to enjoy a pancake and sausage breakfast for only $6/person. Gary Blanchett lead the discussion on the 85+ year history of the local airport.

Due to the amount of rainfall over the last few days on Eagle Lake, the ditches, where the majority of the trash accumulates, are filled with water. This makes the litter pick up challenging to complete.

Please accept the ELCA’s apology for cancelling the litter pick-up event this year.

See everyone on the lake soon!

Here is hoping everyone had a very Happy Easter! For those of you who have not made it up to the cottage in the last few weeks, the snow is practically gone! In the last six days, we have seen the ice on the lake recede considerably from shore at the Narrows and the southern basin. This past weekend we officially entered spring as the last of the ice on the lake melted.

The ELCA is looking forward to spring. We are also looking forward to our Annual Litter pick up on Saturday, May 6th, 2017. Join us at the Narrows at 9am to participate in this event. Expect to get an assigned pick-up area, pair up with a friend, grab a set of garbage bags and head off to clean up our community for summer. Please remember to bring a pair of work gloves. This is also a great event for students looking for community service hours as well as the Board of the ELCA can sign off on hours!

Afterwards join us back at the Narrows for a light lunch and refreshments. In the meantime, let’s all hope for good weather.

Time to get ready for Spring!

The February edition of Eagle Eye is now available. Learn about the Restore Your Shore initiative, hear an update on the boat launch, learn about the testing on phragmites and join at for a pint at the Highlands to celebrate our AGM this year in mid-July!

Be sure to mark your calendars for May 6th to help keep our environment beautiful at the annual litter pick-up. Lunch provided!

Questions or concerns? Contact the ELCA.

The newest edition of the Eagle Eye newsletter is now available. Hear an update on wildlife on the water and the new plans for our 2017 AGM (hint, hint, we are supporting a local business and raising a glass!).

The ELCA would like to wish all members and their families love, health and happiness in 2017.