Lower
Beverley Lake Association
P.O.
Box 204, Delta, Ontario K0E 1G0
Spring 2002 Newsletter
IMPORTANT
NOTE: The
web version of the newsletter (below) has been reformatted to make
it easy to read on screen. Material that appeared in the newsletter
that was already on the website has been omitted.
Message from
the President
How fortunate
we are to return and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the Lower
Beverley Lake. As a citizen of the U.S. I extend my sincerest thanks
to the Canadian citizens for the support given to us after September
11, 2001. It is our hope that the solidarity shown will continue
forever and we can continue to have an open border between us.
This winter
has been a most unusual one for us all. As I write this letter I
am told the lake level is about normal, but there is little snow
to provide a spring freshet. We may well start the season in a drought
condition. Make your plans now to conserve water. Let us also hope
that with little ice, shore damage will be minimal.
Mark your calendars
for the third Wednesday of July for the
Annual meeting of LBLA. This year it will be held at the Delta
Agricultural Fair Hall starting at 7:00PM. There is ample parking
for cars, but boaters will need to scout out docking space in the
area. We are fortunate that the United Church Women will again cater
a light lunch for us. The Executive is looking forward to seeing
you there.
Millard Goodsell.
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Loon nests
Earl Patric
reports that four nests were constructed this past fall. Two have
been deployed and the other two are scheduled to be out with ice
out. Earl wrote a grant request that was honored and provided funds
($250) for these nests. He has since submitted a second grant to
continue observation of the nests and repairs as needed. He does
not feel any more are needed until the success of the present ones
is proven. Maybe Mother Nature will not need any more help. The
makers of the nests, Earl and Jean Patric and Doug Kilpatrick know
where they are placed, PLEASE do not go out and disturb areas where
they might be.
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Picnic anyone?
How about a
picnic to meet and enjoy an afternoon of games and food? Sue Penstone
Watson has agreed to chair a committee if there is enough interest.
We need to know your ideas and choices for a mid-week afternoon
or weekend event. Kendrick Park is available but persons not residents
of that Township will pay $2.00 per car or have the Association
pick up the cost. We can use the Delta Agricultural grounds , but
no water sports area is there. We also need to know your food ideas,
such as do we charge $5.00 per family and provide hot dogs and soda
etc.. or have every family bring a dish to serve 8 people. Let us
know soon by e-mail to Sue at Watson9970@rogers.com
or telephone 905-812-9970. A decision will be made at the spring
meeting of the Executive on holding a picnic.
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Boat ramp in
Delta
Ken Woods, Park
Superintendent for Beverley Lake Township Park has been in contact
with the various Agencies responsible to change the boat ramp in
the park. The Township Council is going ahead with a plan to improve
the ramp and make it available to residents without charge. Funding
is not available from the Province, so it may take time to complete
the project. William Morris is the Chairman of the new Park Committee.
I am sure we will see some progress, be patient. The Council is
also making changes in their structure as required by the amalgamation
plan.
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Cottage Watch
John Truyens
informs us that Cottage Watch is working beyond expectations. In
1997 there were 3510 break-ins and only 277 reported by autumn of
2001 in Ontario. Lower Beverley Lake has 130 participants. We hope
that this year more people will engrave their "stealables".
REMEMBER: YOU ARE YOUR NEIGHBORS' NEIGHBOUR.
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Newsletter distribution
At the fall
Executive meeting we discussed not sending a newsletter to non-
members. The figures from Doug showed in 1999 we sent out 390 letters
.That year there were 104 members and 50% donated to the cost, but
left a deficit of $89.36. In 2000 we sent 400 letters, had 97 members
and 56% donated, but again a deficit of $123.47.
Last year 2001,
we again sent 400 letters, had 109 members and 66% donated enough
to give an excess of $46.33. The Executive voted to have this the
last year of distribution to all property owners around the lake.
This is an item that can come before the Annual Meeting for further
action.
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Zebra mussels
In 1998, we
were able to expand our testing to include participation in the
Federation of Ontario Cottagersí Association (FOCA) Zebra
Mussel Monitoring Program. The analyses indicate the presence of
the first stage of Zebra Mussel activity in 4 of 5 areas sampled
in Lower Beverley Lake (Kendricks Bay, mouth of Delta/Mill Creek,
Marble Island/Dawson Bay, and Oak Bay). There is no indication of
significant adult Zebra Mussel infestation through 2001.
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Water clarity
Our Lake Steward
Don Santos also informs us that the water clarity has improved over
the years. We are still classed as an "enriched lake".
Since 1998 we have also been able to get reading from the Upper
Beverley Lake at the damn in Delta. The results there are slightly
better than for the Lower lake. Environment Canada reported that
2001 was the driest year since 1972 (fifth driest/third warmest
on record) and Lower Beverley Lake levels were unusually low, contributing
to the best clarity since 1998.
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Water testing
overview
Both Lower and
Upper Beverley Lakes are among more then 20% of 540 lake locations
sampled across Ontario in 2001 classified as "enriched"
with comparatively poor clarity (less than 3 meters). Maintaining
and evaluating long-term data is the heart of the Lake Partner Program
philosophy and crucial to understanding lake quality trends. Our
current testing program includes clarity and phosphorus measurements
at Oak Bay (unsettled area/infrequent input from Rideau chain),
Kendricks Bay (LBL deep basin), Black Jack Island(input from Cooligan
Creek), and Upper Lake dam(inlet).
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Fish and wildlife
guardian program
We have one
member of the LBLA who is a Fish & Wildlife Guardian. Anyone
interested in joining the program should check it out on the MNR
website at http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/fishing/guard.html
or telephone MNR at 613-258-8204 and ask for the District Enforcement
Officer. You must be a RESIDENT of Ontario.
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Well, how well
is your well?
From the Ground
Water Workshop at Elgin in January 2002, out of service or abandoned
wells should in inspected by a professional. The inspection is to
minimize contamination of aquifers, assure the well is properly
sealed and that the recommended depth of grout was applied. Taking
these steps will minimize contamination carried by surface and near
surface water.
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PCOC: Pleasure
craft operator card
Do you have yours yet? Some laws are now in effect. For details of the deadlines for having the PCOC card on board and for who may operate what craft, see the Canadian Coast Guard SAFE BOATING GUIDE or phone the Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-267-6687 or see http://www.tc.gc.ca/BoatingSafety/menu.htm.
It is your responsibility to secure the card. It is advised that
regardless of your citizenship, take the test and get the card.
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Fire Department
donations
The area Fire
Departments are most thankful to the 66 members that gave a donation
with their membership. This year a total of $1,050 was distributed.
Delta, Station 2 received $775, South Crosby (Elgin) $130 and Rear
of Leeds and Lansdowne (Seeley's Bay) $145.
Since 1994 you
have given a total of $5,350. Congratulations.
They ask that
your property be well marked with the civic number. Get a permit
for any "open" burning and be sure the fire is OUT when
you leave. Those on islands are especially cautioned to use good
judgment with open burning. A response to an island will take additional
time as men and equipment must transfer to a boat.
In case of emergency,
including fire, CALL 911
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Nature conservancy
property donated in 2001
Dr. Stanley
C. and Mrs. Jane Skoryna of Westmount, Quebec donated to Parks Canada
550 acres of land on the north shore of Oak Bay to be used as a
nature conservancy. This part of the land was acquired by Dr. Skoryna
in the early 1950s.
For at least
three decades, Dr. Shoryna has been active in areas such as sustainable
development, solar housing and small scale hydro. Some of the donated
property is environmentally sensitive, surrounded by a buffer area.
Some of the forest is second growth while other parts show old growth
characteristics. In addition to the most northerly Pitch Pine in
Canada, there are three types of marsh and swamp. Two areas of Natural
and Scientific Interest (ANSIs) overlap into the Skoryna Nature
Conservancy Area: the provincially significant Lower Beverley Lake
Class 1 wetland (1983) and Oak Bay regionally significant marsh
and swamp (1993).
The Skoryna
family have been members of the LBLA for many years. Our association
and all Canadians are deeply indebted for this most generous and
far-sighted gift. (Source: St. Lawrence Islands National Park Thumbnail).
And sent by Doug Kilpatrick for enclosure in this newsletter.
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A few reminders
...
PLEASE RECYCLE.
COMPACT THOSE CANS. There is an end in sight for the Land Fill areas.
Let's work together to make them last as long as possible.
O.P.P. Rideau
Lakes (Non Emergency) 613-283-6911, EMERGENCY ONLY 911
FIRE DEPARTMENTS
(ALL) 911
AMBULANCE 911
CRIME STOPPERS
1-800-222-TIPS
1-800-222-8477
Make
this a safe summer for all. Swim with a buddy, wear that PFD, be a
courteous boater, observe good fishing practices and respect other's
property. Happy Vacation to all.
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