Espanola's Clear Lake Stewardship Association
Clear Lake is located off Hwy 6 at the south end of Espanola Ont. It is a small, quiet and picturesque lake with about 50 properties. The Lake is approximately1.5k long, .50k wide and 20m deep.
Email:clscsecretary@hotmail.ca
We are a member of the Federation of Ontario Cottages' Association. Click here HERE to go to the FOCA web-site.
For more information about the Town of Espanola click HERE
We are proud of our members, click HERE to see who belongs.
The Clear Lake Stewardship Association (CLSA) area of interest is the Clear Lake basin.
We strive to protect the environmental health of Clear Lake for use by the community and as a natural habitat. The CLSA aids in the regeneration and sustainability of Clear Lake through monitoring, education and communication.
The CLSA works in partnership with the town of Espanola, the property owners and the residents of Clear Lake and all levels of government to promote good stewardship practices.
The CLSA has established an executive that meets on a regular basis and holds general meetings at appropriate intervals.
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To see a complete copy of our By-Laws click HERE .
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Click HERE to see the minutes of the May 2012 General Meeting and Apr 2012 - year end to see the Year End Treasurers Report.
And HERE for the Jun 2013 AGM
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Minutes of the Executive Council Meetings: Jan 2014
See BLOG posts for the rest of 2017 - 2020 Minutes
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Treasurers Reports:
See BLOG posts for 2018 - 2020
Posted by CLSA - Secretary on March 31, 2021 at 11:22 0 Comments 0 Likes
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
Posted by CLSA - Secretary on January 21, 2021 at 15:00 0 Comments 0 Likes
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…
ContinueClear Lake Stewardship Association is a social network
Click Shoreline Owners Guide for access to more detailed information
1. Establish and/or expand buffer zones. Click HERE to learn more
2. Don't use fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides.
3. Get septic systems pumped out regularly and maintain the field bed. Click HERE to learn more
4. Use phosphate free and biodegradable soaps and cleaning products
5. Insure no gas and/or oil enters the lake.
6. Make no wake
7. Be a good Neighbour and good Steward - be considerate of your environment- be aware of your actions and the impact you are having on what surrounds you.
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Blue Green Algae
Click HERE to read all about Blue Green Algae - a very informative and balanced document.
Click HERE , HERE ,and HERE to read the Letter and Fact sheets supplied by the Sudbury and District Health Unit.
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MILFOIL
To learn about Eurasian milfoil Click HERE
To read the 2009 progress report click HERE
To read the 2012 report about the milfoil in Clear Lake Click HERE.
To read the 2013 report click HERE
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Water Survey Results
To look at the detail 2009-2018 water testing/survey results go
To look at a summary report of the 2009-2017 water testing/survey results go
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Know your limit and fish within it.
To discover fishing limits and seasons in our zone (10) go HERE
If you suspect someone is overfishing REPORT IT doing nothing condones it!
Mitch Turcott
CO, Espanola Area
Desk : 705-869-5246
Cell: 705-869-7862
Email: mitch.turcott@ontario.ca
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To find out what happens if there is a traffic accident that creates a spill that threatens the lake- click HERE
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