Ashigami logging update/ firewood

This is an update on the logging around Ashigami Lake. 

There is fuel wood available to purchase from Goulard Lumber. They can delivery.

You can also make arrangements for self pickup on the days they are delivering.

 

The Report.

Fuelwood – Goulard Lumber has set aside some fuelwood for sale.  A dump truck should soon be available to load and deliver the wood.  The cost of the wood is recorded below plus the cost of the truck mileage. John's cell number is 705-498-0268 for details.

Please make arrangements with John ASAP

Poplar, maple/oak/yellow birch, and white birch are available.

Birch $32/cubic metre (around a tonne)
Poplar $30/cubic metre
Maple, Oak, Ash, Yellow Birch $33/cubic metre.

A dump truck typically holds 10 cubic metres, a 1/2 ton holds one cubic metre, and a
pickup + trailer holds 3 cubic metres. Mileage is above these prices for the fuel wood.

Cutting – the final cutting of trees is being done on Ashigami South right now.  It should be completed in a week, and the processing phase of de limbing, cutting and hauling will follow. This will take us into November.

 Processing - The processing is continuing in the road off of Kukagami between Ashigami East and South roads.  

The truck haul is working in the forks at km 1 and 2 of Ashigami East.  Inventory there is about 60 loads, so Ashigami East hauling should wrap up within a week to 10 days if production remains at the current level (some trucks have had large breakdowns – transmissions and rear ends, and that hits into production while the trucks are being repaired).

 

Slash piling - this will be done as winter nears, unless I receive a request from the committee to defer the piling to allow more fuelwood opportunities.  We did that at the Sportsman's cut two years ago at the request of the residents, and it worked well.

 

Road work –as discussed with the committee and roads board we have completed all that we discussed with respect to road improvements. The brushing, road widening, water crossing, roughed-in bypass and road signage have been completed as agreed, and I hope you are satisfied with the work.  We have provided timber and guard rails, road board to install. The grader is in the area now, and I spoke to the Fines Road person and Kevin was looking at what we can do to improve Ashigami South with the grader.  I put a value on this work of $13,500, plus the cost of the culvert for Fines Road. 

 

If there is anything that I have overlooked, please call me and I'll provide the information. 

 

Thank you for your help – this summer stands out in my mind as an unqualified success in managing the forest in a busy residential and recreational area. 

 

John

 

 

 

 

 

John McNutt, M.Sc.F., R.P.F.

Woodlands Manager,

Goulard Lumber (1971) Ltd.

Phone 705-753-2220

Cell 705-498-0268

Fax 705-753-4588

 

Herbicide Spray August 2016

Attached are two 11x17 maps for 2016 aerial spray blocks in the Kukagami area (blue hatching).

Areas sprayed from 2010-2015 are shown in light purple (only 2015 projects occurred in your area during that period).

Areas harvested during that period are also shown in light brown with year of harvest in bold brown.

The spray program will start north of Capreol on August 18.  Of course very weather dependent, but I estimate that the crew will move to Kukagami area before August 21st.  

With any weather luck, we will be in your area for only 3 or 4 days.

Please call if you have any questions.

Doug

705-560-6363

Summer Newsletter 2016

Kukagami Environment Watch                                                        Area News http://www.kewatch.blogspot.com/                                         Summer 2016

 

Blueberries!

  It seems the rains came just in time to save the blueberry crop. While they are still scarce on islands and some of the regular lake spots, people are heading out to the clear-cuts and along the tracks to fill their baskets.

 

A PERFECT KUKAGAMI NIGHT

Full moon sends beams of shimmering light,

Through the darkness that is night,

They touch the water and disperse with haste,

But never fear, 'twill not go to waste,

For I never cease to be in awe,

Of the recurring beauty in the raw.

Star-like twinkles on a sheet of glass,

Only broken by an amorous, leaping bass,

The haunting call of a lonely loon,

Is always my very favorite tune,

Oh these perfect Kukagami nights,

Leave no need to soar to further heights!                                           by Vicki Thurlow

 

Logging Report

   The cutting around Ashigami Lake started several weeks ago.  Through talks with the residents of Ashigami Lake, it was agreed to allow the cutting to continue through the summer.  The expectation is to get the cutting over with all in one shot. 

   Herbicide spraying will occur late summer within the clear-cuts on Kukagami and Matagamasi Roads. Detailed maps will be available on the KEW website in early August.

Forest Fire Watch

  Want to know more about what is happening with forest fires in Ontario?  Click here. You will have to agree to the terms, then you can play around with the maps to see current and 'out' fires from this season.  The fire on the camping island just outside Klondike Bay is Sudbury fire number 032 on June 19^th in the afternoon.  It was caused by recreational users.

  A recent tour of the site shows it is recovering nicely, and is still usable for camping. However, the wood remaining in the fire pit is huge!  Did that cause the island to catch on fire? 

  Note: if you need a chainsaw to cut your wood, your campfire is too big.

 Adopt a Campsite

  KEW is working to keep the four main campsites on the lake clean.  Each site is visited a couple of times from spring through autumn.  If needed, garbage is removed, fire pits put in order and toiletry dealt with.  Some sites have old Thunder Boxes…these are fresh air outhouses.  They are due for replacement.  Donations of time, materials or financial assistance are sought so the boxes can be placed on all the popular sites.  Would you like to take on the care and maintenance of one of the campsites?  Let KEW know!  kewatch@gmail.com

  Three of the campsites are in the north end:  One on the west shore, just south of the creek from Doon Lake; one on Sturgeon Point, which is points north just as you head east, and one at the north end of the biggest island in the north end.  The fourth campsite is just outside Klondike Bay, as described above.

 Night Lights…Not all they are cracked up to be…Note from an unhappy camper:

  Hello from your friend across the lake.  Thought I had best take the time to compliment you on your artistic display of solar lights.  I am certain that you are quite proud of your purchase.  But I could better share in your enthusiasm had you got some with a shut off switch or motion detector.   

  Please, let's cut down on the light pollution and enjoy the nights...

 Visiting other lakes?

  Did you know?  There is blue-green algae in Ramsey Lake, Lake Wanapitei, and Hannah Lake.
  Did you know?  Invasive spiny waterfleas are in Lakes Nepahwin and Penage. 

  If you take your boat to these or other lakes: - Check your swim gear and do not use it to swim in an-other lake until it has been washed thoroughly in hot water or dried in a clothes drier.  - When you take your boat out of the water, drain your boat and motor, and wash your boat with hot water or at high pressure and be sure to remove any plant or animal material on it. 

 At the Shoreline from Earthcare Sudbury

Protect natural habitat where plants, fish and other animals live, grow and help keep our lakes clean and healthy.

·         Leave or create shoreline buffer strips.

·         Keep most of your shoreline natural.

·         Use dock designs that don't obstruct water circulation or disturb the lake or stream bed (e.g. floating docks or docks constructed on stilts).

·         Leave aquatic plants in the water.

·         Avoid disrupting fish habitat during spawning and early rearing periods.

 Nature Notes from OntarioNature.org

  Dock spiders are most commonly found in and around water. They are the largest spiders in Ontario, with a leg span of up to six centimetres. Although insects are their usual prey, dock spiders are able to dive beneath the water to catch small fish. These spiders will also eat small invertebrates and are known to have captured and eaten small rodents such as mice. Luckily for sunbathing cottagers, dock spiders hide in cracks and crevices during the day and usually come out to hunt only at night.

 In Passing…

Don Creswell was a long-time resident of Kukagami Lake. Even as his mobility declined over the past few years, he happily attended picnics and parties at the lodge. Always a smile on his face and happy to be a part of life at the lake. His favourite time was hunting season. The times spent with his hunting partners were precious including all the sing alongs. Don was a devoted hunter and never missed a year. He never complained even though his health was failing. He loved living at his home on the lake at Kukagami. He enjoyed life to the fullest. 

 The Grass is Greener…                                                                         Vicki Thurlow

​  The arrival home from the sunny south each spring always brings a surprise or two. We spent 2 days   unpacking suitcases, grocery bags, boxes, bags, dog "stuff" etc.  and wondering where everything would go. Each year I swear to travel lighter, until eventually I'll be down to one suitcase but, somehow I never make it....not even close! There is always one more "must have" that has to come with me because I can't do without it. Add to that all the scrap booking supplies & tools & I'm close to needing a U-Haul!  Mission accomplished, everything was put away & it was time to check out what had transpired outside during the winter. I happily snapped pics of the snow pile in the yard (I still truly miss the snow & change of season) until I gradually made it to the side & front yards.  I was speechless!

  Now before I go any further, you need to understand that hubby has an "in town" mentality when it comes to the yard.  By that I mean he thinks it is perfectly sane to have a lush lawn........ in the middle of the freakin' forest!!!!  He started this years ago in his efforts to clean up the yard & make it easier to take care of.  Really?????  He spent hundreds of $ to buy top soil, bottom soil, sod, seed, fertilizer, lime & whatever else is needed to have the equivalent of a one hole golf course in the middle of nowhere. The more I think about it the more I'm sure that this has cost us thousands of $. That said, you can imagine how tenacious, tender & loving he would be of his lawn considering how he has made it his life's work to save a buck whenever & however he can.  I'm pretty sure the yard has been resodded at least once & seeded at least twice.  Just this week he again removed a whole big plot of dead grass from the front.  Not sure yet how much this will cost but I started to wonder if it will mean we'll be spending the winter at home this year.  I marched out & laid down the law.......he is not to be buying any more sod to re-carpet the front!  All I know is that several bags of black earth have disappeared & the denuded spot is sporting a black blanket of earth.  I see a bag of seed in the not too distant future. 

  Back to my story. Biggest party of the season & I hadn't been invited!  I'm sure The Voles had invited all their kith & kin, close relatives, The Moles, all their kith & kin & any other critter capable of tunneling. They threw a Tunneling Bash to put all predecessors to shame!  A regular Olympic event, no doubt. Of course, they had to come up for air.....on many occasions.....  judging by the holes in the lawn.  Every so often I notice the dog yelps & when I look he is standing lop-sided as he steps into one of the holes.  The critters must have partied for days to wreak such havoc & devastation!

  Holey, moley......if I had a cannoli for every hole & tunnel they dug, I'd be richer than Donald Trump!

  At this point, hubby is not too thrilled either. Now our daughter-in-law, who has without a doubt the best kept lawn in Azilda, does not allow anyone other than herself to cut her lawn.  We are only allowed to praise it & deservedly so. Weeds be warned, you have no chance against her eagle eye.  Once spied, you are toast, & you will be spied!

  This week while religiously tending to her pride & joy........a vole had the audacity to poke its head out from under the deck & I'm pretty sure it winked at her as it put out the challenge....catch me if you can! Good luck with that. I still haven't figured out where ours have gone but I'm pretty sure they'll be back soon! Said daughter-in-law has seen our yard & is cringing in her boots!

 Stories Requested!

    A great many young people bought Kukagami lakeshore properties in the late 1950's. Now, far too many of these aging men and women are passing away. Their children and grandchildren now enjoy life at Kukagami, simply because we were lucky enough to have parents and grandparents who forged the way. KEW would like to encourage all generations to send stories, memories, events for future issues of this newsletter.

     Submissions for the Summer issue need to arrive by early June to: kewatch@gmail.com .

 Website and Newsletter

The KEW newsletter is published quarterly, and sent by email to any interested person. If you know anyone who would like to receive the KEW newsletter, send his or her e-mail address to kewatch@gmail.com.

** If you would like to be removed from the list, please reply to this address.**

Wolf Lake and Paradise Lagoon

In late June, a group of people called Rainbow Family chose the Wolf Lake area to hold their annual 'gathering'. (see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_Family ) Given that somewhere between 300 and 1000 people were expected to attend between July 4^th and August 1^st, KEW was asked to assist in discouraging the event.

 We wrote to the contact person in the group:

As part of the local community... concerns have been expressed to me about the suitability of the site for a gathering of this size.  
 I have been travelling in the area for more close to 40 years...and am well familiar with the efforts to protect the forest, the threats from logging and possible mining.  Alas, due to the great amount of publicity Wolf Lake and Paradise Lagoon has received in recent years, the biggest threat to the forest and the wilderness has shifted from logging to overuse. It is being loved to death.
Paradise lagoon itself can handle perhaps 6 people at a time...where will you put hundreds?  How will you protect the delicate soils and vegetation?  How can you ensure that so many footprints will not lead to permanent damage to the site?
Please contact me as soon as possible…

We received this reply: "We decided not to gather at wolf lake due to your concerns"

Indeed.  Concerns were also expressed by the Kukagami Campers Assoc., Friends of Temagami, Ontario Parks, MNR and the City of Sudbury.

 Wolf Lake and Paradise Lagoon are popular places, not too far from home.  Visitors are encouraged to walk softly.

 

 

 Area News                                            Spring 2016

 

  

Spring is… "the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine..."  Frances Hodgson Burnett

 How's the Lake?

     When will the ice go out?  On April 22, there was still a lot of ice on the lake. About 11 inches total, but only half of that is clear ice. Fairly cool temperatures over the next week are likely to keep the ice around a bit longer. Chances are good that the ice will be gone by the end of April.

 

How's the Road?

     A common topic of conversation around the lake, the condition of the road is even more popular than the weather. Spring is here indeed, and the road surely shows it. Potholes galore!  But no sucking mud…yet. The Roads Board section was graded last week. Hopefully the city will grade the rest of the road soon.

 

Spring Cleaning   - -   Tipping Fee Holiday

     The Greater City of Sudbury Spring clean-up / tipping fee holiday is from May 2^nd to 7^th.

Kukagami area residents are advised to deliver their solid non-hazardous waste to the Sudbury Site (Hwy 17 East, about 2 km past Mid-North Motors, across from the Chateau Guay Motel - Moonlight Avenue intersection). Click here to go to the city website with details.

 

Forestry Update: 

    The only logging currently scheduled will occur around Ashigami Lake this summer. You can see the planning maps here. Click on Sudbury Forest, then go to Annual Work Schedule, Maps, then Operations. Look for Operations 5305160 for Ashigami, and Operations 5305170 for Kukagami (there is no logging planned around Kukagami Lake, but the map is interesting.)    Vermillion Forest Management staff are available to do field trips with us this spring or

summer. Contact KEWatch@gmail.com if you would like to participate.

     There may be some aerial herbicide spraying … KEW will send info on this if it is planned.

     Standing trees are important for wild life species, and for recovery of the land. 

Please do not cut any standing trees in the logged areas.

     Firewood may be gathered from the sites, but only wood that has already been cut at the side of the dirt roads. You will need to contact Bert Gauthier at 705-564-7853 at MNRF to purchase a permit. The permits are very inexpensive.

 

Spring Road Clean-up

     Once the snow finally melts away, KEW will host the annual spring Road Clean up! Between now and May 8^th, you can sign up to clear the litter from a section of Kukagami and Fox Roads. To register for your section of the road, drop a line here at kewatch@gmail.com .

Bring a friend – it's a fine way to spend a spring day while at camp.

     **Please note! The City wants us to sort the roadside trash into separate bags of recyclables and garbage. We have clear bags for the recyclables, and black bags for the garbage. Please let us know if you need these supplies!**

Please wear a bright orange vest while working, and keep yourself safe!

 

Sky Watch  Mars is getting bright! Here's why…

Earth will pass between Mars and the sun about a month from now, on May 22. Mars is bright when it and Earth are on the same side of the sun. It's faint when it and Earth are on opposite sides of the sun. The best months for Mars viewing in 2016 are May and June. But the planet remains bright throughout the summer of 2016. Watch for it in the evening sky!

     Bonus! This week, the moon is near the planet Saturn. Find them both near the moon in the predawn sky on April 25th.

Snowbird Report            Vicki Thurlow

     Living in two different locations didn't seem to faze me too much the first couple of years but as I age things change...and I don't just mean the usual bagging, sagging & nagging. Packing to head south for the winter, or head north for the summer, never seemed to be such a chore. I know I'm supposed to pack "light" as we travel both ways with relatives & so must be considerate of the other couple. The dog comes along as well but he is never a problem, just say "car ride, Winston" & the old boy jumps for joy, barks like crazy, then flops down on his blanket & promptly falls asleep. As long as he is with his Mom & Dad, he's happy....actually he's usually comatose in the comfort of the car.

     I used to be too but I'm wondering if either age or lack of time has changed my view point. Little things that I laughed at before have suddenly become annoying. I feel slighted & rushed as I'm told to "pack light", "don't bring anything unnecessary" & "really? You will actually need/use this?"  It takes me about 2 hours to pack up the suitcases to head in any direction so I figure I do well. This past winter our Xmas/45th anniversary/birthday/Mothers' & Fathers' Day gifts were all rolled into one, a cruise on the Oasis of the Seas. That of course meant packing formal wear, dress shoes, jewelry, evening bags etc. NO DEAR...THE DINING ROOM WILL NOT LET YOU WEAR SHORTS TO DINNER!  I can't count the number of times I heard "I'll never get this all in the car". Once in the car, I felt crowded in my seat, no room to move, the dog insisted on sitting in my lap BOTH WAYS, north & south. Our beloved aunt & uncle brought all their usual baggage, coolers, boxes, briefcase, shoes etc. & assortment of junk food for the trips. Getting out of the car at rest stops was an adventure. By the time I managed to get the dog over into the seat vacated by auntie, drop his pillow & blanket on top of him, undo my seat belt, root around until I found his leash under shoes, purses, junk food bags, tablets, cameras etc. & then try to find the poop bag...the other three were heading back to the car, anxious to hit the road again. Hey, wait a minute; I'm not going to make it to the next rest stop unless I hit the ladies room NOW!  It seemed no matter where we stopped, they were always waiting for me.

    We are like gypsies this time of year. At the time of writing this, we have been in Whitby to drop off the aunt & uncle & are now currently in Ottawa visiting our oldest son. Gorgeous weather here & have not seen any snow since leaving Kukagami in November. That too is a change as on last year's trip home we saw patches of snow from Michigan all the way up to Sudbury. Temperatures have been great, lots of people in shorts. So why is it that our neighbors tell us it will be another week to 10 days before we can hope to get into our driveway?  In a couple of days we'll leave here to "visit" with our other son as our gypsy ways continue, thanks to Mother Nature.

     Time already seems to be speeding by & as we pack & unpack at two homes, twice a year it seems to go even faster. While not all change is welcomed, I certainly should not complain as I am fortunate enough to enjoy mine so much, no matter where I am.

    Don't sweat the small stuff. Welcome each & every day that you have left & take joy in what each has to offer!

Stories Requested!

    A great many young people bought Kukagami lakeshore properties in the late 1950's. Now, far too many of these aging men and women are passing away. Their children and grandchildren now enjoy life at Kukagami, simply because we were lucky enough to have parents and grandparents who forged the way. KEW would like to encourage all generations to send stories, memories, events for future issues of this newsletter.

     Submissions for the Summer issue need to arrive by early July: kewatch@gmail.com .

  

 Website and Newsletter

The KEW newsletter is published quarterly, and sent by email to any interested person. If you know anyone who would like to receive the KEW newsletter, send his or her e-mail address to kewatch@gmail.com.

** If you would like to be removed from the list, please reply to this address.**

Winter News!

Kukagami Environment Watch                                                        Area News

http://www.kewatch.blogspot.com                                                            Winter 2015/16

 

He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter.... In winter the stars seem to have rekindled their fires, the moon achieves a fuller triumph, and the heavens wear a look of a more exalted simplicity.

                                                                                                                                      ~John Burroughs, "The Snow-Walkers," 1866

 

Winter has arrived!

    Really?  Did you see people out there in canoes this last week of December?  Well, why not?  If we can't skate, might as well paddle.  The snow came with a brisk east wind, which kept the waters open on most of the lake.  When that wind died Tuesday night, a very thin sheet of ice covered many parts of the lake.  Now we wait and watch.

 

Wild Wind

     In the wee hours of December 24, our area was whipped with winds that brought down dozens of trees along the roads.  The power was out all day, returning around 8:30 pm.  Most of the falling trees were in open areas.  If you are a seasonal resident and concerned about your camp, let us know and we can have a look for you.  kewatch@gmail.com

                                                                                   

Logging Update 

     In contrast to a year ago, there is not much happening in the way of logging in the Kukagami area this winter.  There has been some talk about picking up the skidder tires that were abandoned on one of the clear-cut sites, as well as doing some work to deal with the slash left on site from the logging.

     There are some interesting maps associated with the logging plans.  Click here to find the map of Kukagami Lake.  Go to "Maps" then "Operations" then to "Operations 5305170".  Find maps labeled    "Index C" to get a view of a larger area.

 

Loving Winter                                                                                     

     If you want to love winter, try getting outside! We are fortunate to have lots of winter activities at our doorstep here at the lake.  Please respect all users of the various trails! The ski trails in particular can be destroyed by skidoos, snowshoes, walkers and ATVs. Respect is the key. 

    Sudbury Trail Plan on Kukagami will be a few weeks away while we wait for enough ice and snow.

     Cross-country ski trails begin by the big white pine at the north entrance to Sportsman's Lodge. Still waiting for more snow before grooming begins. When conditions are good, the track-setter will also put a ski trail along the shore of the lake in front of Sportsman's Lodge and north. Please don't drive on these trails during snow season! 

    Snowshoe trails The joy of snowshoeing is that you can go anywhere...trails are not required!   However, there is a lovely walk that begins beside the tall tower, overlooking Klondike Bay. You can park at the end of the short road that goes east, just north of the dump. The trail to the lookout is about a kilometre each way.

    Skating on the lake can be great. But not any time soon. Some folks make an effort to keep some ice free of snow. If you have a skating area that you would like to share with neighbours, let KEW know and we can pass on the info through the website.

    Winter Walks  Many people walk along the road each day. When the conditions are good, walking on the lake is another great way to enjoy the beauty of winter.

 

Tai Chi classes continue in January

   Taoist tai chi classes have been ongoing since May 2013. Each Tuesday morning, people get together to learn and practice. The classes have been a great way for us to rebuild our strength, balance and flexibility. Beginners are welcome to join the new classes at any time. Drop a note to kukagami@gmail.com for more information. Have a look at www.taoist.org for detailed information about the tremendous health benefits of Taoist Tai Chi.

Tuesdays at 9:30 at Sportsman's Lodge.

   These classes are also available in Sudbury most days of the week. Join at one location, and go to as many classes as you like...all around Ontario and the world!

 

Kukagami Pioneers – Remembering Stan Nowak                                                      by Greg Nowak

     Stan came to Kukagami in 1957. He was the first camper on the bay.

     I remember going to the lot as a kid and staying in a vapour barrier tent. We ate hot boiled canned chicken off a table made of boards nailed together between two birch trees. As a kid it was an adventure; for Stan it was a labour of love to build a cottage on the lake for his upcoming family.

     Poupoure Lumber was logging in the area at the time. Stan and others on the lake made a deal with Poupoure to use the logging road. If they met a truck they had to pull over, even if it meant going into the ditch. The trucks didn't have the gears or the power they have now. If stopped on the upward run on a hill they didn't have the power to get going again.  Stan and the other campers organized a local Roads Board for the unorganized township, (Stan being a director for many years). It acted like a municipal government to deal with province for funding for road construction and maintenances.

     Until the road was extended, we would go to the south end of the lake and borrow a boat to get to the lot. At times while Stan was building the camp, we stayed at Loney's on the sand bar and walked into the lot. The land was cleared, and although it was level, there were still three-foot diameter logs left by loggers 50 years earlier that had to be moved. Lumber was difficult to get into the lake, so instead trees were felled, debarked, and used for the foundation and rafters of the camp.

     Stan found a deal for used propane refrigerators. He cleaned them up and offered them to other campers at cost. Prior to this, the ice for the iceboxes was purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Loney, who kept it buried under saw dust in the ice house to insulate it from the summer heat.

     Being a qualified electrical engineer, Stan had credibility with Ontario Hydro. He gathered enough interested camper names to present to Ontario Hydro for them to put a power line to the lake and then to the camps, some by pole line and some submerged. This power line not only served the lake but mines along the way. Once the pole line came in, the telephone came next. Having electrical power allowed kitchen appliances, lighting, entertainment, power tools, and made possible water for kitchen and bathrooms.

     Stan first came with his family to Kukagami over 60 years ago. During his time at the lake, he enjoyed growing garden vegetables, planting flowers every spring, trying to keep his roses over the harsh winter, blueberry picking, fishing, clearing trails, and visiting with his neighbours.

     He passed away on August 3rd, 2015, at the age of 94, at his home with all his family around him. He had said "Family is the love of my life".

 

The older we get, the more important we know it is to be aware of and understand the past.

KEW welcomes stories of Kukagami Past and Present to share with neighbours. 

 

Website and Newsletter

The KEW newsletter is published quarterly, and sent by email to any interested person.

Submit photos and news items to the email address below.

If you know anyone who would like to receive the KEW newsletter, send his or her e-mail address to kewatch@gmail.com. If you would like to be removed from the list, please reply to this address.

KEW Mid-Summer Note

Blue-green Algae Alert!  It is already in Penage Lake...could it happen to Kukagami?

     Blue-green algae blooms thrive in lakes with high phosphorus and nitrogen levels. Warm shallow bays are most susceptible, especially where there is high cottage density and lawns.

    Waterfront property owners can reduce the probability of a toxic blue green algae bloom by:

• ensuring that septic tank/waste water systems are well maintained

• eliminating the use of fertilizers on lawns

• restoring natural shoreline vegetation to reduce soil erosion and to absorb nutrients from the lawn and septic field.

 

Blue Moon Gathering Reminder

     July 31^st marks the only blue moon for 2015. Neighbours will gather at the Bald Rock, just north of the Lion's Head to see it happen. The sun sets a little before 9 pm, just as the moon rises in the east. Meet at 8:30 to share stories and snacks while we watch the blue moon rising.