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• An exciting new initiative aims to protect shoreline habitat and lake water quality
• Septic inspection update (it's good news!)
• Pine beetle – what is it, how to identify it, what to do about it
• Operation Starry stonewort 2021 |
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They're Back! How to Get Rid of Gypsy Moths |
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There are a number of effective natural solutions to the ongoing onslaught of the destructive Gypsy moth. Which one you choose will depend in part on the life stage of the moth. We break it down on our website (link below). If you're finding larvae (see images above), your best options are to:
• scrape them into buckets of soapy water;
• wrap your trees in burlap in order to trap the larvae as they climb the trees, and then drop the burlap into soapy water where the larvae will perish;
• use a high-powered hose to spray them off your trees and onto the ground where you can dispose of them more easily.
See our website for more detailed information.
The photos above of a recently hatched egg sac were taken in Lovers' Lane by Christina Warren. |
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The Growing Need for Shoreline Protection:
What You Can Do |
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New Initiative Aims to Protect Natural Shoreline Environment
It's an all too frequent start to the cottaging season. You arrive at the lake to discover that another lot down the shore has been almost cleared of trees and natural vegetation in preparation for a new build or major addition, or a 'new look' for the shoreline.
This is an increasing occurrence as development pressure on our lakes escalates and more cottages are redeveloped into large year-round homes. In some cases, the result is almost complete destruction of the natural shore area between the water and the building footprint. Grading down to bare rock, filling of low areas and the installation of armour stone, lawns and 'ornamental' landscape features can all be part of the scenario. (See photo above.)
If you're concerned about this damage to shorelands and its impacts on lake water quality and habitat for aquatic and land-based wildlife – and feel action needs to be taken – you're not alone. The Environment Council has launched a new Shoreline Conservation Initiative to advocate for stronger shoreline protection policy, regulation and enforcement at the municipal level and through our local conservation authority.
We've asked the Peterborough County Planning Department to strengthen shoreline protection policy in the County/Township Official Plan as it's being updated; and we're acting on their recommendation that we advocate with the municipalities regarding regulation.
To be successful with the Townships, our committee needs the support of the lake community, particularly the lake associations. Three lake association boards have already given their support. However, we're a small committee and more help is needed. We need assistance with social media communications, discussions with the Townships, delivering presentations and organizational support.
If you could help with any of these activities, please contact Roslyn Moore, roslyn.moore@rogers.com.
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Septic Re-inspections Update: Douro Dummer |
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Douro-Dummer septic re-inspection program gets results
Year two of Douro-Dummer's septic re-inspection program is underway, and results are in from last year's inspections.
When the program was approved in late 2019, 10 re-inspection zones were mapped out across the Township, and one zone is being inspected each year.
In 2020, 360 inspections were carried out in Zone 1, which borders on Katchewanooka Lake and the southern part of Clear Lake. The inspections revealed that about 18 percent of systems required some form of maintenance or replacement.
Inspectors found 63 systems with minor deficiencies requiring maintenance, such as encroaching tree roots, cracked lids or baffle repairs. Three entire systems were replaced voluntarily as a result of failed inspections. In another case, the tank failed inspection and was replaced; and one bed was replaced due to seasonal flooding.
This year, inspections will take place in Zone 2, which fronts on a stretch of Clear and Stony Lakes along Birchview Road from Camp Line to McCrackens Landing. Notification letters are currently being sent to affected property owners. |
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This season, Environment Council members and lake volunteers will be working in concert with the Kawartha Lake Stewards Association to respond to SSW sightings, identify new infestations, monitor specific areas, and conduct information sessions at marinas and boat launches. Key messages remain:
• avoid infested areas if at all possible, particularly after mid-July; and
• if you must travel through an infested area stop and check your propellor for SSW as soon as you've cleared the area, carefully place any SSW in your boat and transport it to your property for disposal well away from the water.
You can also expect new signage to emphasize the Clean, Drain and Dry concept – a necessary practice that goes a long way toward preventing the spread of this aggressive invasive species to other lakes. This is a particularly important message for boaters, such as fisherman, visiting our lakes.
Stay abreast of SSW-related events by following us on Facebook and Instagram (links below). |
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Increased sightings of the pine beetle in the south west area of Ston(e)y Lake inspired Jennifer Darling, EC member and acting environment steward for the Juniper Point Cottage Owners' Association (JPCOA), to do a deep dive into this potentially devastating invasive species. Here are her findings to date. For her full presentation, click on the link below.
PINE BARK BEETLES
The Species:
Dendroctonus ponderosae: Mountain pine bark beetle
Dendroctonus frontanalis: Southern pine bark beetle
Dendroctonus frevicomis: Western pine bark beetle
Dendroctonus valens: Red Turpentine pine bark beetle
The Problem:
Outbreaks of pine bark beetles around the world are erupting due to pine trees weakened from heat, drought and climate change. Here in our area we are also experiencing these effects and the lack of colder temperatures in the winter prevents the winter die off of these insects.
The world's forests have survived beetle attacks for thousands of years because of their defense mechanisms. When the beetles burrow into the bark, trees release a sap rich with volatile toxic chemicals to flush the insects and prevent them from sending pheromone signals, which call other beetles to the tree. Increasingly, long and intense droughts have weakened these defenses. Without sufficient water, trees can’t produce enough sap thus making it easier for the beetles to overwhelm the tree.
Image above: Mike Francis
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