If you would like to submit news or a photo for the Spring 2023 newsletter, please send to Newsletter@steenburglake.com. Include your name and details about the photo or news. There is limited space but we will try to fit everything in!
Category Archives: SLCA Members
Open Mic on the Dock
Are you an aspiring musician, passionate about singing or playing an instrument? We want to hear from you and appreciate your talent at an open mic afternoon the dock.
Since we are not able to host British Invasion on the lake this year an SLCA member offered her dock as a venue to showcase our local lake talent on August 6th in the afternoon.
Feel free to comment on this thread with your interest or tag someone who might want to play.
Message me with questions and I will provide more details if we can get this together for next weekend!
Decibel Coalition Update
Decibel Coalition Update:
The Decibel Coalition has been advocating for a standard to be set for boat motor noise, in decibel limits, for both owners and manufacturers in Ontario. If this is something you are interested in, FOCA has shared a resource available to the public to write a letter to your federal MPs asking them to support these changes. It can be found here:
OFAH: Water Steward Introductory Meeting
Water Steward Introductory Meeting: April 20 @ 7PM
In case you missed it, OFAH’s Invading Species Awareness Program (ISAP) is still looking for conservation-minded citizens from our community. They will be hosting an introductory meeting for the Water Steward Program on April 20th at 7PM.
This meeting will be an overview of the program as a whole, a summation of what they achieved last year, and their plan for the upcoming season. They will discuss training, engagement events, and answer any questions you might have.
The meeting invite can be found here: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=dHRxYXVjcTlsY2ttcDNtOWlybGtqdTNudTRAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ
For more information on the Water Steward Program, please see my previous post or contact Matt Robbins at matthew_robbins@ofha.org or 705-934-0128.
Volunteer Opportunity: OFAH’s Invading Species Awareness Program (ISAP)
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) represent one of the most serious threats to Ontario’s aquatic biodiversity today. The Water Steward Program, run by the OFAH’s Invading Species Awareness Program (ISAP), aims to reduce the spread of AIS through the recreational boating pathway!
They are currently looking for conservation-minded citizens from within the Durham, Haliburton, Kawartha, and Pine Ridge regions of Ontario to help engage boaters on one important message: Clean, Drain, Dry.
Their program is a train-the-trainer initiative. They equip volunteers with the knowledge and tools to teach others on AIS prevention, and help to organize important “boater engagement events” at local boat launch locations. During one of these events, available volunteers, and sometimes ISAP staff, provide helpful resources to watercraft users, walk them through how to effectively check for AIS on their equipment, and more.
Boating is the primary source of AIS among inland lakes and rivers in Ontario, and many waterways within our area have already felt its impact. To help keep our water systems healthy and beautiful, we must do everything we can to spread the Clean, Drain, Dry message!
If you are interested in becoming involved in the Water Steward Program, please fill out the following survey: Water Steward Screening Survey (surveymonkey.com)
Or contact Matt Robbins at matthew_robbins@ofha.org or 705-934-0128
IsampleON Results – 2022
Hi everyone,
You may recall that we were chosen as one of 25 lake associations to participate in a pilot project called IsampleON by FOCA this past summer. This was based on a number of criteria, including being considered “at-risk” for invasive mussels and spiny water flea invasion.
I am happy to report that we tested negative for both detection of veligers (mussels) and spiny water flea. It is also great to note that surrounding/nearby lakes such as Chandos, Cedar, Coe Island and Limerick lakes have also all tested negative for both species. This will help limit the risk of these invasive species entering our watershed.
The testing also measured calcium levels in the lake. This is an important factor to monitor as calcium levels above 25 mg/L prove to be a great environment for mussel survival. Our results show an average of calcium level of 23.14 which is still considered high, but other factors such as pH can help control survival rates.
The full report is here:
Thanks,
Maria
Moose on the road
Beware of moose. Two members hit a moose on wed. On separate incidents. One at 7 am and one at 630 pm on 62 north of steenburg.
DIY Dock Hangers!
If you have some spare time on the next rainy day and want to help protect our lake from invasive species, I have an easy DIY for you 
All you need is a small terra cotta pot and some rope. Tie the rope to the pot (as pictured) and then tie the pot on or under your dock so that it is suspended freely and upside down in the water. If there are any invasive mussel veligers in your area, they will attach to the outside and/or the inside of the hanging pot, as it creates a nice home for them.
Quick and easy early detection tool that you can pull up regularly throughout the summer to check for any inhabitants
Any detections can be reported to FOCA, directly on the EDD website (https://www.eddmaps.org/ontario/) or by emailing LakeStewardship@steenburglake.com
Loon Nest Failed
The loon nest on Loon Island in Austin’s Bay has been abandoned. The loons gave up yesterday. there is no sign of eggs and the nest is underwater. Not sure if the failure is just the rising lake level due to all the rain or boat traffic. Most people were respectful of the nest.
Birds Studies Canada recommends an artificial nest platform after 5 unsuccessful years. I propose the association purchase the materials and maybe hire a couple of students to build 2 platforms. Seems like a good use of association money, we all like the loons.
here is a link to a recommended platform. https://www.birdscanada.org/download/CLLSloonplatform.pdf
Help for Liz Park
As lifelong Steenburg Lake cottagers, our family has been privileged to get to know some truly amazing people over the years who live and work in the area. Liz Park is one of those people. Many of you may know her from the Limerick town office, the Old Hastings Gallery or the Old Schoolhouse tearoom in Ormsby, or from her time at Trudy’s Place years ago. Three generations of our family have been the recipients of Liz’s kindness, generosity and positivity and as she bravely faces her illness we are happy to join those who are giving back in the only way we can during this time.
Liz’s nephew has organized a GoFundMe effort to help with costs for her palliative care at home.
“Help for Liz Park” :
Thanks,
The Prowse Family