Area News December 2008

Kukagami Environment Watch                                       Area News

www.KEWatch.blogspot.com                                                                    December 2008

 

 

Happy Christmas to All, and to All a Good Night!   Santa Claus 

 

 

 

Winter is here!

            Technically, winter arrived with the winter solstice on the morning of December 21^st.  However, the snow arrived in the middle of November and the ice came on December 8^th.   Here at the lake, winter comes early and stays late.  At Kukagami, winter is not a three-month season, but five months of quiet under the blanket of snow. 

 

close-up of new ice forming, December 1^st

 

All About the Ice

            The first ice rimmed edges of the lake in early November.  By the end of the month, the smaller bays had frozen over.  Then the winds of November pushed the ice right back to the shore.  As soon as the wind died down, the ice slipped over the surface of the lake once again.  Cold, calm nights brought new ice, blustery days blew it away.  On the first weekend of December, most of the lake was open – the cold dark waters rippled in the morning mist. 

            Then, we woke on the morning of December 8^th to find ice everywhere.  By noon, at least an inch of ice had covered the whole of the lake.  On December 9^th, we had a beautiful 6 inches of snow that effectively insulated the new ice, keeping it from getting any thicker.  For the next 6 days we looked out to the pure winter beauty of the lake, but dared not venture upon its surface.  Then came 24 hours of rain.  Lots of rain.  Snow on the lake washed away.  Great puddles formed on top of the ice.

            Next, the temperature suddenly dropped.  The wind blew, rain changed to snow.   The puddles froze, the slushy remains froze, and new ice could form.  By mid-morning on December 16^th, the ice measured a minimum of five inches.  Lots of ice!

            On December 20^th, the beginning efforts to open the snowmobile trail across the lake began in earnest.  Ice depths were measured in several places, varying between 8 and 12 inches.  The trail could be officially opened by Christmas!

           

Local Trails

            Caution is advised for travellers on local lakes and forests.  While the ice on Kukagami has been measured and found to be safe, that may not be the case in other areas.  Because the snow came early, the ground underneath has not frozen, meaning that in some swamps there could be wet areas, and possibly less ice than we have on the lake.  On any lake where currents run, there may not be enough ice for travel. 

            If you don’t know the area where you are travelling, it’s best to wait for the trails to be opened, and stay on the marked trail!  

 

 

 

Website and Newsletter

  The KEW newsletter is published online, and sent by email to any interested person.  Paper copies can be provided to residents upon request.  Drop a note to Kukagami Environment Watch, 432 Fox Road, Wahnapitae, ON, P0M 3C0.   Check KEWatch.blogspot.com to post your own messages, photos, or to see what’s new between newsletters.

 

           

 

 

 

Fall Road Clean-up

Gabrielle picking up garbage on Kukagami Road on Thanksgiving weekend

Area News Autumn 2008

Kukagami Environment Watch                                       Area News

www.KEWatch.blogspot.com                                                                    Autumn 2008

 

The landscape belongs to the person who looks at it.    Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

 

Fall Road Clean-up

The official fall road clean-up will take place from September 26^th Thanksgiving Day.  This allows lots of time so that it can fit into most folks’ schedules and allow you to pick a sunny day.  To register for your section of the road, drop a line here at KEW@kukagami.infosathse.com, or leave a message at 853-1571.  We can provide garbage bags and work gloves.  Bring a friend – it’s a fine way to spend a fall day while at camp. 

Folks who have helped with this effort over the past year – let us know if you want to keep the same section you worked on in the spring.

 

 

North Island Fire! 

 

Friday August 25, Laurentian University Adventure leadership program was completing their 4 day canoe trip in the area under the leadership of Mary Waddell. They camped on the island in the North end and upon departing Saturday morning, met 2 young fellows with a boat full of equipment for camping.  The departing canoers chatted with the young men and learned they were planning to stay on the island for a few days .

 

On August 31^st, another Laurentian group travelled this same route. The leader of this second trip, Darcy, had been on the previous the trip and knew the island would be a nice place to stop for lunch. He was shocked to discover that the fishermen had cut down a huge red pine and dug a huge trench - 4' long, 2' wide for a fire. The logs in the trench were still smouldering -so the LU students poured a lot of water on the fire and continued on to camp at Sturgeon Point.

 

The next morning Darcy reported this to Mary as he travelled by her camp. Mary jumped in her boat and drove up to check it out. The fire was now rekindled, smouldering in at least 3 different places and was into the roots of the surrounding trees. Mary returned to camp and called MNR and Hank Richer fire chief.

 MNR had a spotter plane and helicopter in within the hour. and the fire was successfully contained

 

So - many thanks to Laurentian University for dousing the fire the fishermen started, and alerting the locals !!

 

 

Lakeshore Clean-up

  KEW once again worked with the TD Canada Trust Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup project.  In early September we concentrated on an old dumpsite on a point across from Lion’s Head narrows.  We took out a huge load of ancient garbage.  Another crew has worked through the summer to reduce the garbage at the public landing at the causeway.  Others have concentrated on cleaning up campsites in the north end of Kukagami and on Donald Lake.  There are still a few campsites on the main lake that need some attention!  Free tee-shirts are available to anyone who leads a clean up on Kukagami Lake.

 Let us know you are interested by dropping a note to KEW@kukagami.infosathse.com

All though the year, we ask all our Kukagami neighbours to take a few minutes to pick up stuff you find while boating along our beautiful shoreline.

 

                                         North Island Clean-up                                            by M. Waddell

 

On August 22-25, 12 Adventure Leadership students from Laurentian University completed a 4-day, 80 km canoe trip in our area.  Their final campsite was on the North end of Kukagami on the island . They cleaned up a number of branches that had been cut from live trees and a large part of the old dump - 6 garbage bags.  Great job - keep it up and pass on that interest in the care of our environment.

 

 

Don’t Cut All the Dead Trees!

(Tips from Cottage Life website)

Leave standing dead trees Not just for woodpeckers, these “snags” are a veritable hotel for a host of other birds, mammals, and insects. Let them stand, unless they pose a safety hazard; if felled, leave them on the ground to decay, providing another source of food and habitat for creatures such as salamanders and chipmunks. 

In our area, those tall dead pines along the shore have been hoisting eagles all summer!  Large birds often rest in tall dead trees to soak up the sun, and to keep a sharp eye on the water for their next meal.

 

 

Website and Newsletter

  The KEW newsletter is published online, and sent by email to any interested person.  Paper copies can be provided to residents upon request.  Drop a note to Kukagami Environment Watch, 432 Fox Road, Wahnapitae, ON, P0M 3C0.   Check KEWatch.blogspot.com to post your own messages, photos, or to see what’s new between newsletters.

 

Kukagami Spirit Trumps Kukagami Oops

 

            For years to come, stories (some real, some exaggerated) will be told and retold about the summer of 2008.

 

            After the last snowflake had fallen, after the ice guessing contest winnings had been spent, after snow boots, snowmachines and snowblowers had been put away, Kukagami neighbours smiled broadly.  Summer fun would soon begin.  The men of the camps lifted their well-worn tools and polished their fishing gear.  The ladies of the camps gathered garden paraphernalia and eagerly prepared to escape cooking in the kitchen, as dads would be grilling on sunny decks.  Children of all ages put on colourful bathing suits, grabbed their favourite water toys and waited.  They waited with moms and dads; they waited with grandmas and grandpas, they waited with aunts and uncles; they waited with cousins and friends.  They all waited for the long, hot, sunny days of summer to begin.

 

            Somewhere, well hidden, Kukagami Oops giggled.

 

            Every morning, families gathered to gaze longingly at the eastern horizon, expecting the red sun to break through the dark clouds.  But, more rain drizzled, it poured, it fell in heavy sheets.  Families huddled around TV’s; maybe the Weather Channel would give them hope for tomorrow….for the weekend…for next month…

 

            The usual gatherings were planned, from crowded reunions to romantic getaways in the North end; everyone believed the sun would shine on that chosen day.  It couldn’t rain every day.

 

            Peaking out from his hidey-hole, Kukagami Oops grinned.

 

            So, hope filled Kukagami neighbours got busy.  They would be ready for those lazy, hazy days, when family and friends would eagerly come for fun in the sun on our beautiful shores.

 

            And, more rain came, driven by howling winds, storms with flashing lightning and crashing thunder, steady rain pounded on our roofs through the dark nights.

 

            And so, families heaved a sigh, then carried on with their summer plans.  Kukagami bays bustled with activities, resounded with sounds of work and pleasure, drills and saws combined with drums and guitars, melded with shouts and laughter.

 

           

 

 

When the sun did briefly pierce through overcast skies, motor boats of all types crisscrossed the lake; children noisily splashed through waves; canoes glided silently around islands; beautiful people draped themselves on lounge chairs.  Oh! Ah! The feel of baking under the hot rays of summer.

 

Kukagami Oops danced a little jig, ducked back into his hole and guffawed.

 

In an instant, the summer moment ended.  Boats roared back to shore; soaking wet children ran for cover; canoeists frantically paddled for home; drenched, beautiful people donned sweatshirts & baggy pants.

 

But, somehow all the hopeful plans continued.  Costco tents dotted properties, garages were decorated, a new gazebo was built.  Guests would find cover.  Happily, there were some sunny mornings, a few warm afternoons, now and then a starry, moonlit sky.  Kukagami hosted gatherings:  Proud Canada Day celebrations, a fun filled neighbourly picnic, memorable family and friend gatherings.  And work got done…homes got built, roofs repaired, decks & trim painted.   Families gazed at the beauty of their wilderness havens; souls filled with contentment.

 

·        Loons serenely glided by - their haunting calls a comfort.

·        Stormy skies left us awestruck – no artist could capture such colours

·        The blue herons flew by just above the water – a daily treasure.

·        The reflections on the water constantly changed – a kaleidoscope of wonder.

·        And oh…the butterflies…the flowers…the birds…all the shades of greens of our forest.

 

Kukagami Oops stamped his feet and slunk off into the underbrush muttering;  “No blueberries for their pies…big hungry bears in their camps…miles of rough roads for them to drive over…”

 

Ah, yes, more stories about the Summer of 2008, stories to be told around our campfires for decades, but the best of all remind us that the Kukagami Spirit can never be dampened.

_________________________________________________________

 

If you have ideas for a Kukagami story, send them to KEW or call 853-4772.  If you don’t want to write the story, the storyteller will use your details to write for you.  You will get to edit before final printing.                                   

 

 

    One of the main objectives of Kukagami Environment Watch is to serve as a source of accurate and timely information for residents and friends of Kukagami Lake and area.  Ask you neighbours of they are receiving this newsletter!  Offer to forward it to them, or ask them to send their address to KEW@kukagami.infosathse.com.

 

Pastel clouds

Pastel clouds

late summer sunrise

August News

Kukagami Environment Watch Area News
www.KEWatch.blogspot.com August 2008

"I would rather wake up in the middle of nowhere than in any city on earth"
Steve McQueen

Blueberry Report:
There isn’t really very much to report. All around the lake, blueberries are hard to come by. “Blueberry Hill” has nothing to offer. Islands once rich with berries are barren this summer. However, there seems to be more berries some places along the road, and at the tracks – if the number of folks parked there is a good indication….
The scarcity of berries was likely caused by the two nights of –2 temperatures in the middle of May that would have killed the blossoms. Maybe next year!

Lakeshore Clean-up
KEW once again will work with the TD Canada Trust Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup project. Last September we concentrated on an old dumpsite on a point across from Lion’s Head narrows. We took out two boatloads of garbage. This year, we will revisit that site on September 6th, at 10 am. If enough people sign up, we will also begin clean-ups at the mid lake dumpsite, and on the old lodge island in the north end. The locations will be published on a map in the next newsletter. Let us know you are interested by dropping a note to KEW@kukagami.infosathse.com
All though the summer, we ask all our Kukagami neighbours to take a few minutes to pick up stuff you find while boating along our beautiful shoreline.

The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup project welcomes opportunities to add more lakes to its roster. Anyone with a strong interest in restoring any lakeshore to its natural beauty is encouraged to contact them at www.vanaqua.org/cleanup. You can go to this site to see a list of lakes that already have organized clean-up dates, as well as to register new lakes.

Bears at Kukagami
There have been more than a few bear stories at Kukagami this summer; lots of torn screens, lots of scattered garbage. Is it because of the poor berry year? Did the cancellation of the spring bear hunt have an impact? Is the transfer station is too close to the camps? Were the bears happier to stay at the dump when it was open all the time?
Some shots have been fired at the bear, MNR has placed a trap at a camp on Fox Road. Neighbours need information! If the bear is caught or killed, KEW will post this on the web at www.kukibears.blogspot.com you can go to this site to find information, and to post new information. Once we know the bear who rips screens is gone, we can all sleep better at night.
Meanwhile, keep your garbage locked up in a secure outbuilding, take it to the dump twice a week. Clean outdoor food areas with PineSol – it will reduce the smells that attact bears.
Go to the MNR website to learn more about living in peace with bears.

Free Canoe Lessons for all ages and skill levels will be offered by request this summer.
We’ll come to your camp, or we can arrange a date with you for larger groups at the beach at Sportsman’s Lodge. Beat the high gas prices and get closer to nature in a canoe or kayak this summer! If you don’t own a canoe, we’ll provide them for the lessons, along with advice for what to look for in a canoe that will suit your needs. Drop a note to KEW@kukagami.infosathse.com

Looking for a new Home
A well-used and well-loved wood cookstove is looking for a new home. Contact kmgs@sympatico.ca , or call 691-0727. Asking $100.


Keep Our Water Clean!
(Tips from Cottage Life website)
Don’t soap in the lake, ever! Even if a soap says it’s phosphate-free and biodegradable, don’t assume it’s safe for the lake. The soap can be harmful to fish and other aquatic animals; all “biodegradable” means is that it’s capable of breaking down (with the help of soil bacteria) into its constituent parts. However, do use this type of soap if bathing on land, and dump the washwater well back from the lake, so it doesn’t filter down as runoff.






Keep our land clean too!
A lot of brush has been dumped over the years just off the road past the Heliport. Brush is probably OK, but old building materials are not. Painted and treated wood create toxic runoff, which no one wants leaching into the soil and water that flows into our lakes. Please take you old building refuse to the landfill off Moonlight drive in Sudbury!

Bears at Kukagami
There have been more than a few bear stories at Kukagami this summer; lots of torn screens, lots of scattered garbage. Is it because of the poor berry year? Did the cancellation of the spring bear hunt have an impact? Is the transfer station is too close to the camps? Were the bears happier to stay at the dump when it was open all the time?
Some shots have been fired at the bear, MNR has placed a trap at a camp on Fox Road. Neighbours need information! If the bear is caught or shot, KEW will post this on the web at www.kukibears.blogspot.com you can go to this site to find information, and to post new information. Once we know the bear who rips screens is gone, we can all sleep better at night.

City of Sudbury staff recently reviewed the revenue and cost of services to our area. This report was done to “provide Council with an update on service delivery and community issues in the area of Kukagami Lake”. You can read the report online by clicking here.

Website and Newsletter
The KEW newsletter is published online, and sent by email to any interested person. Paper copies can be provided to residents upon request. Drop a note to Kukagami Environment Watch, 432 Fox Road, Wahnapitae, ON, P0M 3C0. The Website is updated randomly through the month – so check KEWatch.blogspot.com to post your own messages, photos, or to see what’s new between newsletters.


Our Stories
GOD'S COUNTRY!
Over 15 years ago, the previous owners of our place left a hat prominently displayed on the fireplace mantle. It said "God's Country".
While they are a little rarer now, back then these hats were plentiful & could often be found at yard sales & flea markets in large numbers. They promoted places like Muskoka, Georgian Bay, Kukagami Lake etc. Just how could all these places lay claim to being "God's Country?"
I never thought much in the ensuing years about that now long gone hat, and even less about what "God's Country" really meant.
One night not long ago that phrase came to mind as I reached my own determination of its definition from my perspective. It was a clear,
Cloudless late spring night, not too cold & the lake was like glass. I have a tendency to pass up opportunities like this in favor of some job that needs doing--------------but, something told me "NOT TONIGHT"!
I grabbed a jacket, my fishing gear & the dog & headed out to try my luck. I slipped through the small opening into the north end of Kukagami. Loons called to each other in the background as the trolling motor slowly propelled the boat along the water, So still except for the boat's ripples, so quiet except for the odd loon call or the gently panting of the dog.
The stars turned on their twinkling lights one by one & all of a sudden a glance to my left made the picture complete. A beaver swam quietly alongside the boat about five feet away.
What a perfect, peaceful night! The words "God's Country" flashed to mind. Now I too know what "God's Country" means to me!
I.G.T.

One of the main objectives of Kukagami Environment Watch is to serve as a source of accurate and timely information for residents and friends of Kukagami Lake and area. Ask you neighbours of they are receiving this newsletter! Offer to forward it to them, or ask them to send their address to KEW@kukagami.infosathse.com.

Fw: Notification of Operations - Red pine thinning (Jackson Lake)

FYI

 

Please be aware that there will be a few logging trucks on the southern part of Kukagami Road for the next few months, as described below.  Drive safely!

 

Also, KEW is collecting information for the July Newsletter, which will be sent out late next week.  Send any information you would like to have included to this email address.

 

Check for previous news at www.KEWatch.blogspot.com 

 

Sent: Friday, July 11, 2008 12:04 PM

Subject: Notification of Operations - Red pine thinning (Jackson Lake)

 

Activities are set to resume in the red pine commercial thinning area by Jackson Lake beginning Monday, July 14th.

 

The work is being done by Armand Gagnon and his son (contractors for Gervais Forest Products).

 

They will be building a bit of road to access the harvest area.

 

Hauling is expected to start a week later (around July 21st), with one truck hauling between 2 - 3 loads per day.

 

The thinning operation will continue into September.

 

I'd appreciate it if you would pass on this information to the membership. I have also sent notice to the KLCA.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please do give me a call. Alternately, you could also contact Patrick Bazinet (929-1677 cell). He will be VFM's on-site representative.

 

Ron