HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2014-07-09, Page 3Wednesday, July 9, 2014 • Huron Expositor 3
Lake Huron facing potential problems,
says Centre for Coastal Conservation
Steph Smith
OMI Agency
During this time of year, Lake
Huron faces a lot of pressure and
potential issues because of the
high -traffic the summer season
brings. As cottage season begins to
open up, cottagers and beach -
goers alike are encouraged to con-
sider and reduce their footprint on
the lake environment.
"What we're seeing is more con-
version of lakefront cottages in to
larger, more intensive develop-
ments," says Geoff Peach, co-
founder and coastal resources
manager for the Lake Huron Cen-
tre for Coastal Conservation. "Cot-
tages are becoming more perma-
nent houses and residences are
being built in ways that are similar
to beach houses seen on the U.S.
coast:'
Peach explained city -values are
being brought to areas where they
don't fit, citing lawns and beaches
aren't meant to go together.
"When you have more of an
urbanized beachfront, it attracts
wildlife and species that aren't
supposed to be there he said. "For
example, people are now finding
Seaforth
Firemen turn
up the heat
As always, the Seaforth
Firemen's Breakfast drew
quite the crowd on July 1.
An annual tradition, guests
were served pancakes, eggs,
bacon, ham, homefries and
toast at the fire hall. Folks
were also given the chance to
check out an array of fire
engines and equipment.
Photos by Whitney South, Huron
Expositor
Thomas Miller, 3, checks
out what it's like in the
driver's seat.
Chris Cardno and Paul
Dolmage serve some
hungry customers.
Ben Ten Hag and Scott Jervis
flip up some flapjacks.
SCRAPER DAVE
SCRAP M E TA I-
WASHERS•DRYERS•OR ANY SCRAP METAL•FREE PICKUP
PHONE DAVE at
(519)525.2671 or (519)527.0724
Canada geese on the beach because they
like to feed on the lawns. If the natural
dune grass was kept, there wouldn't be a
problem because the geese don't like it:'
According to Peach, the two huge indi-
cators that something is wrong with a lake
are an excess of algae washing up on
beaches and signs for high levels of E. coli
being posted.
"The usual suspect is the agricultural
industry which requires the use of a lot of
fertilizers," he said.
Fertilizers can come in many different
types and include nutrients that are essen-
tial to plant growth, the most common of
which include phosphorus and nitrogen.
These nutrients have the potential to get
carried in the soil runoff from fields that
can get into our water systems. This excess
of nutrients in the water often causes more
algae to grow, including toxic algae
blooms, which depletes the oxygen in the
water that other organisms need to live.
"It's not just farmers, but those who fer-
tilize their lawns and gardens' said Peach.
"Particularly sandy soil lets water flow
through it quickly, making it just as likely
that the fertilizer wffi end up in our ground
water or lakes'
According to Peach, many things could
place a lot of stress on the landscape, but
it's up to how each landowner and visitor
treats it.
Some ways of reducing the impact
include:
* Conserving water
*Having cottage septic systems
checked regularly
* Reducing the amount of fertilizers
and pesticides used
* Leaving the land in its natural state
* Maintaining the land year-round
Peach said everyone should develop an
understanding of the cause and effect that
their actions place on the environment.
"People needs to have an environ-
mental ethic, which isn't necessarily
about following rules," he said. "It
comes down to everyone playing a role
in the health of our beaches and lakes,
whether you're a cottager, farmer, fish-
erman or beach -goers."
For more information and resources
on how to help reduce impacts, visit
your local conservation authority or the
Lake Huron Centre for Conservation.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN
LOCAL GOVERNMENT?
The Huron County Clerks and Treasurers Association and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs
and Housing will be hosting a Candidate Information Session as follows:
Thursday, July 24, 2014 at 7:00pm
My United Community Hall
239 Bill Fleming Dr., Clinton ON
Topics will include:
-Role of council and head of council
*Role of municipal staff
*Role of school board trustees
*Focus on 2014 Municipal Election Process including:
*Nominations, key dates and process
* Eligibility to run for various offices
*Candidate duties
*General campaign rules
*Compliance audits and penalties
* Voter's list and proxy voting
*Scrutineers
*Recounts
*Resources
Who should attend:
* Potential Candidates
*Spouse or Partner
* Anyone interested in learning more
about local government
For further information or to register for the event,
please contact your local municipal office.
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519-335-3208
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519-357-3550
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519-236-4351
519-887-6137
519-527-0160
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519-482-3997
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519-235-0310
519-524-4669