Clear Lake Stewardship Association

Let us take walk down memory lane for long-time residents and provide a bit of history for the newest members of our lakeside community:

A little over 12 years ago our lovely lake was in serious trouble.  It was being choked with Eurasian Milfoil and was subject to lake wide algae blooms thanks to very high phosphorus levels.  Over the past years a huge effort has been made by the property owners in conjunction with the Town of Espanola to rejuvenate and sustain a healthy Clear Lake.  

We’ve been extremely successful in controlling the Milfoil through biological control by introducing weevils into the lake that feed on the plant and keep it in check. The phosphorus levels are now within sustainable levels (<20ppb.). Clear Lake property owners have achieved this through exercising BEST PRACTICES.  First and foremost, that has meant growing and developing their buffer zones.  Buffer zones – or vegetative shorelines and hillsides absorb nutrients from field beds; help prevent runoff and erosion all of which are major contributors to nutrient load.  Nutrient load means voracious aquatic plant growth - milfoil - and an elevated increased threat of algae blooms. Let’s not forget that shoreline leaf litter is the wintering ground for the weevils and is critical to their survival. And, a vegetative shoreline will help keep those pesky geese from visiting and depositing gifts – many, many gifts

Maintaining and expanding buffer zones – especially on Clear Lake that is deemed SENSITIVE - is so critical they are protected by the Town of Espanola’s Official Town Plan and its By-Laws.  I want to share the By-Laws with you. 

Waterfront Residential:  25.4:  Additional Zone Requirements

3. a) General Provisions In accordance with the provisions of Section 3.
4. b) The main building and tile fields will be set back at least 30 m from the high-water marks of lakes and rivers.
5. c)…

I trust one and all enjoyed the summer and especially enjoyed the second summer after what was a sudden and dreary fall.

I normally end my correspondences with an appeal to get membership dues in.  However, because the renewal rate this year has been less than ideal, understandable given the circumstances we are currently experiencing, I am leading with this appeal.   The Association’s annual bills are due and we need your support.  We have enjoyed your $50 support in the past and hope that this is only a sign of COVID times and not a change of heart.  It is easy to etransfer (to clscsecretary@hotmail.ca) and I would be more than happy to arrange a contactless pick up if that is more desirable to you.  Call or text me at 705-869-7534 and we can work something out. 

In my last communication I expressed concern that, given the abnormally hot weather, we might experience a blue-green algae bloom.  Unlike Lake Ramsey in Sudbury we did not, in fact the lake water remained super clear and all measured indicators of lake health were well within parameters – except perhaps the water temperature which was, unsurprisingly, high.   As a reminder; the water sampling crew measures temperature, clarity, dissolved oxygen and phosphorus at surface, 6m, 12m and bottom at three different locations (east & west pool as well as deepest spot – off Loon Island.  Along with wonderful sampling results it was observed that the milfoil was relatively sparse this summer – a wonderful plus when it comes to lake enjoyment.  Many thanks Greg and Dennis for participating in the sampling routine in a safe physical distancing way. 

The residents of Clear Lake must clearly take a bow for maintaining the good stewardship practices that are keeping our lake healthy.  You know the big ones: Buffer zones, septic system maintenance, abstinence of herbicides and pesticides, making no wake and of course keeping gas and especially…