. EWM has the potential to detrimentally affect water quality, our sport fishery, traditional boating and aquatic recreation activities.
EWM was likely brought to our lake when plant material unintentionally ‘hitchhiked’ on boats or trailers that were previously in a contaminated waterbody. There are now 190 known aquatic invasive species in Ontario waters and we need to do everything we can to prevent the spread of EWM and potential introduction of other invasive species, such as Water Soldier and European Frogbit, now present in the Bay of Quinte.
The SDRA is pleased to announce that Quinte Conservation’s portable Boat Cleaning Station will be at the Trails End boat launch from July 2nd through the 9th. The boat cleaning station will also be present at Barrie Hall during our July 5th AGM. Dan Butler, Quinte Conservation’s Invasive Species Technician, will also be on hand during the AGM barbecue to discuss the importance of cleaning boats and trailers and other invasive species mitigation strategies.
The water free, solar and battery powered CD3 Boat Cleaning Station has been made possible through the generous support of Quinte Conservation and Addington Highlands Township.
We are seeking SDRA volunteers to help us encourage use of the boat cleaning station during busy mornings and evenings on high boat traffic days. Volunteers will be trained in the use of the station and will be asked to spend a two hr shift from either 8:00-10:00 am or 3:30-5:30 pm.
The boat cleaning station is just one of several efforts underway to combat EWM and invasive species. Please check out our new SDRA boat launch signage and respect the yellow SDRA marker buoys installed around EWM colonies in high boat traffic locations.
Please Note: Ensuring your boat has been cleaned, drained and dried is not only the right thing to do, it is the law. Both the MNR and the OPP have stated they will be on the lake this year to ensure compliance to this and all other boating and fishing regulations.
A related POP, describing an opportunity to learn how to safely remove EWM in front of your cottage, and comply with government regulations, will be sent out the week of July 14th, with on water training sessions tentatively planned for the mornings of Saturday, July 19th, and Monday, July 21st.
To volunteer to help host the boat cleaning station and/or to preregister for EWM removal training, please complete the attached SDRA registration template
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Your interest and participation in these two important opportunities will help us keep our lake healthy, for current and future generations
Thank you and safe boating SDRA Board