A promise to the Next Generation by Protecting our Lake with
A Call to Action

What does this mean as a lake stakeholder? What can I do to help?

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No question that more study is required to fully understand what is going on (see 2022 Water Quality Study  A Call to Action under Lake Health tab) however, knowing what we now know, here are some important things we can all do to be sure we are pro-actively working towards a healthier lake:

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1)  Minimize hard surfaces on our properties – like patios, paved driveways, roof surfaces.

2)  Examine the run-off routes from all hard surface areas and ensure the runoff from rain events makes its way to the lake as slowly as possible. “Vernal pools”- essentially spots where water rests and slowly seeps out and down through soils and rock, are the best way to handle run-off water.

3)  Consider an upgrade to an older septic system. Eventually an older system has to be replaced, and costs are always going up – why not do it now? New or old systems, keep chemicals, bleach, etc. out of your septic, and ultimately out of the lake. Have your septic system cleaned and inspected regularly (every 5 years).

4)  Avoid disturbing lake bottom sediments that can contain layers of phosphorous and iron nutrient. That means not taking off in a larger boat from a near shore start – let’s practice deeper starts. Reduce speed especially in shallower areas of the lake.

5)  Preserve and enhance that ribbon of life (the buffer area between land and water) with shoreline bushes and vegetation and additional tree cover to assist in filtering winter melt and rain-event run off.

6)  Grass requires maintenance, and the use of “weed and feed” chemicals and/or fertilizer (phosphorus!) is tempting. Grass feeds the geese and we all know what that brings. Out with the grass and in with the real Muskoka look.

7)  Do your part to keep the lake clean and unpolluted and invasive species out. Get rid of boat bilge and bait buckets on land; dispose of old oil, gas and chemicals responsibly. Don’t use soap or any chemicals to wash or shampoo yourself or clean a boat while in the lake or right next to the lake.

8)  Keep motorized equipment – boat motors, personal watercraft, etc., in good working order to avoid water or air pollution. Still have a 2-stroke engine? Those motors can lose up to 30% of unused fuel into the water or the air through exhaust.

9)  Be an advocate and guardian for lake health and set the standard for every one that visits/stays in your home or cottage.