March 2024 Newsletter
https://bit.ly/KWEFMar2024Newsletter
Included in this issue:
Invasive Species: March 18 Presentation by Sprucedale & District Horticultural Society
Transport Canada: New Boating Regulations for 2024
Spring’s official date is March 19, however it seems to have come much earlier this year; we have very little snow now, and the ice on the lakes is poised to go out momentarily.
There was enough snow for another very successful Kearney Dog Sled Races, Ontario’s largest sprint sled dog racing event, (est. 1994), held February 10th & 11th. This year the races were an International Federation of Sleddog Sports (IFSS) Accredited World Cup Event. This means that mushers racing towards world championship points can earn them at the Kearney Dog Sled Races!
Photo source: https://kearneydogsledraces.ca
Invasive Phragmites
The March meeting of the Sprucedale & District Horticultural Society is presenting their program: “Invasive Phragmites: Learn: reasons for concern, identification and eradication”. This important topic is very relevant to our area and timely, since we are on the cusp of spring.
Phragmites australis is an aggressively invasive, non-native species that is now in our area.
We urge you to attend: Monday, March 18, 2024, 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 pm) Emsdale Community Centre, 25 Joseph Street, Emsdale
In September, 2020 KWEF published a Special Edition of our Newsletter specifically dealing with the invasive species Phragmites australis. Here is a link to that Special Edition: https://bit.ly/KWEF_Phrag.
Other Invasive Species
An invasive species is a plant, animal, fish, or any organism that is introduced into a new environment and over-runs its new environment. They out-compete our native species of fish plants and animals and destroy the original habitat.
In January 2024, the Ontario government designated 10 additional invasive species to be regulated under The Invasive Species Act.
2024 Prohibited Species:
Ide (fish), Eastern and Western Mosquito Fish, Red Shiner.
Oxygen weed (aquatic plant)
Genus Salvinia - Watermoss (aquatic plant)
Genus Procambarus and Genus Pacificastacus (Crayfish)
Restricted Species
Eurasian Water Milfoil (aquatic plant)
Floating Primrose willow (aquatic plant)
Flowering Rush (aquatic plant)
Genus Azolla Water Ferns (aquatic plant)
Tree of Heaven (terrestrial plant)
Nutria (mammal) usually found on farmland
Source: Ontario Designates New Invasive Species, https://news.ontario.ca
In the past few years, some invasive species of concern in our area have been purple loosestrife, spiny waterflea, zebra mussels, phragmites, emerald ash borer.
Ways You can help avoid the spread of invasive species:
• Practise Clean, Drain, and Dry when moving your watercraft and outdoor recreational equipment from one water course or wetland. Do this at a distance from the water.
• Dispose safely of live bait.
• Plant only native species on your property.
• Refrain from moving firewood to a different area
Removing an invasive species is very difficult once it becomes established. Just ask the folks on Lake Bernard, who have been struggling to eradicate phragmites from their shoreline. With our warming lake temperatures, we need to limit invading weeds and other organisms as best we can to protect our waterbodies.
Report suspected sightings to the invasive species HOTINE 1-800-563-7711
Transport Canada: New Boating Regulations for 2024
Transport Canada is in the process of modernizing the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORR). In December 2023, the Federation of Ontario Cottagers Associations, (FOCA), submitted comments on the subject of Long-Term Anchoring and VORR Modernization to Transport Canada. Changes are also being considered in Pleasure Craft Licensing fees, and possible Mandatory Personal Flotation Device (PFD) wearing. It is expected that a public Comment period will be announced by Transport Canada on the PFD topic in the Spring. According to FOCA, some of the Licensing changes will occur when an announcement is posted in the Canadian Gazette, Part 1, likely in mid-2024. It is expected a Public Comment period will be announced at that time as well. If you are interested in updates, check FOCA Elert: https://foca.on.ca/news/elerts/
Source: FOCA Elert
A reminder
Clean, Drain and Dry - your watercraft before moving it from one lake to another. This is a fairly recent law. The purpose is to stop invasive species (plant or animal) from spreading. Bait should be disposed of properly as well.
It is important for our wetlands that other sports vehicle operators (eg: ATV’s) practice Clean Drain and Dry away from sensitive land and waterbodies to prevent damage and spread of invasive species.