Muskoka Stewardship Conference
Saturday April 27, 2013
Nippissing University- Muskoka campus, Bracebridge
Attended by Lora Field (Michalak cottage)
The conference was attended by about 150 cottagers and concerned residents. Presentations
were given by scientists, associations and the District of Muskoka (see appendix for full agenda
and presentations).
Topics covered by the conference included climate change, water quality, algae, invasive
species, community programs and others. Key takeaways from the conference:
Climate Change
● There is scientific evidence that climate change is affecting lakes in Ontario
○ A 1.5oC increase in average lake temperature has been recorded in several
regions of the province
○ Increase in lake temperature causes:
■ an increase in the growth of aquatic vegetation such as blue-green algae
■ an increase in warm temperature fish such as pike and a decrease in cold
temperature fish
■ lower water levels
○ Six climate stations in Muskoka watershed are being studied
■ Scientists have noted that Muskoka lakes are freezing 3-4 weeks later as
autumn temperatures have increased about 1oC
○ Dissolved organic carbon is rising in Ontario lakes resulting in browner water
than in the 1980s. This results in:
■ Lakes retaining more heat
■ Less UV penetration
■ Increased abundance in invertebrate predators
■ Altered mate selection in fish
Algae
● Some studies have shown that property values have dropped in regions where algae is
an issue (high water quality = high property values)
● Algae comes in many different forms. Most forms are non-toxic but blue green algae
produces toxins that can make people and animals sick and can irritate skin
○ Ministry of the Environment (MOE) has a hotline that residents can report any
possible incidences of blue green algae
○ MOE will test and determine if the water is a public health risk. MOE reports back
to the local public health unit which will publicize to residents.
○ Blue green algae looks like pea soup and smells like a freshly mowed lawn.
○ Boiling water does not remove the toxic nature of blue green algae water
● The growth of algae is affected by the amount of phosphorus, light, the movement of
water and lake temperature
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Important to prevent occurrences of algae rather than treat (no easy fix) by:
○ Using phosphate free household cleaning products
○ Using phosphorus free fertilizer
○ Maintaining septic systems
○ Fix leaky septics
○ Reduce vehicle emissions (contributes to global warming)
○ Pick up pet waste
○ Maintain shoreside vegetation to prevent increases in phosphorus in the lake
(shoreline vegetation prevent soil erosion into lake and shoreline plants uptake
nutrients that would otherwise be washed into the lake)
Lake Inhabitants
● The plankton in our lakes are very important to the lake ecosystem:
○ Provide 50% of the oxygen in the air we breathe
○ Are constantly cleaning the lake water
○ Fuel food chains
○ They are affected by water pH, temperature, wind, parasites/invasive species,
chemicals and nutrient levels.
Programs in the Muskoka region to protect the Muskoka watershed:
● Yellow Fish program
○ Yellow fish are being painted on stormwater catchment basins in Huntsville,
Bracebridge and Gravenhurst to remind people that anything that goes down
stormwater drains, goes directly into the Muskoka lakes, untreated
● Muskoka Watershed Council is actively measuring:
○ Algae blooms/yr
○ Calcium levels in lakes
○ Invasive species
○ Road density (salt usage and effect on the lakes)
○ Water clarity
○ Lot useage (tracks people per day at shoreline residences: seasonal vs
permanent)
● Muskoka Watershed Council has a Lake Partner program
○ Volunteer based water quality program
○ Will train volunteers to collect data
● Muskoka Watershed Council also has an Invasive Species program. Some invasive
species in the Muskoka lakes are:
○ rainbow smelt
○ spiny water flea
○ giant hogweed
● The Municipality, District of Muskoka monitors 193 sites in the region for:
○ phosphorus and other nutrients
○ water clarity
○ dissolved oxygen
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temperature
shoreline land usage surveys
benthic macroinvertebrates
terrestrial monitoring
■ The municipality reports that Muskoka has excellent water quality and
recognizes that the regions biggest asset is its lakes.
■ Their website http://www.muskokawaterweb.ca/ provides access to:
● Lake water quality data
● Shoreline land usage data
● Aquatic data
● Ministry of Natural resources fishing fact sheets
● Stewardship resources and information
● Boating information
Recommended action items for the Royal Muskoka Island Association (RMIA):
● Educate cottagers through the annual newsletter and postings on the bulletin board (I
have several pamphlets that I can post) on how to:
○ Prevent algae growth
○ Report algae blooms (MOE hotline 1-866-MOE-TIPS)
○ Identify and report invasive species
● Support the Muskoka Watershed Council through Friends of the Muskoka Watershed
(cost is $25 per person, note that Peter Seybold, RMI cottager, is on the Board)
○ Participate in Lake Partner Program
Article for Newsletter
Keeping the Muskoka lakes region clean and healthy has a direct correlation to your cottage’s
value. Even small efforts by each cottager has an impact on our lake’s health and the diversity
of wildlife in the region. Help keep the Muskoka ecosystem clean and green by:
● Recycle and compost to reduce the amount of garbage in our landfill
● Clean your boat before moving it to other lakes to control the spread of invasive species.
Report any invasive species to the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Invading
Species hotline at 1-800-563-7711
● Handle fuel and other chemicals with care and have an action plan to deal with spills
● Eliminate pesticides as they pollute our water and harm wildlife.
Even though algae has not been a problem on Lake Rosseau, it is important to take
preventative measures as there is no easy fix once algae invades. Phosphorus is a key nutrient
for algae growth and can be found in human/animal waste, soaps/cleaners and fertilizers.
Reduce your impact on our lake by:
● Inspecting your septic tank yearly ensuring no leaks and having it pumped as
appropriate.
● Use biodegradable cleaners and phosphate-free soaps. Remember that what
goes down your drain eventually finds it way into the lake. Look for products
with Canada’s Ecologo.
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Reduce the use of fertilizers as excess nutrients contribute to the growth of algae in our
lake
Preserve natural vegetation and plant native groundcovers especially on the shoreline to
reduce runoff of excess nutrients.
For more information on invasive species, algae, fishing and everything else related to our lake,
check out muskokawaterweb.ca
Appendix:
Conference agenda
Presentations (and Link to presentations)
Keynote
Looking back to see the future: using lake sediments to track algae over decades
Dr. Andrew Paterson, Ministry of the Environment
Stewardship Theme
Citizen Science Programs – Help Monitor the Health of Our Watersheds
Julia Phillips, Adopt-A-Pond Coordinator
Entice Them: Landscaping for Wildlife
Robert Allen, Northway Gardeners Ltd.
Capture Them: Wildlife Photography
Eleanor Kee Wellman, Photographer
Get Out and Go Birding at the Cottage
Kathy Jones, Ontario Volunteer Coordinator, Bird Studies Canada
Leonard Lake: Success with Encouraging the Return of Nesting Loons
Gordon Roberts, Leonard Lake Stakeholders Association
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Water Theme
Algal blooms in Ontario lakes
Dr. Michelle Palmer, Ministry of the Environment
Using Citizen Science in the MWC Report Card
Judi Brouse, Muskoka Watershed Council
Monitor It: DMM Lake System Health Program
Rebecca Willison, District Municipality of Muskoka
Interpret It: What Do Your Water Quality Data Mean?
Dr. Neil Hutchinson, Hutchinson Environmental Sciences Ltd.
Emerging Issues for our Lakes: reduced federal government engagement, despite the rising
threat of multiple environmental stressors in Canada
Dr. Norman Yan, York University
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