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Zebra Mussel Larvae Confirmed in Rainy Lake

Published: 08 September 2021

zebramusselsDisappointing news.  Zebra mussel larvae have been confirmed in Rainy Lake by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR).  The larvae were found in four of five water samples taken in July 2021, suggesting that there is a reproducing population in the lake according to MNDNR. This follows on an unconfirmed report of larvae in 2020 by a member of the public.  Locations of adult reproductive colonies have not yet been located or confirmed. Rainy Lake straddles the Ontario-Minnesota border and flows downstream via the Rainy River to Lake of the Woods.  

This follows equally concerning confirmations by MN DNR in 2019 and 2020 of zebra mussel larvae at several sites in the southern portion of Lake of the Woods.  

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LOWWSF Releases Report on "What We Heard"

Published: 07 September 2021

 

What we heardLOWWSF has released a report summarizing what we heard from the public during engagement sessions with Environment and Climate Change Canada on its set of proposed lake ecosystem objectives and potential phosphorus reduction scenarios to improve water quality for Lake of the Woods.  Hundreds participated in ten webinars and online via ECCC's Lake of the Woods engagement website.  The messages were clear and a call to action -- "get on with it":

  • Adopt a 20% phosphorus reduction target
  • Set binational phosphorus targets
  • Ensure ongoing core monitoring
  • Act without further delay

  pdf Download the report here(551 KB)

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State of the Basin Report Update Underway

Published: 26 May 2021

sobr cvrIt seems just like yesterday, but it’s been seven years since the last Rainy-Lake of the Woods State of the Basin Report (SOBR) was published. Since 2014, we have learned a lot about our lake, its watershed and the priority concerns about water quality, invasive species, nutrients and toxic algae, and much, much more.  

In June, we launched a major project to update the State of the Basin Report to 2021, in a multi-jurisdictional collaboration led by the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation, with the Territorial Planning Unit of Grand Council Treaty #3, members of the International Multi-Agency Arrangement (government agencies, U.S. Tribal, non-governmental organizations), and the International Joint Commission watershed Board. 

Publication of the SOBR 2021 Edition is planned for March 2022.

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Phosphorus Concentrations and Phosphorus Loads – What’s the Difference?

Published: 12 July 2021
by Bev Clark, for the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation

DJI 0252L 224 640If you are concerned about algal blooms in Lake of the Woods or algal blooms anywhere for that matter, then you will hear a great deal about phosphorus concentrations and phosphorus loads.  The difference is almost straightforward. 

In this article, Bev demystifies the talk about phosphorus and its relationship to algae and how it relates to the types of lakes in our region, ranging from the ultra-clear waters of Lake 224 pictured here to the algae laden green waters of the south end of Lake of the Woods

(Lake 224 photo courtesy of the IISD Experimental Lakes Area)

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Great news for Lake of the Woods in Canada’s Budget 2021

Published: 26 May 2021

budget2021Great news for Lake of the Woods in Canada’s Budget 2021.  The federal Budget included $1.8 million for Lake of the Woods. This is bridging funding for the current year only, but will allow Environment and Climate Change Canada to maintain research and monitoring activities and continue efforts towards developing phosphorus pollution reduction targets to address toxic algae in the lake.  We anticipate that further funding will follow, likely as part of the large-lakes mandate of the Canada Water Agency, currently being established.

Spiny waterfleas are a threat to our lake ecosystems – you can help stop the spread!

Published: 01 June 2021

stopspiny.org Spiny waterfleas are small aquatic predators native to Eurasia. The first report of spiny waterfleas in North America was in Lake Ontario in 1982 and was introduced to the Great Lakes in ballast water from ocean-going ships. “Spiny” is a species of zooplankton – small animals that rely on water currents and wind to move long distances. They prefer large, deep, clear lakes, but can also be found in shallower waters. 

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Lakesmart - Spreading Stewardship This Summer

Published: 01 June 2021

lakesmartLakeSmart is an award-winning environmental outreach program unique to the Lake of the Woods area of northwestern Ontario. A signature program of the our sister organization, the Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association (LOWDSA), it is focused on environmental education and helping lake users “live and play green” at the lake.  The LakeSmart Boat is now launched and the team looks forward to visiting you. 

To contact the LakeSmart team or to book a visit: email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or reach to LOWDSA via social media.  The Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation is proud to be one of the sponsors of the LakeSmart program again this yar, along with many others including, Invading Species Awareness Program, Lake of the Woods Coffee Company, Kenora and Lake of hte Woods Community Foundation, Cabin Country Realty, Copperfin Credit Union, Q104, World of Water, EcoCanada, Nature Conservancy, Ontario Power Generation, Grand Council Treaty #3, Lake of hte Woods Mobile Marine, Lake of the Woods Septic Barge, Richard McKenzie Insurance and Talbot Marketing.

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Town Island - A New Future?

Published: 01 June 2021

FdtnTown Island Map ScreengrabThe Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is a non-profit organization that works to protect natural areas through securing properties and managing them for the long term, ensuring their ecological integrity. NCC is partnering with the City of Kenora, local residents, cottagers, and campers to protect 82 hectares (202 acres) on Town Island.

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  1. 2021 Watershed Forum Proceedings Report - Get Your Copy!
  2. Record Attendance at the 2021 Watershed Forum
  3. Apples and Oranges in Lake of the Woods
  4. Sustainability – A misused concept that we need to think about

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