Steenburg Lake Community Association -

Since 2002, the Lake Links workshops have been an opportunity for representatives of lake associations and other stewardship groups in Eastern Ontario to come together with government and non-government agencies to listen to speakers, share information, and address common lake community issues and concerns. FOCA is pleased to be involved with this dynamic process, and to be helping to sponsor this year's event.

In the past, these workshops have covered topics like: how to fundraise for projects and engage your lake community; proper care and maintenance of septic systems and wells; water quality, and invasive species. Lake Links strives to address issues that matter most to Eastern Ontario lake communities, and provides a forum to discuss and share ideas and actions.

This year, Lake Links will be held Saturday October 20^th, 2007 in Perth, Ontario.

The Lake Links Planning Committee is working hard to bring you a successful event this year. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

The committee is also seeking your input to make this event truly successful. In order to continue the long standing success of the annual Lake Links Workshop, the Lake Links Planning Committee is requesting feedback from Eastern Ontario Lake Associations on possible topics to be covered this October. Based on workshop participant feedback from 2006, listed below are 5 topics that could be discussed at the workshop. As not all topics will be covered, we would appreciate your input, by way of reviewing the following list, and ranking your priority for these topics from 1 to 5: 1 - being a topic of high priority/interest to be discussed at the workshop5 - being a topic of low priority/interest to be discussed at the workshop ***Please let us know if you have any other lake based issue(s) you think should be addressed at this or future Lake Links workshops. We ask that you send your feedback if possible by Friday, July 6^th to Muriel info@watersheds.ca at the Centre for Sustainable Watersheds.*** Thanks for your time, and we'll see you at Lake Links!
Sincerely, The Lake Links Planning Committee,

1. Topic: Septic re-inspection Programs

Possible Speaker(s): Health Unit staff/ Septic Office/other

· Speakers will discuss success and results of different programs

Charleston LakeRideau TownshipTay Valley Township South FrontenacOther

· Discussion on differences in program set up and how they work

EnforcementIncentive programs or home owner support

· Tools on how to start a program in your area

Criteria that is required in getting a program started

· Discuss lakes that have had blue green algae blooms (Three Mile Lake case study) and the importance of re-inspection programs as one tool of many other lake stewardship actions to maintain and enhance the health of lake communities

2. Topic: Municipal Official Plans and bylaws – looking forward Possible Speakers(s): Matt Craig, RVCA, Tom Beaubiah, CRCA

· Research good examples of wording and actions in both Official Plans and by-laws that support sustainable development and protection of the watershed · Case Study of a development problem that was addressed in an effective way· Look at different by-law enforcement techniques/examples

o Increased taxes o Incentive programso Holding fees

3. Topic: Land Trusts

Possible Speaker(s) – RWLT/ RVCF/other

· How property owners can donate properties to area land trusts · How the process works· Tax breaks, benefits and conservation

4. Topic: How to increase memberships in Lake Associations

Possible Speaker(s): Lake Associations – go around with ideas

· Email lists, Mail outs and newsletter· Membership dues – too much? Too little?· Setting membership goals· How to gain business memberships· Attracting volunteers

5. Topic: Aquatic Weed Growth

Possible Speaker(s): ?

Strategies for dealing with aquatic weed growth on lakes (i.e. evaluate the relative benefits of mats, cutting, pulling, chemical control)

· MNR aquatic weed control manual· Permit processes

· Examples of lakes that have attempted aquatic weed control

Thanks for your on-going interest and all the best for a safe and productive summer 2007!

Regards,

Terry

Terry Rees, Executive Director
Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations
#18 - 156 Duncan Mill Rd.
Toronto, ON M3B 3N2
Phone 416-429-0444
email trees@foca.on.ca
Fax 416-429-4944

Visit us at www.foca.on.ca , and be sure to sign up for our electronic newsletters, for all the latest information for cottagers and cottage associations.

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