Scugog Lake Stewards’ successes

Monday, December 8th, 2014

In preparation for presenting to the new Scugog Township Council about improving stormwater infrastructure, the Scugog Lake Stewards prepared a list of a few of their successes over the years since they began in 1999. Please consider supporting our work through a membership donation. www.scugoglakestewards.com 

A few of the successes of

SCUGOG LAKE STEWARDS INC.

As at November 2014 

Early years 1997 to 2005 

• Organized a shoreline habitat survey that showed that of 2,217 properties around Lake Scugog, only 410 had suitable shoreline habitat for 90% of lake life.
• Numerous projects to enhance and protect the Lake Scugog fishery including benthic studies, a walleye spawning location survey, installation of a new walleye spawning bed, encouraging shoreline restoration on private land and follow-up shoreline mapping in 2001.
• Organized the design, funding and construction of Joe Fowler Park to demonstrate naturalized shorelines, native plants, and 5 different shoreline erosion prevention methods. This park included a now popular walking trail.

  

  Organized the design, funding and construction of Baagwating Park including a much improved stormwater channel and sediment retention pond and 2 additional erosion control techniques.  This park continued the walking trail and included an artistic bridge designed by Bill Lishman.

  Raised in total over $1,000,000 which was then spent within the Township.

• Became incorporated as a non-profit charitable corporation under the Corporations Act with letters patent which enable tax receipts for donations and memberships.
• Hired and managed summer students for 4 years to maintain the above parks. These students also conducted lake research.  Worked with Kawartha Conservation to begin their highly successful “Blue Canoe” program.
• Held yearly shoreline planting sessions with grade 4 students from two elementary schools which told about the lake and how naturalized shorelines keep the lake healthy. 

2005 to 2012 

• Advocated for improved septic systems around the lake including advocating for improved data storage methods regarding septic systems by Durham Region. Held a large, well-attended public event called “New technology for Septic Systems” at the Arena which showcased new methodologies and installers.
• Held a large conference for landscapers and those in construction around the lake to tell about the importance of natural shorelines to lake health and lake life.
• Created quarterly, well-liked “Life on the Lake” four page sections in Focus magazine for three years to help educate people about the lake, its problems, its science and solutions.
• Researched wastewater treatment options for the new Port Perry facility and worked strongly on the Environmental Assessment Committee to ensure the best option that would not only obtain the least phosphorus nutrient discharge but would also treat and reduce nitrogen.  Obtained a promise that in the near future local septage could also be treated at that plant. Will continue to press for this in the up-coming months.

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  Advocated strongly for stormwater improvements and especially maintenance of existing structures and for low-impact development.  Began our website, newsletters and Facebook page to help inform members, the community and tourists about our Lake.

• Researched options regarding the increasing Eurasian water milfoil problem. This led to our first $30,000 implant of the bio-control milfoil weevils in 2009 which was followed up with 3 years of scientific research on effectiveness, all paid for by fundraising locally.  This implant was very successful but further implants were not allowed by the Trent-Severn Waterway.

Recent  – 2012 to 2014 

• Wrote a comprehensive “Proposal to Improve the Ecological Health of Lake Scugog” report to encourage the Trent-Severn Waterway and Scugog Council to understand the nature and extent of our lake’s current difficulties including:  new hybrid watermilfoil invasion, algae and decreasing depth. This was very well received.
• Participated with the Township, Kawartha Conservation, the Trent-Severn Waterway (Ontario Waterway) to come together to discuss and solve lake issues. This group is now called the Working Group for a Healthy Lake Scugog and is working on both Port Perry Bay problems and whole lake issues.
• Received approval to conduct a second weevil implant in 2014 then raised $15,000 to carry it out and conduct the follow-up research. Created a YouTube video to discuss it.
• Developed a comprehensive lake monitor program to keep records of year by year conditions around the lake as told to us by 25+ monitors around the lake. This resulted in the reporting of three new invasive species in the lake to the Ontario Invasive Species Council and follow-up to treat affected areas.
• Researched aeration techniques of all kinds as a useful tool for lakefront owners to combat excessive milfoil lake weeds and algae and ultimately rejected that method as unproductive.We worked hard to ensure the best new wastewater system for Port Perry in order to protect the lake.Formed a close alliance with the Marinas arou

  

  nd the lake.

• Researching Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting as a possible method to help shoreline owners.
• Worked towards closing the ice fishing season for walleye temporarily to see if their numbers might rebound as suggested by biologists at the MNR.
• Replaced some degraded signage in Joe Fowler and Baagwating Parks.
• Installed a park bench in the above park in memory of our past president, Jamie Ross.
• Created a strong connection with those responsible for the lock management at Lindsay to ensure the highest possible water level throughout the summer.
• Continue to push for stormwater infrastructure and maintenance.
• Working with partners to help dredge Port Perry and Rowing Club Bays.
• Continuing surveillance of differing efforts underway throughout Canada and the USA to control eutrophication of our lakes.