The Ministry of the Environment’s test results have confirmed the presence of anabaena, a species of blue-green algae (sometimes known as Cyanobacteria). This is a species that can produce toxins in the water. In sufficient concentrations these toxins can cause health problems. The health warning will stay in effect until further notice.
lake
Environmental WorkShop July 16th 10:00 am, at the Church
Algae! Doh!
On Saturday morning we’ll be hosting an informative meeting with multiple presentations. All deal with issues revolving around the health of our lake. The main event will be an Algae Workshop, presented by Dr. Emily Porter-Goff, who is heading up a two year study on algae in our lakes. The study was commissioned by the Kawartha Lakes Stewards Association and sponsored by the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Dr. Porter-Goff will discuss the important role that algae play in the lake’s ecosystem. Algae can also cause problems, and these will be discussed too. We will also get a chance to look at samples of common algae in our lake. You can even bring in water samples from the lake or your property so that Dr. Porter-Goff can identify it right there with her microscope!
In addition to the algae workshop, the morning’s agenda includes three other short presentations:
- Update on the Sturgeon Lake Management Plan (David Pridham Kawartha Conservation)
- Update on the Lindsay-Ops Landfill (Chris Appleton, Public Review Committee, Lindsay-Ops Landfill)
- Special presentation by Mayor Ric Mcgee on the CoKL’s environmental initiatives.
There will be coffee and refreshments will be served after the presentations. See you Saturday!
Beach Testing Results
An astute reader of this blog pointed out that our Beach Testing Results link on our Links Page wasn’t working. This pointer is appreciated, and the oversight has been remedied. In light of the recent algae bloom advisory elsewhere on Sturgeon Lake, this is an appropriate time to remind Sturgeon Pointers that our beach is tested on a weekly basis. Those test results are also posted weekly and you can see them by clicking here. Interested readers can find this link permanently located on the Links Page under the Weather, Traffic, Fishing, Swimming header.
You’ll be happy to know that our beach has faired very well over recent history. In any case, Happy Swimming!
Kawartha Lakes Stewards Association Survey
The Kawartha Lakes Stewards Association (KLSA) is seeking your participation in this survey on Eurasian watermilfoil. Eurasian watermilfoil is an exotic, invasive, aquatic plant species found in the Kawartha Lakes. We are concerned with your opinions on the potential use of a biological control method to reduce the presence and density of this plant. Your opinions will help KLSA align our goals and projects with the public’s needs and desires. Your experience living with this plant makes your participation in this survey extremely valuable. The results will be used for several purposes, including:
1. To better understand public concerns and aquatic plant issues
2. To assess public support for a biological control program to control Eurasian Watermilfoil
3. To direct future informative materials on exotic, invasive plants
The survey can be accessed at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2M32KNQ . It takes about 5 minutes to complete. Please complete the survey by Wednesday, March 9, 2011. Please feel free to forward this email to other Kawartha Lake residents.
Thank you in advance for your participation.
Kawartha Lakes Stewards Association
Kawartha Lake Stewards Association, 24 Charles St. RR#3, Lakefield, ON K0L 2H0 [email protected] Web Site http://klsa.wordpress.com/
KLSA volunteers are dedicated to ensuring excellent lake water quality in the Kawartha Lakes through our monitoring programs.