WINNING THE WAR AGAINST ALGAE

Why is there so much algae and aquatic plant growth in Lake Simcoe? Is there anything I can do?

Excessive nutrients are causing tremendous weed and algae growth in Lake Simcoe. We can win the battle against algae and restore Lake Simcoe's health by reducing the amount of phosphorus entering our waterways.

Use fertilizers sparingly... Top dress the lawn with finished compost in the spring and fall, and leave the grass clippings on the ground to fertilize the lawn all summer long.

Reduce surface water contamination... Use a bucket instead of a hose to wash the car; plant native species along drainage ditches; sweep the driveway rather than hosing it down; and use a pulsating sprinkler to deliver one inch of water per week to the lawn - only if it hasn't rained in 7 days.

For more tips or to learn about funding programs offered to private landowners under the Lake Simcoe Water Quality Improvement Program go to Opportunities For Action.

LAKE SIMCOE SEPTIC SYSTEMS

Our house/cottage has a private septic system. Is it a source of phosphorus to Lake Simcoe?

Yes, all septic systems contribute some phosphorus to either the surface or ground waters, which can enter Lake Simcoe. Old and faulty septic systems are especially of concern. You can protect Lake Simcoe and our natural water resources by caring for your septic system responsibly and make sure it is in good working order.

Use biodegradable environmentally friendly cleaners and dispose of household hazardous waste at your local municipal depot.

Compost kitchen wastes and never use the toilet as a trash bin. Avoid putting oils and fats down the drain. Inorganic products, like disposable diapers can clog your septic system.

Pace yourself and your septic system. Avoid doing excessive loads of laundry in rapid succession.

Reduce your household's water consumption. Use low-flow (9 litres/minute) shower heads and kitchen faucets. Upgrade to a six-litre flush toilet. Use a pulsating sprinkler to deliver one inch of water to your lawn, only if it hasn't rained in the last week.

Do not disturb your septic bed. Keep cars, trucks and all heavy equipment off of it as well as livestock, pets, etc.. Sod over its surface, or plant a shallow-root groundcover like sweet clover.

Have your septic system maintained (pumped) on a regular basis (at least once every three years).

For more tips or to learn about funding programs offered to private landowners under the Lake Simcoe Water Quality Improvement Program go to Opportunities For Action.

LAKE SIMCOE BOATERS

I am a boater on Lake Simcoe. What can I do to help?

With their intimate knowledge of Lake Simcoe's health and beauty, boaters have a vested interest in protecting our waterways. Here are a few "green" tips to help you protect this vital resource:

Empty black water and grey water storage tanks at marina pumpout stations otherwise the bacteria, phosphorus and other contaminates may compromise local water quality.

Use phosphate-free cleaner so that a "ship shape" deck doesn't feed algae blooms!

Reduce speeds near shorelines because "making waves" destroys wildlife habitat.

Dump your garbage at the dock, and not in the Lake where it could make people sick and harm wildlife.

Keep toxins out of our waterways... use "bilge pillows" to absorb harmful petroleum products, and avoid gas spills by easing up on the handle at the pump.

For more tips or to learn about funding programs offered to private landowners under the Lake Simcoe Water Quality Improvement Program go to Opportunities For Action.

LAKE SIMCOE SHORES

I live on Lake Simcoe. What can I do to improve my shoreline?

Lake Simcoe's shoreline is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the watershed. Protecting this fragile "Ribbon of Life" means taking steps to reduce soil erosion, enhance wildlife habitat and improve water quality. Here are some ideas to start with:

Create a "No Mow Zone" along the shore... save time, money and the environment by letting the last three metres of lawn backing along a streambank or shore "go wild".

Add native trees, shrubs and wildflowers to the mix... Dogwoods, Highbush Cranberries, and Nanny-berries can attract wildlife and shade spawning beds, when planted near the shore, while Blue Flags, Pickerelweed, and Water Parsnips and Cardinal Flowers add flare. Adding vegetation is a great way to help protect your shoreline from erosion.

If you must use herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers around your home/cottage apply them sparingly, as directed. It is best not to use any of these chemicals near the shoreline.

For more tips or to learn about funding programs offered to private landowners under the Lake Simcoe Water Quality Improvement Program go to Opportunities For Action.

LAKE SIMCOE FISH

I would like to go fishing on Lake Simcoe. What can I catch and can I eat the fish?

Lake Simcoe is home to 52 different fish species and provides for great fishing adventures year round. Some of the fish species you can catch include:

Spring species: lake trout, northern pike, yellow perch and black crappie.

Summer Species: small and large mouth bass, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, rock bass, and brown bullhead.

Autumn Species: northern pike, small and largemouth bass.

Winter Species: lake trout, whitefish, perch, and northern pike.

Fishing licenses are issued by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) and can be purchased from various outlets, i.e. Canadian Tire Stores. For more information on this or the OMNR's Fishing Regulations, please call your local branch listed in the blue pages of your telephone book, or visit www.mnr.gov.on.ca.

How big is Lake Simcoe?

With a surface area of 722 square kilometres, Lake Simcoe is southern Ontario's largest body of water exclusive of the Great Lakes and has a $200 million economic impact on the area's tourism and recreational industries each year.

How many cottages are around Lake Simcoe?

The shore of Lake Simcoe is home to an estimated 12,000 cottages - which bring between 40,000 to 50,000 to the region during the summer months.

How big is the Lake Simcoe watershed?

Thirty five rivers flow into Lake Simcoe, draining a land area of 2,848 square kilometres. Five major river systems (Holland, Black, Beaver, Pefferlaw & Uxbridge) drain 60% of the watershed - four of these systems begin in the Oak Ridges Moraine.

Do many people visit Lake Simcoe?

Lake Simcoe is within a one hour drive for half of the population in Ontario.

Lake Simcoe receives the most angling effort of any Ontario inland lake. Most sought after species are lake whitefish, lake trout and yellow perch.

Why are wetlands so important?

Wetlands hold and filter water. They are extremely important in maintaining water quality and protecting valuable source/headwater areas. One of the reasons wetlands are purchased is to provide long-term value and benefit to the watershed, with respect to water quality and quantity. Protecting water at its source is easier than cleaning it up once it has been contaminated. it is also much cheaper!

What are good indicators of Water Quality?

Fish and other aquatic life can be direct indicators of the health and quality of our lakes, rivers, and streams. While healthy critters live in healthy waterways, scientists know to look for contaminates where sickly ones occur. It is important to monitor our waters and identify areas in need of improvement. A variety of projects, in both rural and urban areas, help improve our water, i.e. conservation farming practices, demonstration farms, tree planting, stream rehabilitation, environmental planning, etc.

Why are trees good for the watershed?

Trees slow down the rate of runoff to rivers and prevent erosion. We've planted close to three million trees throughout the watershed - this means better water quality in the rivers for everyone to enjoy.

What is urban stormwater runoff and how does it impact on water quality?

Stormwater is runoff that washes off from streets, parking lots, houses, lawns, etc., that eventually flows into local waterways. This water contains pollutants. Conservation Authorities comment on stormwater issue, with regard to proper control methods (through land use plan review and input). In some cases treatment of stormwater, through facilities like stormwater management ponds are used to reduce the negative impacts of stormwater on our waterways. Stormwater Management Ponds slow down the water, provide areas for particles to settle, and give plants a chance to filter out various pollutants and microorganisms.

What is the farm community doing to help Lake Simcoe?

Farmers are stewards of the land and most care deeply about the environment. Thousands of farmers in the Lake Simcoe watershed are using 'best farming practices" to conserve soil, and protect our waterways. Many others have developed environmental farm plans and participated in programs to reduce soil erosion, enhance wildlife habitat, and improve local water quality. Farm organizations like the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and the Ontario Soil and Crop Association offer their own environmental programs.