Another very pleasant weekend on the lake.
Just a few reminders.
SUMMER FUN
Next weekend (weekend of July 31) we have our (see attached posters) coming up :
Canoe Races Saturday am – lead by Mary
Dress up your boat for fun -Saturday afternoon. – lead by MelSale Boat regatta Sunday afternoon – lead by Alan
Please encourage friends and neighbors to sign-up in advance.
MEMBERSHIPPlease remember that your membership dues are very important to the well being of our community of lakes and allow such things as participation with FOCA and their contribution to our waters, membership in other associations vital to an ecologically sound water body, plus we would like to add one more AED on the lake.
LWRA membership dues are $50 per cottage and can be paid by Paypal or e-transfer. Cheques payable to Limerick Waterways Ratepayers Association or cash can be dropped off to Mary Argue at 135 North Shore.
A Etransfer: limerickwaterways@gmail.com
B Paypal for email link
LandEscapesWe have initiated dialogue with the new owners of the “Domtar” property and hope to get together with them soon – more to follow. Nice to have environmentally conscious new neighbors.
ANNUAL AGMOur AGM as previously announced is planned for Labor day weekend to allow some social gathering and welcoming back our fellow cottagers from out of country- more info to follow.
Thank you to those that have stepped forward to stand for election and participate in our board
Boat House clear-out’We have to clear our stuff out of the boat house storage building at the Marina. Some will go to the dump (I will need help as I cant lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for most of the summer). If anyone has space, let me know
WATER TESTINGOur annual water sampling for invasive species will be done over the weekend and submitted for testing
A special thanks to Kyle for his work in getting the preparing our new posters.
Best Regards,Mike Douglas-HeckerPresident, LWRA
Tel: 647-290-1326
Email:
mikedh@rogers.com or mike@cathim.com
FOCA is the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations, the voice of the waterfront for nearly 60 years.
Border woesFOCA is aware that many property owners from outside Ontario have struggled with the inability to enter the province to access their properties, due to the ongoing pandemic. Mindful of the need to keep everyone safe, FOCA has written to both the Province and the Canadian government, asking for direction on the plan to get our friends and neighbours back to the Ontario waterfront, as quickly as it is safe to do so. While FOCA was pleased to see the provincial borders open on June 16, we remain concerned there is no plan in place to allow U.S. owners of Canadian property to access and isolate at their waterfront homes. Read FOCA’s letters to the Premier and the Federal leadership (see June 4th posting), and get updates on the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on our communities, here:
Electricity PricingThis week the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) responded to Hydro One‘s submission of late May 2021 (which had provided responses to common customer questions about the elimination of the seasonal rate class), by asking for more clarification from Hydro One on certain aspects of the proposed implementation plan. For a summary of the outstanding details, and a link to the OEB’s full letter, visit FOCA’s webpage:
Association Members: Do your members know about ALL their FOCA benefits?All members of our Member Associations are entitled to access a series of discounts, special offers and other member benefits. Get the details (and login for information about the access codes), here: 
FOCA brandingA member Association recently asked: Can we use the FOCA logo on our Association communications to members, media, government, or partners?
Webinar: Invasive Phragmites Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at noon
Past Webinar: Invasive Species & Boater PathwaysJune 1, 2021 – A discussion with FOCA and the Invasive Species Centre about boats as a potential pathway of spread for invasive species, and the current review of the Invasive Species Act including the regulation of the movement of boats between waterways. 
Past Webinar: DataStreamJune 16, 2021 – A discussion with FOCA and the Gordon Foundation about the Great Lakes DataStream open access hub for sharing water data, set to come online this Fall. If you participate in water quality data collection in the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence region, you’ll want to hear about DataStream and the map and visualization tools that will make it easy to explore results and see where else monitoring is taking place around you. FOCA members can access the webinar recording here:
Past Webinar: Creating a Cardiac Safe Cottage CommunityApril 21, 2021 – A presentation about emergency preparedness in rural and remote areas, and the importance of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), from our partners at Action First Aid.FOCA members can access the webinar recording here: 
FOCA Champions Affordable & Safe Rural Living
Cottage Succession FOCA and estate lawyer Peter Lillico have been teaching families about cottage succession planning for the past decade! Our traditional in-person events have shifted to digital for 2021: 
Fire SafetyThe Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management reminds everyone that it will soon be July, when the top fire safety concerns are:barbequescottage firessmoking-related firesforest fires.Learn about all kinds of summer safety in the Summer Smart handbook from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority. Download that handbook, as well as the Fire Marshal’s printable Cottage Fire Safety tips, from our webpage: 
Boat WakeOur waterways are busy again this year! FOCA has heard from members concerned with the impacts of boat wake, and questions about signage that can be posted to remind boaters of their wake impact. Two great recent examples of signs created by our member Associations, along with other resources, are featured on FOCA’s webpage: 
left: Baptiste Lake Association; right: Muskoka Lakes Association & Safe Quiet Lakes
Gypsy mothGypsy moth is a non-native forest defoliating pest that is found in Ontario. Outbreaks occur every 7 to 10 years – and many parts of south central Ontario are in the midst of one now. Get information, resources, and link to a recent webinar on the topic hosted by the Ontario Model Forest and Ontario Woodlot Association from FOCA’s webpage:
image: 
Great Lakes water levelsThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reported in May that precipitation over the Great Lakes basin was generally below average for six months in a row, leading to significant declines in water levels. The lake level forecast for each of the Great Lakes has been released, with water levels still above the long-term average, but much lower than the record highs of the past few years. Review the details, including graphs (Michigan-Huron is shown here), in the 
Upcoming webinar series:Ontario Biodiversity SummitFind out more about how nature can help us address climate change and biodiversity loss at the 2021 Ontario Biodiversity Summit! Virtual sessions run through September. FOCA’s Terry Rees will be moderating a session about ‘Restoring Aquatic Biodiversity’ that is now scheduled for Thursday, July 15th.
Source Protection VolunteerThe Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Region is seeking a Source Protection Committee member interested in protecting municipal drinking water sources in the Mississippi and Rideau Valley watersheds. The committee is looking for one public sector representative for multi-year involvement, to liaise on behalf any of the following seats: environmental, non-governmental organizations, First Nations and general interest. 
Fish Hatchery FundraiserThe North Hastings Community Fish Hatchery thanks those who contributed in 2020 to their fundraising efforts, and asks for your support again this year, as COVID-19 has curtailed their traditional fundraising events. This year will feature an on-line auction in July. 
Water Funds Kawartha Conservation reports that property owners in the City of Kawartha Lakes, or Townships of Scugog, Brock, or Clarington can apply for financial assistance through the Scugog Water Fund (for 2021), Kawartha Water Fund (for 2022), or the Kawartha Community Grant for projects that contribute to the health of the watershed (including tree planting, shoreline naturalization, well/septic system stewardship and more, depending upon the particular grant/fund).
Bat TalksThe Willis Bat Lab at the University of Winnipeg is offering nature clubs, stewardship and naturalist groups across Ontario free bat webinars! Bats in Ontario face threats, including white-nose syndrome, and need to be better understood and protected. You are encouraged to participate in the 
SQL survey: Your Lakes, Your ViewsSafe Quiet Lakes (SQL), in partnership with Algonquin College and local lake associations, invite those who use and love the waterways in the Muskoka and Georgian Bay regions to participate in their latest survey. Past survey data has been shared with Transport Canada, municipalities, the OPP, and boating organizations. Add your voice before Monday, July 12, 2021. 
Lakes AppreciationThe North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) reminds everyone to celebrate “Lakes Appreciation Month”in July. They’ve released the spectacular student poster contest winners for 2021! Check it out, plus get ideas for planning a local event (shoreline clean up? lake paddle or hike? septic system information blitz? it’s up to you!):
30 years of CSBCCongratulations to our partner organization, the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC), which held its 30th Annual General Meeting this past month. That’s three decades of promoting safe and responsible boating across the country. The alliance was originally formed to prevent boating injuries and drownings. Their projects include championing Safe Boating Awareness Week each Spring, presenting the annual Canadian Safe Boating Awards, and managing the SmartBoater website. Check out 
FOCA Staff Updates
Award receivedFOCA congratulates Dr. Liz Favot, our Assistant Lake Stewardship Coordinator, who was part of a team whose lead author, Branaavan Sivarajah, was awarded best student paper at the recent 2021 Interdisciplinary Freshwater Harmful Algal Blooms Workshop.Their paper, 
Find out more about 
COVID Safety
Stay-at-home orderWith the long weekend upon us, FOCA has been fielding calls about whether it is OK to go to the cottage. Despite some 
FOCA on CBC Radio’s “The Current”Don’t miss FOCA’s Terry Rees and other special guests discussing the prospects for the upcoming “one-shot summer” on The Current with host Matt Galloway, this Monday, May 24th, 2021 beginning at 8:30am. Tune in to your local CBC radio affiliate, or listen live using the online link on the top right of 
Stopping the spread of invasive speciesFOCA has written in support of regulating the movement of boats between waterways, as part of proposed amendments to Ontario’s Invasive Species Act. Read FOCA’s letter, and join our new email campaign to show your support as well. Links are posted here: 
Funding for the Muskoka WatershedThe province of Ontario has announced a commitment of over $4 million to fund 16 projects to help reduce the impacts of flooding and address the watershed health of the Muskoka River Watershed. The projects were selected from the recommendations made by the Muskoka Watershed Advisory Group (MWAG) in their interim report delivered in the summer of 2020. FOCA contributed to the MWAG consultations. Read more on 
Dock Foam Bill passesAs reported by our member group, the 
IsampleONFOCA and the Invasive Species Centre (ISC) have launched a citizen science program called IsampleON (Invasive Species Awareness and Monitoring Program for Lakes Education Ontario) to collect and analyze water samples from 25 selected waterbodies, to monitor them for invasive mussels and spiny waterflea. Visit our program webpage: 
You can get involved with this program too, by participating in the IsampleON photo contest. FOCA and our partners at ISC are calling on Ontarians to tell us why you want to protect your waters from aquatic invasive species. Enter to win by explaining how or why you are preventing, detecting, and monitoring for aquatic invasive species in your favourite Ontario waterbody. Deadline is August 31st 2021 at 11:59PM and you must provide a photo. A winner will be randomly selected at the end of the summer from all entries received. 
1- Invasive Species & Boater PathwaysTuesday, June 1, 2021 at noonJoin FOCA and Colin Cassin of the Invasive Species Centre for a discussion about boats as a potential pathway of spread for invasive species. FOCA will speak about the review underway of the Invasive Species Act including the regulation of the movement of boats between waterways. 
3- Invasive Phragmites Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at noon
As part of the Green Shovels Collaborative, FOCA is working with conservation partners and our members on the issue of invasive Phragmites, to protect nature and the economy. Find out more about Green Shovels and the work being done, including a new Best Management Practices Guide from the Ontario Invasive Plant Council, on our webpage: 
Cottage Country Fire SafetyWith recent stretches of dry weather, some parts of cottage country are already under fire bans this May. Seasonally, it’s time to think about fire safety in your cottage, around your property, when BBQing, or having a campfire. 
Virtual meetings can continue through 2021FOCA members are advised that the Ontario government has confirmed that corporations governed by the Corporations Act (Ontario) can continue to hold meetings virtually until December 31, 2021, despite any provisions in their letters patent or by-laws to the contrary. See more information here: 
Do your members know about ALL their FOCA benefits?All members of our Member Associations are entitled to access a series of discounts, special offers and other member benefits. Get the details (and login for information about the access codes), here: 
Canada Census – last callStatistics Canada reminds all Canadians to complete their 2021 census form, if you haven’t already. Use the 
Drought possible for some, this SpringWith an early freshet this year, and recent hot and dry weather in many parts of Ontario, there is a potential for drought and low water levels in some areas. “In my 20 years, not issuing a Flood Warning during the annual spring freshet is unprecedented,” noted Gordon Earle, Water Resources Technologist of Otonabee Conservation. Link to this, and related information, on 
Great Lakes lower food webs reportThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released a report about the Great Lakes that is filled with interesting data and analysis of changes over the past decades. Some excerpts: Lake Erie is currently the only Great Lake in which total phosphorus concentrations consistently or intermittently exceed water quality objectivesrapid shifts in the lower food web in Lake Huron in the early to mid-2000s are showing signs of moderationLake Superior has exhibited the least change over the past decade and is consistently classified as ultra-oligotrophic based on phytoplankton and nutrient conditions. Visit FOCA’s 
Kenora Forest Management PlanningFOCA’s western-most member association, the Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association (LOWDSA), is currently involved in the public consultation phase of the 
#AlertMuskokaThe District Municipality of Muskoka recently announced they have selected a communication service provider, Voyent Alert!, whose application can provide area residents and visitors with timely and important safety information. Register for free to receive notifications in a variety of ways (including by app notification, text, email or voice call). Read the District notice and find a link to register for the app, 
Upcoming webinars:Lake Huron Coastal Webinar SeriesFOCA’s colleagues at the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation have launched their 2021 webinar series lineup for important issues threatening water quality and ecosystem health along the Lake Huron shoreline. You are invited to participate! The ongoing summer series includes webinars about:plastics, coastal ecosystem shorelines, development, plants, shorebirds, and species at risk. Get details and links to register, here: 
Recent event & Upcoming webinars: KawarthasFOCA recently attended the Spring meeting of our member group, the Kawartha Lake Stewards Association (KLSA) where they released their annual report (
Wildlife Sanctuary – Parry Sound-MuskokaFOCA has been contacted by the Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (AVWS) in Rosseau, which has dedicated over three decades to the rescue of injured, sick, nuisance or orphaned wildlife. Annually, AVWS responds to hundreds of public enquiries. Property owners in Parry Sound-Muskoka are encouraged to call them at 705-644-4122 for expert wildlife advice, or visit 
Great Lakes survey: aquatic invasive species knowledgeFOCA has been asked to help find survey respondents located on the Great Lakes for a research project being conducted at the University of Toronto. The survey will gauge public knowledge about 3 particular aquatic invasive species, how people learn about them, and how that information affects public perception of invasive species management. The survey should take about 5 minutes; results are anonymous. 
Upcoming webinar: Libraries Love LakesWednesday, June 2, 2021 at 2:00pm (ET) – Librarians, lake scientists, lake conservation organizations, community outreach educators and other interested folks are invited to register to attend a virtual information session about a new initiative, “Libraries Love Lakes” and its related website of online resources. The goal is to celebrate Lakes Appreciation Month (July) with programming in your local community! Get details and the link to register in 
Recent webinar: Life in the ‘Weeds’Earlier this month, FOCA attended a great webinar about aquatic plants (spoiler: for the most-part, they’re not ‘weeds’ and should be left as is, to do their job). Learn about the important role of these plants, and how to identify many of the common varieties! Watersheds Canada has posted the video recording to YouTube – 
FOCA sends congratulations to Terry Kennedy of our Member Association the Kennebec Lake Association, who recently received a 10-year Ontario Volunteer Service Award from the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. 
FOCA is the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations, the voice of the waterfront for nearly 60 years.Find out more about 
FOCA Champions Affordable & Safe Rural Living
With Ontario under a stay-at-home order that will last until at least May 6th, FOCA has been fielding calls about whether it is OK to go to the cottage. 
Enhanced emergency response coming to rural and northern Ontario?Seven years ago, FOCA sought assurance from the Province that the health and well-being of northern and rural Ontario residents is a priority of the provincial government, and that effective communications and coordination are in place to respond to emergency situations. 
April 12, 2021 – the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has released “Procedural Order #1” in connection with the elimination of the seasonal rate class of Hydro One electricity customers. FOCA has posted an overview, and a link to the full document, here:
FOCA was pleased to be part of last month’s announcement from the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) about a significant investment in cellular coverage in Eastern Ontario, which will see immediate improvements and a full roll-out by 2025. 
April 2021 – the Council of the Great Lakes Region (CGLR) has announced the creation of Circular Great Lakes, a regional initiative focused initially on keeping valuable plastic materials out of the waste stream and the environment. Link to the new initiative, and find out more about plastics and microplastics, on FOCA’s webpage: 
In related news, on April 9, 2021 FOCA attended a webinar hosted by Ohio Sea Grant about plastic pollution in the Great Lakes. The speakers confirmed that our plastic waste is entering aquatic ecosystems at alarming rates. While slides from the webinar were not circulated, FOCA has posted some highlights from the event on our 
FOCA’s partners at the Invasive Species Centre (ISC) reported this month that invasive Zebra and/or Quagga mussels have been found in moss ball products sold in Canada for use in aquariums. 
upcoming webinar series: Love Muskoka – Sustain Muskoka
Wednesday, May 5, 2021 @ 2:00pm (virtual) – Join Watersheds Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife – Michigan State University for a webinar about the critical role of native aquatic plants in our lakes. 
If your lake association is wondering what to do about your AGM, contact FOCA for an information sheet with notes about phone or webinar or even Facebook Live options. FOCA may be available to provide some up-front advice for your group to set up your own Zoom event. We also have a limited number of slots available to host member AGMs on FOCA’s Zoom platform, for a members-only price. For details, email: 
April 6, 2021 – a new staff report to Council was released about short-term rental (STR) regulation in Lake of Bays. The report includes a detailed overview of issues, potential costs to administer licenses, and feedback from public consultation. Other areas may find the report interesting as an example.Download a copy from the “News” section this FOCA webpage: 
The next 
A new tool is available through the Muskoka GeoHub that allows residents to see flood plain mapping and real-time water levels: 
Last call to provide input to Environment and Climate Change Canada on its proposals for phosphorus reduction options to manage algae blooms on Lake of the Woods. FOCA’s partners at the 
Property owners in the City of Kawartha Lakes, or Townships of Scugog, Brock or Clarington are invited to apply to Kawartha Conservation for funding for projects that contribute to the health of the watershed. Projects could involve shoreline naturalization to prevent erosion, tree plantings, well or septic system stewardship, and more. Get details, and apply by May 12, 2021, here: 
Our members at the Lake Kashagawigamog Organization have asked us to share information about their upcoming webinar, which is open to all:
FOCA’s Bronze level sponsors
FOCA is the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations, the voice of the waterfront for nearly 60 years.
image: Andy MetelkaFind out more about 
FOCA’s Strategic Plan 2020-2023As presented by the Board of Directors at the FOCA Annual General Meeting earlier in March, a refreshed Strategic Plan will guide our organization through the coming years.
The Elert sub-headings below have been updated to reflect the 6 priority areas of FOCA’s new Strategic Plan:promoting healthy lands, lakes and riversadvocating for responsive governmentserving local lake and road associationschampioning affordable and safe rural livingfostering community, andbuilding FOCA’s capacity.We hope you see your concerns addressed in these priorities. Find out more about FOCA’s work, here: 
FOCA has great publications like 
upcoming event: Abandoned Boats webinarWed., April 7, 2021 from 4-6pm (virtual) – our partners at Boating Ontario are hosting a webinar about abandoned boats, including Transport Canada speaking about the ‘Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act’. No registration is necessary for this free event.
FOCA Advocates for Responsive GovernmentDock Foam Bill moving forwardMarch 22, 2021 – FOCA spoke to the Ontario Legislative Committee in support of the Private Member’s Bill 228, ‘Keeping Polystyrene Out of Ontario’s Lakes and Rivers’. This would apply to new docks, not existing structures. Learn more about the Bill, and the plastic problems it seeks to address, here: 
upcoming event: Drinking Water Source ProtectionMarch 24, 2021 (10am-noon) – Join legal counsel from the Canadian Environmental Law Association and FOCA’s Terry Rees, for the launch of CELA’s quarterly “Water Conversations.” In the March edition they will discuss the state of legal protections for our drinking water, and the steps required to make the Clean Water Act more effective to serve the needs of First Nations and rural residents.
FOCA’s Gold level sponsors
2020 FOCA Achievement AwardCongratulations to the Long Point Ratepayers’ Association(LPRA) on Lake Erie, the recipients of the 2020 FOCA Achievement Award, which was presented at the 2021 AGM & Spring Seminar event on March 6th.
FOCA Champions Affordable & Safe Rural LivingSeasonal Rate reclassification: Got questions?If you received a letter from Hydro One over the past month, indicating you will be one of the 147,000 families moved out of the collapsing ‘Seasonal Rate’ class and into one of three existing density classes, you may have questions.
FOCA has submitted to be an intervenor at the next Ontario Energy Board hearing about the implementation of the elimination of the Seasonal Rate Class. Get background on this file here: 
EORN Announcement: Better cellular services coming to Eastern Ontario residents & businessesFOCA was pleased to be part of a press conference held by the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) on March 19, 2021 to announce a significant investment in cellular coverage in Eastern Ontario. Improvement will begin immediately, with a full roll-out by 2025. 
Watching for high water this SpringOntario cottage country communities must be especially vigilant in Spring as melting snow and ice, heavy rainfalls, and high water flows on lakes and rivers can make for rapidly changing conditions. Preventative action can minimize loss to buildings, docks and boathouses, but overland flooding remains a real risk for those located in or near a flood plain. 
FOCA posts related info, including links to emergency messaging and regular water bulletins for the Great Lakes, Trent Severn & Rideau waterways, and from the Ontario Surface Water Monitoring Centre, here:
Partner Updates & Regional NoticesOntario WaterpowerCoincident with the Ontario Waterpower Association‘s (OWA) annual Queen’s Park Day on March 24, MPP Mike Mantha (Algoma – Manitoulin) is introducing a private member’s bill that would see June 20th in Ontario declared as “Waterpower Day“. Fully one quarter of the province’s electricity comes from this renewable source. 
FOCA recently wrote about waterpower and our data sharing partnership with OWA, to map where waterfront property owners and the waterpower industry overlap on the landscape. Read the article in the 
Kawartha Conservation Mapping ToolMembers in the Kawartha Conservation (KC) region can now consult an online mapping tool to see if your property is in a regulated area or impacted by source water protection considerations. If so, you will need to apply for the appropriate permit or Source Protection Notice before any development, construction or site alteration such as grading, fill placement or excavation. 
Short Term Rental Survey: Tiny Twp.The Township of Tiny is in the process of developing a licensing framework for Short Term Rental (STR) properties in Tiny, and is seeking feedback from residents to guide the process. 
Lake of the Woods water quality Tuesday, March 30, 2021 – You are invited to have your say about the future of Lake of the Woods water quality! Take part in an online webinar meeting and town hall discussion, organized by the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation in partnership with the Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association, to connect you directly to the Lake of the Woods policy team at Environment and Climate Change Canada. Click the appropriate link to register for your preferred time: midday: 
Unavailable to attend either webinar?Visit the website launched by Environment and Climate Change Canada, instead:
Enjoy every season!Thanks to Jennifer K. who shared these spectacular pictures of her family’s lake ice curling rink on Round Lake in Havelock, from earlier this season. She wrote: “I used flour and food colouring for the rings and a cement mold with epoxy for my rocks.”We love it! Thanks for sending us the pictures. 
Find out more about 
1. Check your notice, and if you think your classification is incorrect, call the Hydro One Networks Customer Service line: 1-888-664-9376. Areas with 100 or more customers, and at least 15 customers for every kilometer of power line used to supply energy to the zone, are intended to become “Medium Density” but FOCA has already heard of cases where the designation on the Notice was incorrect.
Although the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) is an independent public agency, FOCA encourages everyone to contact their Ontario Member of Parliament to provide first-hand feedback to our politicians about the negative impact of this change on your household budget. More than 1,200 actions have already been undertaken by you and your fellow waterfront property owners, including:emailing the MPP of your seasonal property calling the MPP of your seasonal property (speaking notes provided) emailing the MPP of your permanent residence.It only takes a moment to input your address and use the online software to automatically find your MPP. We have provided a template message to make it quick and easy. (Pro tip: customize the subject line and first paragraphs to ensure your message gets read!) Join over 1,200 other concerned citizens and take action, here: 
FOCA was recently asked by a member about the implications of using a “bubbler” to keep winter ice away from docks or in-water boathouses. We referred them to 
Dr. Liz Favot, FOCA’s Assistant Lake Stewardship Coordinator based at the Dorset Environmental Science Centre, will speak about the LPP at FOCA’s AGM & Spring Seminar on March 6, 2021. Lake Stewards can 
February 22 – 26, 2021 – if your Association has a social media presence, and is involved in efforts to prevent the spread of invasive species, FOCA and our partners encourage you to participate in this year’s Invasive Species Awareness Week! Post and share with the hashtag #InvSpWk on your social media platform of choice. FOCA’s posts are on 
January 25-26, 2021 – FOCA and municipal partners from across rural Ontario participated in the annual Rural Ontario Municipal Association(ROMA) Conference, held digitally this year. ROMA is the rural arm of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). ROMA supports strong and effective rural governments, and brings priority issues affecting rural and northern communities to the attention of the provincial and federal governments. Learn more about the importance of municipal government to our lake communities, here: 
February 17, 2021 – FOCA and our partners at the Invasive Species Centre, the Toronto Region Conservation Authority, and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters shared information about collaborative efforts to reach key audiences in preventing the spread of Asian carp into the Great Lakes.
March 26-28, 2021 – Join us at the Virtual Show. FOCA’s Terry Rees will be speaking on the “main stage” with Cottage Life, talking about: Top 5 considerations for those thinking about making the jump to spending more time at the cottage this year!Register to attend for free, 
The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) wants Ontario residents’ input in a survey to understand current community awareness and thoughts about the way NWMO and communities communicate and engage with the siting communities about Canada’s plan for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel. 
FOCA’s member group, the Georgian Bay Association, has launched a campaign to support MPP Norman Miller’s Private Member’s Bill 228, Keeping Polystyrene Out of Ontario’s Lakes and Rivers Act, which is being presented for second reading in the Ontario Legislature on February 23, 2021. You can write your local MPP in support of the bill; information is posted here: 
image of Town Island_ 
The Haliburton Highlands Land Trust‘s (HHLT) discovery days “Animal Tracks and Signs” continues through February. Post your pictures and sightings on the HHLT’s 
Do you spend time in the Kawartha Lakes watershed: Balsam, Cameron, Sturgeon, Pigeon or Scugog Lake? If so, Kawartha Conservation‘s Watershed Management Department wants to hear from you. They are undergoing a review of their current monitoring programs and need your input. Help shape the science that protects your environment. 
February 9, 2021 – enjoy the recording of the Environment Haliburton talk by Dr. Liz Favot, FOCA’s Assistant Lake Stewardship Coordinator, about algae: the good, the bad and the ugly. The 45 minute presentation is followed by a panel Q&A session, with Professor Barb Elliot and Dr Norman Yan. 
image: 
This 
The next Census will take place in May 2021.
