Meghan Mills is the Foundation's International Watershed Coordinator, a dedicated resource to support and coordinate research, management and civic engagement initiatives underway internationally across our watershed. Meg focuses on working together with four main spheres of activity in the watershed:
Originally published on August 14, 2020As part of our “Ask An Expert Webinar Series,” we heard from Rob Davis of EcoEthic Inc., last week on how septic systems work, how to watch for signs of failure, a few myths and lots of great tips for preventing bigger problems before they happen. I was so impressed with the information, I thought it was important to share it because I know there are a lot of septic system owners out there and these systems don’t always come with a user manual.
It was interesting to find out that septic systems were first invented in France about 260 years ago, but were intended only to handle black water (i.e. human waste), not the typical things we let go down the drain like bathing and laundry soap. The systems incorporate not only physical treatment (sinking and floating of material) but, more importantly, biological treatment as well (digestion of waste by bacteria). More microbes in the system equate to better treatment and fewer nutrients exiting the system.
There is a wealth of expertise locally when it comes to water quality, forestry, algae and septic systems and as part of our International Watershed Coordination Program, we are offering a free virtual webinar series this summer to give you access to some of these wonderful experts! Starting on July 29, we will be running weekly lunchtime webinars on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. CT – tune in to learn more about these topics of interest and ask questions.
Crayfish are a common sight in this neck of the woods and are a highly sought-after crustacean worldwide, being rich in protein and low in fat. In fact, in Europe, they are considered a delicacy. Crayfish are omnivorous, so they feed on animals and plants, either living or decomposing. Some are native to this area, like the virile crayfish, but it’s just as likely that you’ll see a rusty crayfish, an invasive species that has become just about as common, if not more, than its native cousin.
For many, the answer to this is “nothing” because there is often a very deep connection to water for those who have waterfront property. But, the question is really about what you should allow to come between you and your lake – literally.
I was lucky enough to spend this last week out on Lake of the Woods in a favourite cabin, surrounded by trees, wildlife and, of course — water. I instantly felt a sense of calm and relaxation when I got there and as each day passed, a greater sense of respect and gratitude for this lake and its surroundings. For the most part, as I kayaked and canoed along the shoreline, I noticed many properties have kept a buffer of vegetation at the shoreline. They’ve kept things wild by letting the grass grow, letting the trees and shrubs stabilize their shoreline, minimizing the artificial structures and reducing disturbance. But, our lakes need everyone to do this, collectively, in order to have the biggest impact. Those who own waterfront property really do have a unique responsibility.
Rusty crayfish, spiny waterflea, zebra mussels, purple loosestrife, rainbow smelt, narrow-leaved cattail are just a few of the over 15 aquatic/riparian species here in the Lake of the Woods and Rainy River area that have come from somewhere else, they are not native to this part of the world.
In the broad sense, invasive species have the potential to drastically change the ecosystem, aggressively out-competing native species, changing the quality of water and affecting the food web, threatening wildlife and woodlands and causing significant economic losses to forestry, agriculture, fisheries, and other industries affected by their impact. Reducing the spread of these invasives is everyone’s responsibility, but it’s of particular interest to a group of specialists from Minnesota, Ontario and Manitoba who meet regularly on this topic.
If you have been a member of a lake association, you likely know that they can be extremely productive, energetic, action-driven organizations. In our shared waters, we are fortunate to have over 30 lake associations. While these associations may originate due to concerns for taxes, infrastructure or governance, the vast majority form out of a passion to help to protect local water resources.
Last November, I talked about “fall turnover,” a phenomenon that happens on our lakes here in northwestern Ontario when things cool off and the temperature and density of water changes, resulting in the mixing of top and bottom water layers that have developed over the summer, known as thermal stratification. As soon as the ice goes out, “spring turnover” takes place, once again mixing the waters of the lake from top to bottom.
Ice fishing, snow machining, hiking, skiing… these are all great outdoor lake-based activities we are so lucky to have on our doorstep. Inevitably, we will bring food and drinks and, with that… garbage. With the winter season upon us and holidays around the corner, I’d like to dedicate today’s column to discussing garbage and the importance of not leaving it on the ice.
Every winter, thousands of people head out onto our lakes for ice fishing tournaments, family fishing days, snow machining on the ice road, winter construction projects, accessing cabins by car/truck and skiing or walking trails. Some days, it looks like another city has sprung up on the ice and it can make for an excellent winter experience. With this comes ice huts, campfires and temporary “campsites”.
Have you ever wondered where all the water in Lake of the Woods comes from, where it goes and why it flows in a northerly direction? The answer is in the history books – it all began when the glaciers that once covered this area started to recede and left us with the watershed landscape we have today.
Given the cold temperatures lately and the quick freeze-up on the lakes around us, I thought it would be interesting to look below the ice surface and find out what really happens under there all winter. For those of us who ice-fish, we know full well that the lake is still full of life, but let’s take a closer look.
During the summer, lake surface waters warm up and this layer of warm, less dense water floats on top of the deeper cold waters that are more dense. This is known as lake stratification.
