Skootamatta District Ratepayers Association
S.D.R.A.
2011 Photo Contest Winners!
Cynthia Shay, our professional judge, had an even harder time than last year to select winners from over 50 entries submitted in the 2011 contest! This is pretty clear, (and graphic), evidence of the value that people associate with Skootamatta, and their time 'at the lake(s)'. Congratulations to the winners and 'Thank You' to everyone, (including several vistors), for submitting their great pictures.
1st Prize - 'Skootamatta Sunset' (Jason Field)
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"I chose this for #1 because of the reaction it caused when I first saw it. I sat back in my chair and let out a deep breath, involuntarily. This photo stirs a strong emotion! Kinda eerie and definitely beautiful." |
2nd Prize - 'Girls' Swim' - (Dave Collins)
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"I love this photo! Fundamentaly summer on Skoot! Great angle and great expressions". |
3rd Prize - 'Fetch' - (Dave Collins)
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"Such an amazing action shot! The ears flopping up is priceless! The water spray is captured beautifully." |
Cynthia also awarded an Honourable Mention to:
- 'Hummingbird Approaching Thistle' (Tyler Dearden)
- 'Magnetic Diaper' - (Jeff McBee)
- 'Fall Sunrise' - (Tyler Dearden)
In Memoriam - Bill Garnish
Longtime SDRA member, Director and general Skootamatta booster, Bill Garnish passed away on October 9th. The SDRA would like to express sincere condolences to Director Lynn and the entire extended Garnish family.
Apologies from the Webmaster ...
... for not keeping members better informed over the summer. Children's weddings, (two down, one to go), are now behind us and work is returning to a 'normal' pace as well. Lots of interesting information to be posted shortly.
2011 Photo Contest closes at Thanksgiving
Still lots of time to get your best shots entered. You can email your entries or use the ! Submit Stuff ! link to upload. Enter as many shots as you like ...any subject ...as long as the location is on or around the lakes. Don't forget to include your contact information. Any additional info, (technical, context, your titles), always adds interest.
Upcoming Directors' Meeting
Directors are meeting on October 8. Major topics on the agenda are:
- Lot maintenance and boat launches
- Addinton Highlands Official Plan Review
- Lake level concerns
- History Project
Aug 13th - Explore (some more)
The Friends of Skootamatta, Sheldrake & Pringle Lakes (FOSSP), with the assistance of lead organizer, John Coulter, extend an open invitation to all residents interested in going out again this year to take a close look at more of the lakes' (Crown Land) shoreline. Everyone had a great time last year and we gathered a considerable amount of important information about the upper lake. This year's teams will be exploring areas in the lower lake. Although there are more cottages, there are also significant areas of undisturbed shoreline that need to be catalogued.
Sat. August 13, 10:00 -12:30 AM - Meet at Sandy Beach (East side of Big Island)
If there is sufficient interest, we will print souvenir copies of this year's poster, (thanks again to Dean Black for the generous donation of the design). Contact one of the folks below if you'd like to order a copy. Charge will be nominal cost of printing.
For more information about the event, or to order a poster, please contact:
We've again scheduled the now-famous Nowells' Potlatch (Pot Luck) for the evening of the same day. Why not come out for the 'complete lake experience' - Exploring in the morning and some great food and conversation in the evening ?
More Logging Information ...
A further meeting is being planned for Thursday, September 1 at 6:30 pm in the Barrie Township Hall in Cloyne. The purpose of this event is to provide an opportunity for cottagers and other interested persons in Addington Highlands and North Frontenac to review the 10-year logging plan recently approved by Mazinaw Lanark Forestry Inc.; listen to concerns about possible adverse effects on the lake environments; discuss ways to passively monitor the impact of logging activity on the lakes; and, if warranted, report any concerns to appropriate authorities. It will also be an opportunity to learn about the potential of Lake Management Plans, prepared and endorsed by ratepayers, to protect areas adjacent to recreational lakes from future commercial logging activity. A flyer will be posted around the district and distributed to other interested groups.
FIRE BAN LIFTED
As of 12:00 noon, Friday, July 29, 2011, the Fire Ban has been lifted for Addington Highlands & North Frontenac Townships
Casey Cuddy
Fire Chief, CEMC
Annual General Meeting
Attendance was slightly down at this year's get-together - perhaps because of the awesome summer weather. The Association remains in strong financial shape and continues to monitor and report on activities in the area on behalf of its members. The SDRA thanks departing Directors; Kent Farrow, Rosemary Teed, Gord McCulloch & Hermann Balon for representing the interests of members over their terms on the Board. Welcome to new Director Nancy Kallina, and welcome back to former Director Lynn Garnish.
Honorary Membership in the SDRA was bestowed on Ross Oborne and was accepted by children: David, James, & Lynn on his behalf. Ross, now 96 and in declining health was still able to visit the lake this year! Addington Highlands Reeve, Henry Hogg and Councillor Helen Yanch both attended this year's meeting. Guest Speaker, Sue Tobia, gave members both a historical and future perspective on health care provided by the local health clinic, set up many years ago with her husband, Dr. Tobia. University of Ottawa PhD candidate, Stewart Fast, was also on hand to provide information about his research into Renewable Energy potential in the area. Pictures here ...
(Ed. Note: Gord McCulloch still knows how to grill a mean hot dog).
Biggest Boat Parade Ever ?
Including a couple of late joiners, observers counted 25 boats in this year's event - held in perfect weather. Thanks to everyone who took the time and effort to decorate their craft, (and themselves), to celebrate Canada Day in our own, unique Skootamatta way! Pictures here ...
2011 Photo Contest
A good number of photos have already been submitted for the contest. Still lots of time left before the Thanksgiving cutoff. You can email your entries or use the ! Submit Stuff ! link to upload. Enter as many shots as you like ...any subject ...as long as the location is on or around the lakes. Don't forget to include your contact information. Any additional info (technical, context, your titles), adds interest.
Call (613) 336-1851 for latest information
A TOTAL ban on open fires was declared in Addington Highlands and North Frontenac counties at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, July 20th. The ban remains in effect until further notice. Enclosed BBQ's (propane and charcoal ARE permitted), but please be extremely careful. Be sure to set them up in a non combustible area and do not dispose of ashes until you are sure they are cold.
Annual General Meeting - Saturday July 9th
A very full agenda has been scheduled for the 2011 AGM. After dealing with the requsite 'business', (e.g. last year's meeting minutes, finances, some minor constitutional amendments, (see p.5 of the 2011 Newsletter) and the election of new Directors, there will be lots of interesting issues, presentations, and an open Q&A session.
Why not consider getting involved by volunteering to help out on a committee ?
Again this year, there will be a selection of native species shoreline plants available for sale at $5 each. Nicer than grass and better for the shoreline environment and critters that depend on it. Thanks to Steve Pitt at the Lennox & Addington Stewardship Council and our own Lake Steward, Rosemary Teed for organizing the opportunity this year.
An open invitation is cordially extended to any new owners / residents. Come on out and see what the Association is all about, meet your neighbours, and grab a hotdog or two at the BBQ following the meeting.
Happy Canada Day Eh !
With the holiday making a long weekend this year and a forecast of fair weather, there should be no shortage of participants for the annual Boat Parade. Enjoy !
2011 Photo Contest
Once again we're hoping to tap the talents of residents and visiting amateur photographers. This year's 1st and 2nd prizes are electronic photo frames - to showcase your own work! You can email your entries or use the ! Submit Stuff ! link to upload. Enter as many shots as you like ...any subject ...as long as the location is on or around the lakes. Don't forget to include your contact information. Any additional info (technical, context, your titles), adds interest.
Donation To Swim Program
The SDRA has donated funds to worthy local causes for the past several years. The Directors recently passed a motion to donate $500, (allocated in the 2010 budget), to the Mazinaw Swim Program. For almost 40 years, this locally-based program has taught thousands of kids, (both local and cottagers), how to swim - something every Canadian kid should know. The cost of the lessons is nominal, with subsidized bussing serving an area from Bon Echo To Kaladar and Flinton to Harlowe. More ...
June 18th - Renewable Energy Expo
PhD candidate Stewart Fast from the University of Ottawa has organized a 1/2 day presentation that may well be of interest to members and others in the area.
"This event is organized with the support of the Green Energy Task Force of the County of Frontenac and the Addington Highlands Economic Advisors for Development. It follows up on the questions raised by residents and officials during group interviews carried out in March and responds to the interest expressed by the approximately 200 residents who completed a mail-out survey carried out February to April 2011. 89% of residents felt it is important to look for alternative ways to use and obtain energy and we found 87% support for rooftop solar panel technology and high levels of interest in wind, water and biomass technology. Seasonal cottage owners are currently participating in the survey and responses received to date also indicate strong interest in new renewable energy technologies. Many questions have been raised about how these technologies work, costs and financing, subsidies, uncertainity about ecosystem or landscape impacts, employment potential and community ownership, and this event will be a chance to ask questions of experts and suppliers."
Skootamatta Signature Clothing IS Available !
The SDRA has authorized an independent vendor to supply Skootamatta signature clothing directly to members who may want to purchase items this year. (Thanks to Lynn Garnish for pursuing this). The company, Upper Frontenac Graphics, already has a similar agreement with the Sharbot Lake Association. More details here. Information and order forms will also be available at this year's Annual General Meeting.
This is a trial arrangement, provided as a service to SDRA members. UFG has no affiliation with the SDRA and the SDRA receives no direct or indirect financial benefit from the agreement.
Spring Setting of the Dam
In response to inquiries by Lake Steward, Rosemary Teed, Quinte Conservation has confirmed that stop logs were installed in the dam on Thursday, June 2nd, to bring the lake up to the summer control level. Depending on precipitaion, lake level is expected rise somewhat from the current, (un-seasonably low), level.
2011 Newsletter
The 2011 Newsletter (5.7 Mb) is finally on its way to all members. We hope this 'co-op' effort by the Directors will be an informative and enjoyable reference for 2011 SDRA activities. Special thanks go to Directors Debbie Awde, (for layout and editing) and Gord McCulloch, (for soliciting the largest number of advertisers we've ever had!)
As usual, you'll find a membership renewal/application form enclosed. Please renew promptly and don't forget to add your fireworks fee, for the big show at the end of the summer. You'll find a second, History Project', form included in the mailing, which ties in with the article in the newsletter, (see also below).
History Committee
Spearheaded by Director James Oborne, this group has established a joint venture with the Cloyne & District Historical Society to compile information tracking the settlement history on and around Skootamatta Lake. Please consider taking a little time to share information about your family's experiences to help us get a better idea of how settlement of the area has progressed since families first began regularly vacationing on and around Loon Lake
No doubt fishers and hunters were using the area during and after the extensive logging of the region in the late 19th century, however, people were not likely making regular recreational use of the lake until the establishment of Bon Echo lodge on Mazinaw.
Thanks to Jim for digging up information in the Oborne family papers about the Greater Loon Lake Fishing Club, the first organized group of property owners that we know of. Many names are still 'on the lake'.
Our Marketplace is Always Open !
Spring Cleaning ? Got something to sell, rent or just want to give away ? Send us the details via the ! Submit Stuff ! link and we'll post it here to let everyone know. We'll also post any item(s) that you may be searching for. [This section of the website actually gets the most viewer traffic !]
Logging in 2011 and later ...
Directors Kent Farrow and Gord Birnie met again recently with Mazinaw Lanark Forest Inc. Planning Forester Matt Mertins to get the latest infromation on logging activity that will result from the recently-approved Mazinaw Lanark Forest Long Term, (2011-2021) Plan, . While final approval for the 2011 Annual Work Schedule has not yet been issued by the MNR, (pending any outstanding Environmental Assessment appeals to the MOE), the SDRA was given the proposed block schedule for operations in the Skootamatta district. ('Block areas refer to the Operational Maps for the Mazinaw Lanark Forest Management Unit, available on the MNR website ... apparently undergoing major revision).
Feels like Spring, but ...
Word from the lake is that in spite of the recent balmy temperatures, there is still snow in the bush and lots of ice left on the lake. Roads are still mushy. Cottagers planning a visit for early chores or to open up for the season: Take notice!
Mazinaw Lanark Long-Term Forest Management Plan Now At 'Stage 5'
An announcement has been released by the Ministry of Natural Resources. Full Plan details can be viewed at the MLFI office in Cloyne, or online, (Just click on the Mazinaw-Lanark Forest Management Unit - most southerly in Ontario). The Operational Maps appear to contain all the details that were discussed/negotiated between Mazinaw Lanark Forest Inc. (MLFI), and the SDRA, including consideration of beaches and campsites on crown land waterfront locations. The 2011/2012 Annual Work Schedule, detailing specific activity over the next 12 months will also be posted on the MNR website, when approved.
Final appeals to the Plan are still possible for 30 days, (until May 6th) - however they must be submitted, (as a request for an individual environmental assessment), to the Director, Environmental Assessment Approvals Branch, at the Ministry of Environment.
2011 SDRA Logging Survey
The Directors would like to express sincere thanks to the 105 member families who took the time and effort to complete and return the short questionnaire. Special thanks also to President Kent Farrow, for collecting and collating all the data. It quickly became obvious that many members spend the winter months FAR away from Skoot AND their home (mailing) addresses, as we received numerous requests for a copy of the survey via email. While 23 respondents provided anonymous returns, the 57% return rate and the additional comments added by some, give an excellent picture of membership views on this issue. View the Survey Sheet and the Summarized Results.2011 Newsletter
Directors are gathering material and scribbling furiously to provide volunteer editor Debbie Awde lots of interesting material for this year`s edition. Lots of room left for input from members too!! Upload anything you think might be of interest via the ! Submit Stuff ! link and we will review it for publication.
Concerns About Logging East of Hwy # 41
A formal appeal to the MNR by the Shabomeka Lake Association regarding 'Plan #56' logging in the area between Shabomeka and Shawenegog lakes has been rejected. The well-prepared paper from the lake association pointed out the potential shortcomings of the MNR "learn-as-you-go" approach to long-term, (and possibly irreversible), environmental effects of logging catchment areas, (e.g. changes to water quality affecting sensitive aquatic species). The lake association paper had asked for a one year moratorium on cutting in the area pending results of ongoing MNR studies and further assessment of the specific Shabomeka catchment area. While neither the lake association paper or the details supporting the MNR rejection of their appeal have been published, pictures of the Shabomeka logging operations have been posted on their association website.
The Shabomeka Lake Association is planning to escalate their concerns under the existing MNR appeal process.
An individual complaint has also been lodged with the MNR by a Shabomeka resident regarding the removal of a tree by the loggers, (Schute), that had been well-marked to indicate an active pileated woodpecker's nest.
Recent SDRA Mailing - Logging
All paid members should have now have received an information package describing the SDRA's appeal regarding the Mazinaw Lanark Long Term (2011 - 2021) Plan. The package also contains a short survey about logging in the district. Please complete and return it ASAP. The Directors need facts about the level of interest amongst members, and what level of personal commitment exists, before committing the Association to support, or initiate further action on the issue.
If you are a paid member, but did not receive the survey, please request an electronic copy, (can be returned via email or regular mail).
2011 Newsletter
With no volunteer from the general membership having come forward to take on the duties of editor, the Directors, led by acting secretary, Debbie Awde, will be co-operating to produce this year's edition. We'd love to have input and ideas from members. This is your Association ! Just use the ! Submit Stuff ! link to pass along any ideas - and/or upload information.
More research in the area by University of Ottawa ...
"How do you feel about renewable energy?""With rising costs of fossil fuels and fears about climate change, many people say we need more electricity from renewable sources, using technologies such as solar and wind farms, small scale hydro, and unused forest material. Addington Highlands, North Frontenac and area have great potential for generating renewable energy from these sources. Public reaction in other parts of rural Canada to these technologies has been mixed.
We would like to know what sorts of things influence people's reactions to renewable energy, and what sort of things influence whether or not people support it. In 2011, Stewart Fast, a PhD student at the University of Ottawa, will be seeking opinions from residents of Addington Highlands and North Frontenac about alternative energy. If you are interested in participating, visit the information portal and complete the on-line survey. The information portal will also carry information about planned information evenings and focus groups."
Further information is available in the Frontenac News and the EMC Northeast edition.
New Frontenac 'Stewardship' brochure
The Frontenac Stewardship Council has just published a nice brochure extolling the natural riches of Frontenac County. Much of the material applies equally to us, here, in adjoining Lennox & Addington County. (which also has a Stewardship Council).
While the introduction of the brochure claims that:
"Our cultural view of natural resources has changed markedly. The word 'resources' was, in the past, almost synonymous with 'something to convert into money'. Recently, natural resources, including beauty, are viewed as 'natural capital'. This analogy from economics sees lakes embedded in forested hills as the equivalent of a factory full of machinery and sees destruction or degradation of natural capital as just as disastrous as burning down one's own factory."
IF ONLY !! There is scant evidence that our current business leaders and government policy-makers are even on the same planet. Their creativity has so far been limited to attempting to portray the ever-expanding human intervention and extraction of natural resources, (esp. forest products), as 'sustainable' - somehow not affecting the rich, often fragile, natural biodiversity of our remaining 'un-developed' private and crown lands.
The brochure includes a 'Crown Forestry' section, written by Matt Mertins, a Registered Planning Forester with Mazinaw Lanark forest Inc., the logging consortium that spans both counties.
The list of volunteer members of the Council is impressive. We can only wish them well in their attempts to influence private and public policy and law-makers.
Feb 1st, 2011 - Logging Update
The current SDRA Board only became aware of the MLFI Forest Management Plan from a newspaper notice for a public 'Information Session' in February 2010, (too late to attend). While there is a (MNR-appointed) "Local Citizens' Advisory Committee" associated with the Mazinaw Lanark Forest Management Planning Process, there is no direct representation from important stakeholders like municipal governments, tourist associations, or resident ratepayer associations like the SDRA. Responsibility for Forest Management Planning rests entirely with Mazinaw Lanark Forest Inc. (MLFI), the Sustainable Forest License Holder and MNR staff.
There was immediate concern amongst Directors and a desire to know and understand exactly what effect planned forestry operations would have on the Skootamatta district and the lakes. Since February 2010 SDRA Directors have done a lot of research. Forestry operations have been going on in Ontario for over 200 years, however it is only with the publication of the 2004 Forest Planning Manual and its subsequent revision in 2009 that there is now a formal planning process and mandatory public disclosure. SDRA inquiries, correspondence and meetings with MLFI and the MNR started in March 2010 and are continuing.
We have learned a lot, discussed, and debated the many facets of the issue. Much information has been published directly, (or links provided), on this website. No one wants to see the forests around the lakes ravished, or local residents employed in forestry-dependent jobs lose employment or income. However, just as there is no clear scientific evidence or public policy regarding the value of virgin forests vs. "sustainable" harvesting, your Directors are not unanimous on what, if any, further action the SDRA can, or should, undertake on behalf of members.
At the last Directors' meeting, a motion was passed to send a "Without Prejudice" response to close the negotiations with MLFI regarding their Long Term Plan that took place throughout the latter half of 2010. The vote was NOT unanimous and a mailing to all members, with additional information, is planned. An official confirmation has since been received from the MNR.
Individual residents can continue to petition MLFI and the MNR regarding the Long Term Mazinaw Lanark Forest Plan until February 27th, 2011. A detailed Annual Work Schedule (AWS - i.e. Operational Plan), for 2011-2012, based on the Long Term Plan, will come into effect on March 5th.
Any change to government policy, (i.e. regarding long-established forestry practices), will clearly require political campaigning at the provincial level and corresponding financial support.
"Crown Lands" in Ontario are totally controlled by the Ministry of Natural Resources, (MNR). The name is significant. The Ministry sets land use policies, drafts regulations and is responsible for their enforcement. Their mandate is to make full use of resources on these lands, including "providing for the sustainability of Crown forests, while managing them to meet social, economic and environmental needs of present and future generations." MNR policies and regulations that specify exactly how this mandate is to be achieved are ultimately determined by economics and votes. It is obvious from all the existing MNR policies and regulations relating to forested lands, that "sustainability" is directly related to logging and extraction of forest products. While there has recently been a slight increase in land set aside as reserves and parks, (some barren, some forested), the Ministry makes no attempt to quantify any of the other "social, economic and environmental" benefits that the Crown Land resources, represent to society. Logging is easy to quantify, provides direct revenue, (stumpage fees), and jobs, (often far from where the logging occurs). Plans are already in place to replace the coal still being burned in some Ontario power generation stations with wood pellets. While this is a laudable initiative - moving to a renewable source of energy, it will only increase pressure to extract even more from our remaining Crown forests. (The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry has just completed a survey of existing Forest Management Units to determine the potential to extract additional biomass, (slash, branches, twigs, bark, etc.), that would support this initiative).
At present, the MNR maintains 46 Forest Management Units across the Province. Policies and regulations regarding logging and forest harvesting in all these areas are governed by the Crown Forest Sustainability Act (1994). The Mazinaw Lanark Forest area is the most southern Forest Management Unit and contains a high percentage of private lands and thousands of seasonal recreational properties in, and adjacent to, the Land O' Lakes Tourist Area. Mazinaw Lanark Forest Inc., (MLFI), a private company representing approximately 30 small forest company operations, is the Sustainable Forest Management license holder. The majority of wood harvested is sold as firewood. Pulp logs are consumed by the Norampac mill, (corrugated packaging), in Trenton. Coniferous saw logs are still being taken, and a small quantity of higher grade hardwood is also extracted annually.
Forest harvesting operations have continued across the province for decades, with scant notice by the public, until the Forest Planning Manual, (Regulations governing the operations of all Sustainable Forest Management license holders) was substantially revised in 2009. Among other things, the Manual now requires public disclosure and opportunity for input to both the Long Term and Annual Forest Management plans - as prepared by a team led by the Sustainable Forest Management license holder. All Forest Management Plans require final approval by the MNR. (The forest management planning process was only established in 2004 - with the initial issue of the Forest Planning Manual).
Deadline for Input - Mazinaw Lanark Forest Inc. Long-Term Plan
While there has been much discussion amongst your Directors, with other lake associations, and some input from concerned individuals, no clear consensus has emerged regarding what, if any, further actions should be undertaken, (beyond the already extensive involvement of Directors Gord Birnie and Derek Mendham). In response to a request from the SDRA, the MNR has extended the date for final public input to the Long Term Forest Management Plan to January 17th. This will allow a thorough discussion of the issue at the upcoming Directors' Meeting on January 15th.
Please contact any of the Directors, or use the ! Submit Stuff ! link to forward any comments on this issue to the Association.
Addington Highlands Township Committees Need Members
The Township recently placed a notice in local newspapers and on their website advising that openings exist for residents to participate on Township committees. If you have the time and interest to participate on one of these committees, please apply. (Waterfont property owners, mostly seasonal residents, generally have low direct representation in municipal operations.)
Newsletter Editor Required !
The SDRA is looking for someone to carry on the tradition of our annual newsletter. While many SDRA members now keep in touch via our website, our hardcopy Newsletter is the only way we can send news to ALL our members. Experience with some kind of publishing software would be helpful, but not essential. Please contact any of the Directors, or use the ! Submit Stuff ! link if you are interested in helping out with this task.
Reliable Cellular and Highspeed Internet (finally)
Folks equipped with the latest '3G' mobile phones have reported connectivity in the area since September, (when Rogers Communications apparently installed equipment on the TVO tower just south of Bon Echo park on HWY # 41). Thanks to Joel Arthurs for reporting that the Rogers coverage map, (select '3G Voice & Data), has been updated to show almost complete coverage of Mazinaw, Skootamatta and Sheldrake Lakes. While the map represents calculated coverage, it appears to be pretty accurate.
Contact Rogers Communications directly, 1-888-ROGERS1 (764-3771), to inquire about wireless services now available in the Skootamatta district.
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