Winter 2017
Downstream - MWC Newsletter


50 Shades of Green: All About Algae

 
Muskoka Watershed Council is excited to host the 2017 Muskoka Stewardship Conference: 50 Shades of Green (All About Algae). The Conference, organized by MWC and the District of Muskoka, occurs every two years and brings together academics, government scientists and, most importantly, community members to share knowledge and directly address community interests related to watershed health issues.

DATE: Friday, May 12, 2017
TIME: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
LOCATION: Port Carling Community Centre
REGISTER NOW: www.muskokawatershed.org
 

Why Algae?


All of our lakes naturally contain algae. Without algae, lakes would be essentially dead, unable to sustain fish and other creatures. Different species of algae become abundant at different times of the year, and if conditions are ideal, they can form a bloom.

Why are algae important, and how are algae in Muskoka’s lakes changing? What can you do to help protect Muskoka’s lakes from nuisance algal blooms? Join us this May to learn all about algae.
 

2017 Muskoka Stewardship ConferenceCost


Registration is open, and includes refreshments and lunch. Register by April 15th to receive a discount on the registration fee!
  • $60 until April 15th
  • $75 after April 15th
  • $45 for students
 

Stewardship Conference Sponsors

The 2017 Muskoka Stewardship Conference is possible because of the support provided by a number of organizations, including

Is your organization interested in sponsoring or supporting the 2017 Muskoka Stewardship Conference? Please contact us by email at info@muskokawatershed.org or by phone at 705-645-2100 x387 to discuss sponsorship options.

Environmental Lecture Series

 
Paddling Event Donates Funds to MWC

Great Muskoka Paddling Experience
Muskoka Watershed Council received a boost in funding from the Great Muskoka Paddling Experience (GMPE). GMPE organizer Sandy Schofield presented MWC Chair Lou Guerriero (right) and MWC Vice-Chair Kevin Trimble (left) with a $4,000 cheque at the January MWC meeting.

This was the sixth year for the annual paddling event, and it had seen a remarkable increase in participation rates, from 86 paddlers in the inaugural race to almost 300 paddlers taking to the water in 2016. The increasing number of participants, as well as the excellent local businesses and organizations that sponsor the event, has allowed GMPE to raise over $20,000 for the protection of watershed health since the event started in 2011.
 

Renaturalizing Shorelines on Lake of Bays

Shield Property
Sweetman Property
Love Your LakeThree properties were renaturalized on Lake of Bays last fall as part of the Love Your Lake program!

With funding from Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, property owners on Lake of Bays were eligible to receive a subsidy for creating or enhancing their shoreline buffer.
 
MWC would like to thank the Lake of Bays Association (LOBA) for their assistance with the Love Your Lake program and the shoreline renaturalizations, and the Shields (top left), the Sweetmans (top right) and the Truscotts (below) for participating in the renaturalization program. Once again, Northway Gardeners generously assisted with developing the planting plans and provided the plants and much of the labour for the renaturalizations.
Truscott Property

Love Your Lake Continues in 2017

The Muskoka Love Your Lake program will continue to promote shoreline stewardship in 2017 with a series of activities planned across Muskoka!

  • Love Your Lake Shoreline Property ReportShoreline Assessments are planned on Brandy Lake in Muskoka Lakes, Wood Lake in Bracebridge, and Paint Lake in Lake of Bays.
     
  • Three Mile Lake residents will have access to their Shoreline Property Reports starting this spring. The property reports are based on the shoreline assessments conducted on the lake last summer.
     
  • A Lake-wide Summary Report will be produced for Three Mile Lake.
     
  • A workshop will be held in the Three Mile Lake area in June for landowners interested in learning how to renaturalize their shoreline.
     
  • Three subsidized shoreline renaturalizations will be carried out on Three Mile Lake.
     
  • The Lake of Bays Association will implement a new shoreline renaturalization funding program with guidance from MWC.
We are excited to continue providing the Love Your Lake program in Muskoka with the assistance of the District of Muskoka and the support of Watersheds Canada and the Canadian Wildlife Federation.
 
 

A Planning Advisory Role for MWC


Muskoka Watershed Council recently accepted an invitation from the District of Muskoka to serve as their Planning Advisory Committee.

Under the Smart Growth for our Communities Act (Bill 73), the District of Muskoka is required to designate a Planning Advisory Committee (PAC), in part to facilitate greater citizen engagement in the planning process.

MWC anticipates that undertaking this role will allow for us to work within our existing mandate, which includes promoting appropriate and environmentally sound planning practices and policies.

For over 15 years, MWC has provided advice to the District on high-level and strategic planning initiatives, and we are excited at the opportunity to continue this role in a formalized capacity.
 
Volunteer Spotlight

RYAN SORICHETTI
MWC Algae Sub-Committee & Muskoka Stewardship Conference Organizing Committee

 

Ryan SorichettiRyan is a limnologist with an interest in freshwater lake ecology, biogeochemical nutrient cycling, algal physiology and taxonomy, and climate change science.

He is a Postdoctoral Research Scientist with York University and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change. Ryan is currently based at the Dorset Environmental Science Centre where his research focus is using historical lake biomonitoring data from long-term ecosystem research sites to develop models and make predictions that will improve our understanding of the relationship between climate change and the presence of potentially toxic and noxious algae in Ontario lakes.
 
Christy Doyle, MWC’s Director of Environmental and Watershed Programs, recently spoke with Ryan about his environmental interests.

How did you become interested in research science?
As an undergrad at the University of Waterloo, while striving for dental school admission, I took a senior aquatic ecology class taught by one of the world’s most renowned aquatic scientists. This course completely derailed my plans for dental school! I was introduced to a field I knew very little about, but my interest was sparked and I needed to know more. Since then, I have been fortunate to have worked for some incredible expert mentors who are leaders in their field, but more importantly, share their passion and knowledge in a way that becomes contagious.

How can your research be applied in Muskoka?
I am highly interested in understanding how climate change will influence algal dynamics in lakes and Muskoka provides an ideal location for this work. Lakes in this region of Ontario are far removed from dense urbanization, industrialization, and forest management - factors that have traditionally been coined as being responsible for algal blooms. With these factors removed from the equation, we can focus on natural processes and then turn our attention to climate as a possible driver of the changes we observe in lakes.

What should all Muskokans know about algae?
I think it’s important for everyone to understand that algae are very much an essential component of a healthy lake environment. They have been present in lakes and oceans since the beginning of time and I consider algae to be among the most competitive and adaptable life forms on Earth. They hold a significant spot in the lake food web and when balanced, they can keep important lake processes in check such as water chemistry, clarity, and fish stocks. Everyone holds a responsibility to understand how our decisions and actions on land can translate to changes in this balance within lakes and that’s when we often see the undesirable side of algae.

What do you enjoy most about living in this area?
Muskoka truly is a hidden gem in Ontario. Living and working surrounded by forest and countless lakes allows me to delve deeper into my work and reaffirms the importance of the work we do. I enjoy wildlife spotting and photography and have been very fortunate to get some of my best shots here of moose, bear, deer, pine marten, and hawks. The Muskoka community is amazing and I love how engaged people are in their environment and how eager they are to actively participate in research as citizen scientists. Muskoka Watershed Council plays a big role with that and I am grateful to be involved.
 
Andrea Ross Art Show

MWC Comments on District of Muskoka Proposed Lake System Health Policy Update


The District Municipality of MuskokaThe District Municipality of Muskoka engaged in public consultation related to its proposed amendment to the Official Plan of the Muskoka District Area (OPA #45 – Lake System Health Policy Update). The purpose of the proposed Official Plan Amendment would be to provide an updated, simplified and scientifically defensible policy set for the continued protection of Muskoka’s recreational water quality.
 
What does MWC think about OPA #45?
 
Muskoka River X
Love Your Lake
 

Muskoka Bat Collective

 
At MWC’s February meeting, Craig Mann, an ecologist with RiverStone Environmental Solutions Inc, updated MWC on the activities of the Muskoka Bat Collective project.

In the last decade, several of Ontario’s bat species have experienced dramatic population declines. These declines have led to four of Ontario’s bat species being added to the Endangered Species list; half of the species of bats found in Muskoka are now Endangered. Why are bats important in Muskoka? “In a single night, bats consume up to their body weight in insects,” explained Mann. “They’re a big part of controlling insect populations in Muskoka and in Canada.”

The Muskoka Bat Collective was created in 2015 through the coming together of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, local schools, businesses, not-for-profit groups (including the Muskoka Watershed Council), and concerned citizens to promote the conservation of local bat species through public outreach and educational projects.

In the past year, the Muskoka Bat Collective has delivered interactive educational programming to local elementary and high school students to increase local knowledge and appreciation for bats in Muskoka. Students conducted Bat Habitat Surveys (below) to collect information on the types and locations of habitat used by bat species in Muskoka, and the data is being analyzed for correlations between different bat species and habitat types.
 

Student Showcase Features Water Quality Research in Muskoka

 
Several student scientists from Queen’s University presented their work to MWC in February. The students were visiting the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change’s Dorset Environmental Science Centre and, together with Dr. Andrew Paterson, MOECC’s Inland Lakes Research Scientist, they outlined the preliminary results from their varied research projects. Check out their presentations below!

MWC looks forward to hopefully showcasing the students' work in future Muskoka Watershed Report Cards!
Cyanobacteria

Using sedimentary diatom and chironomid assemblages to investigate potential environmental triggers for recent cyanobacterial blooms in oligotrophic Ontario lakes

by Liz Favot, Ph.D. Candidate 
Lake Trout

Long-term environmental trends in Ontario lakes that support a Lake Trout population

by Clare Nelligan, Ph.D. Candidate
Road Salt

Using paleolimnology to assess the effects of road salt application on lakes within the Muskoka River Watershed, Ontario

by Robin Valleau, M.Sc. Candidate
Organic Carbon

Long-term perspective on current changes in lake-water organic carbon levels in Ontario: linking monitoring data and paleolimnological reconstructions

by Dr. Carsten Meyer-Jacob, Postdoctoral Fellow
 

A New Chapter for Muskoka Watershed Council

 
MWC and Friends of the Muskoka Watershed (FMW) have agreed to become two independent and separate organizations, each pursuing different, yet complimentary, paths to best serve the environmental interests of Muskoka, its residents and its watershed ecosystems.
 
MWC is excited to continue to produce the high-quality publications and events that we are known for, including the upcoming Muskoka Stewardship Conference on algae ("50 Shades of Green") and the 2018 Muskoka Watershed Report Card. We will continue to advise the Muskoka community and its municipalities on a variety of environmental topics, including shoreline renaturalization, forest health, and power generation, and will continue with our community activities (including lectures, workshops, and citizen science programs) to encourage active environmental stewardship.
 
Volunteers are welcome and all Council meetings are open to the public! Stop by and see us at our offices located at the District of Muskoka administration building at 70 Pine Street in Bracebridge, or reach us by phone at 705-645-2100 x387.
 
DID YOU KNOW ... Muskoka Watershed Council now can directly receive donations, sponsorships, and funding grants. We have minimal overhead and administration costs and all money raised through events and received as donations from supporters like you goes directly to our programs and projects! Donations can be made through our website at www.muskokawatershed.org.
 

Species at Risk Spotlight


BRANCHED BARTONIA
Bartonia paniculata
Status: Threatened
 
 SAR Factsheet - Branched Bartonia
 
There are 42 Species at Risk in the Muskoka-Parry Sound area, including Branched Bartonia, a small annual herb found in fewer than 10 wetland sites, mostly near the Georgian Bay coast.

Learn about this species at risk, where you're likely to find it in Muskoka, and how you can help protect it and its habitat in the Species at Risk Factsheet.
 
2017 World Wetlands DayMWC celebrated World Wetlands Day on February 2nd with wetland trivia posted on social media and an interview on Hunters Bay Radio's Green Tapestry program. The theme for 2017 was "Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction," highlighting how wetlands play an important role in reducing the impact of extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, both of which are being experienced in Muskoka with increasing frequency.

DID YOU KNOW...
  • 10.5% of Muskoka is covered in wetlands.
  • Marsh is the most common type of wetland in Muskoka.
  • 38% of Muskoka's Species at Risk rely on wetlands for all or part of their lifecycle.
  • There are 37 Provincially Significant Wetlands in Muskoka.
  • 38 of the 69 Muskoka Heritage Areas feature wetlands.

 
Key Events

 
  • 2017 MWC Meeting Dates (starting at 1 pm):
  • 2017 MWC Working Group Meeting Dates:
    Topics to be discussed include the 2018 Watershed Report Card, Algae, Communications, Hydrology, and Forestry, etc. All are welcome!
    • Thursday, March 2 at 4 pm 
    • Friday, April 7 at 10 am
    • Thursday, May 4 at 4 pm
       
  • April 18 – Environmental Lecture SeriesGetting to the other side: How did the salamander cross the road? by David LeGros, Natural Heritage Education Specialist for Algonquin Provincial Park. 4:00 pm, Huntsville Public Library. RSVP at www.muskokawatershed.org.
      
  • April 22 – "Our Dying Planet" with Dr. Peter Sale, presented by the Gravenhurst Lions Club. 2-4 pm at the Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst. Admission is free.
     
  • May 12 – Muskoka Stewardship Conference - 50 Shades of Green: All About Algae. Port Carling Community Centre, 9 am - 4:30 pm. Register at www.muskokawatershed.org.
     
  • May 27 – Big East River X. 9 km Recreation Course or 40 km Marathon Course in Huntsville. Register at http://muskokariverx.com/.
     
  • June 17-18 – 24 Hours of River X. A 24-hour marathon paddling race where solo, tandem, and relay teams race against the clock to complete as many laps of a 12 km course as possible in 24 hours. Huntsville. Register at http://muskokariverx.com/.
     
  • July 15 - August 12 – "Rough Around the Edges" Art Show by Andrea Ross. Oil on Canvas. Chapel Gallery, Bracebridge. Opening Reception July 22, 2-4 pm. Portion of sales will be donated to MWC. www.muskokaartsandcrafts.com 
     
  • September 16-17 – Muskoka River X. The longest single day paddling expedition in the world. Huntsville. Register at http://muskokariverx.com/.
    • SPRINT – September 16
    • COUREUR DES BOIS – September 15-17
       
  • October 7 - Great Muskoka Paddling Experience. A fun paddling event for all ages and skill levels. Annie Williams Park in Bracebridge. http://www.muskokapaddlingexperience.com/
 
Interested in helping MWC address environmental issues facing Muskoka and beyond? Call us at 705-645-2100 x278!
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