Author: Think Turtle Conservation Initiative

Turtle sightings are starting to trickle in, a sign that spring is finally taking hold.

After months beneath frozen wetlands, Ontario’s turtles are beginning to stir. Don’t be surprised to see them sluggish—basking quietly on logs or lingering near the bottom, soaking up warmth to jumpstart their systems. Their pace will pick up as the days grow longer and temperatures rise. Mating begins, journeys to seasonal habitats get underway, and feeding resumes. 

If you come across an injured, sickly, or unresponsive Turtle anywhere in Ontario, please call the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre at 705-741-5000 when you are with the Turtle. They offer free medical care and will arrange transport through their impressive Turtle Taxi network if the finders cannot drive the Turtle themselves. OTCC's new address is 2785 Television Road, Peterborough.

Photo by: Think Turtle Conservation Initiative

Turtle Taxi Volunteers

Last year, the OTCC admitted over 2,300 injured turtles, their highest number of admissions ever.  Thanks to the kindness of volunteers across the province, many were transported to safety and received the treatment they needed.

The OTCC’s Turtle Taxi network plays a vital role in turtle rescue. Drivers are needed across Ontario to help transport turtles and sometimes even medical supplies. If you have a vehicle and a big heart, you can help—no turtle experience necessary.

Turtles are transported in enclosed containers; drivers don’t need to handle them directly. If you’re interested in volunteering, contact the OTCCs at 705-741-5000 or email volunteer@ontarioturtle.ca.

Wildlife In Distress

Should you encounter wildlife other than turtles in Ontario that are sick, injured or abandoned please consult the Ontario Wildlife Rescue website for the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry (MNRF) licensed wildlife rehabilitator nearest you. An experienced rehabilitator will help you decide what the next steps should be. The Ontario Wildlife Rescue website is an excellent resource when wild animals are in need http://www.ontariowildliferescue.ca

About TTCI

Think Turtle Conservation Initiative (TTCI), founded in 2018, is an award-winning volunteer group engaged in provincial awareness initiatives and species recovery efforts in North Hastings and neighboring communities. Utilizing evidence-based information and data in support of its mission, TTCI works with community leaders, organizational representatives, and concerned citizens to drive change and build partnerships in pursuit of strategies to protect Ontario's turtles from the threat of extinction.   

Source: https://thinkturtle.ca/ (April 2025 blog post)

Source: Ontario.ca / Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources e-newsletter Oct. 5, 2024 There’s nothing better than spending a day on the water and sharing a picture of your catch, big or small! When practicing catch-and-release, it’s important to handle fish with care to ensure their survival after their release. This is particularly important when taking photos, which can often lead to extended periods of air exposure.  Here are some guidelines to help you capture that perfect shot while keeping the fish’s health a priority: Prolonged air exposure can be harmful, even fatal. Keep the fish submerged as much as possible, and only lift it for a brief photo. Ensure your camera or phone is ready to go before you bring the fish out of the water. Improper handling can cause injury. Avoid touching the gills or eyes, as these are particularly sensitive areas. For larger, heavier fish, do not hold them by the jaw alone. This can dislocate the jaw, making it difficult for the fish to feed afterward. Instead, support the body horizontally, cradling the fish with both hands if necessary. Before handling the fish, wet your hands or wear wet cloth gloves. This helps to reduce the removal of the fish’s protective slime coat. The slime coat is essential for the fish’s health, as it protects against infections and helps with swimming. By following these best practices, you can enjoy the sport of fishing and share your experiences through photos without compromising the health of the fish. Learn more information about catch and release best practices such as landing techniques and recommended gear.

TIP: Hooked an invasive water plant? Don't toss it back

Photo Credit: Invasive Species Centre

We’ve all been fishing and reeled in a weed – that’s right – we mean an aquatic plant. That weed could be Eurasian Water-Milfoil (EWM), an invasive species found in Steenburg Lake. EWM spreads when fragments of the plant break loose or are cut loose by a boat propeller.  If you hook one, please do not toss aquatic plants back in the lake. Instead dispose of them on land either in the garbage or by burning. Help prevent the spread of invasive plants.

Our partnership with Cottage Life has proven to be a big hit.

Nearly 80 families on Steenburg Lake took advantage of the SLCA’s Early Bird Membership Fee offer and will receive a free 3-edition summer subscription to Cottage Life magazine, and one ticket to the spring Cottage Life Show.

Our official campaign period will begin May 1 when emailed reminders will go out, but you are encouraged to pay your $40 membership fee as soon as possibe. 

1. CLICK 'LOG IN' in the top right corner of the steenburglake.ca home page.

2.  Once logged in, CLICK your name (top right of the page) to be taken to 'Your Profile' page.

3. CLICK 'RENEW' on Your Profile page and follow the payment instructions.  You can pay online, by e-transfer, cheque or cash.

4. We encourage you to update your Profile and Privacy Settings while renewing your membership.

Questions? Email membership@steenburglake.ca

Joanne Burghardt, SLCA President
Alastair Gorman, SLCA Lake Steward

Eurasian Water-Milfoil (EWM) is an invasive water plant present in Steenburg Lake. We are not alone; the invasion is widespread throughout Ontario. And while it is nearly impossible to eradicate, we can minimize or halt the spread.

The SLCA Board voted at the January meeting to take the following actions aimed at halting the spread of EWM, including:

1. Continue the Clean, Drain & Dry campaign.
2. Launch an EWM education program to assist our members in identifying EWM and understanding how to remove it by hand.
3. Invite a representative from the Invasive Species Centre to present a workshop for lake members.
4. Remain vigilant to the appearance of a 'floating mat' which would require further attention.

Watch for more information on identifying and controlling EWM in our Spring newsletter. There are also reading materials in the Invasive Species section of steenburglake.ca.

BACKGROUND:

In 2018, an invasive species survey, conducted by the Federation of Ontario Cottage Associations (FOCA), identified EWM in several spots on Steenburg Lake.

EWM readily propagates by way of stem fragmentation and has likely fostered the subsequent spread throughout the lake.

In August 2024, several property owners reported EWM in the area of their docks. We don’t know how long it has been there, but to date we have not seen it breaking the surface and forming the dense floating mats it is known for, nor any reported evidence of flowering.

See our Invasive Species page for helpful materials

The Invasive Species Centre put us in touch with Jeff Berthelette, Invasive Species Awareness Program Outreach Liaison, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH).  

Jeff’s observations:

• EWM is an aggressive invasive species. Once you have it in your lake it will be there indefinitely. Almost impossible to eradicate. It will come back. 
• EWM is widespread in the area lakes.
• EWM has bloom and fallback years. It will grow exponentially and then die off when it has absorbed all the nutrients it needs to survive. It will come and go.
• Jeff echoed what we already knew: management strategies are not easy, and they are very expensive. Lake-wide herbicide treatment can only be done by a licensed professional, under strict conditions, and it is prohibitively expensive.
• The weed can be removed manually under strict conditions but there is a high risk of spreading it if bits and pieces float away and root themselves. 
•  EWM generally grows in up to 3 metres of water but can root itself in as much as 30 feet.

Jeff’s recommendations:

1. Large crops of EWM can be roped off to keep boat traffic away, avoid chopping it up and spreading it.
2. Floating mats of EWM can be roped off to keep boat traffic away.
3. Clean, Drain & Dry boats to avoid spreading to other lakes.
4. Launch a program on the lake to educate owners on what EWM looks like and how to safely remove it by hand from their shoreline. You do not need a work permit under the Public Lands Act, if you can follow all of these rules:

• you are the waterfront property owner or conducting work on behalf of the property owner
• minimize the removal of native aquatic vegetation (e.g., wild rice)
• dispose of the plants/material you remove on dry land to prevent it from re-entering the water
• use, operate or store any wheeled or tracked machinery/equipment on dry land, or on a barge or vessel
• only use mechanical devices (e.g., rake, cutter bar) or your hands to remove plants, and do not dredge the bed of the waterbody
• do not carry out work during fish spawning season or during the time of other critical fish life stages, as set out in the In-water Work Timing Window Guidelines (May 1 – July 15 and October 1-May 1).

International Snowmobile Safety and Awareness Week is fast approaching – Jan. 18-25, 2025.  

Did you know?

It has been more than 70 years since the first snowmobile was made.

There’s a familiar name behind the invention of the snowmobile, you might have heard of it -- Bombardier.

Joseph-Armand Bombardier, a Quebec mechanic, invented the motorized sled in 1927 using a propeller. Bombardier used the wheel and track system to further improve his invention, and in 1935, the first snowmobile was born.

Did you know?

Each winter, snowmobilers ride an estimated 150 million km on Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) snowmobile trails . 

Did you know?

There’s an app for snowmobiling trails in Ontario.  The ‘Go Snowmobiling Ontario’ app displays trails, points of interest, Snow Tours and your current position. As long as it’s regularly connected to the Internet, it also provides the latest trail conditions and allows you to plan your route. You can learn more about the app and download it here: https://ofsc.evtrails.com/#

Did you know?

You can take an online snowmobile safety course. The Safe Riders! Snowmobile Safety Awareness Program provides basic essentials about snowmobile safety and includes short quizzes to help you test your knowledge about safe snowmobiling practices. Take the course here: https://www.ofsc.on.ca/safe-riders/

Tips for riding with caution, care & control on OFSC Trails

Source: Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC)

In addition to snowmobile trail safety fundamentals like avoiding alcohol/drug impairment and excessive speeding, and to always “know before you go” on any ice, the OFSC reminds snowmobilers of best practices for recreational riding with caution, care and control on OFSC Prescribed Snowmobile Trails, including:

• Always stay on the trail
• Only ride trails showing as Available (Green) or Limited Availability (Yellow) on the ITG
• Ride within your abilities and comfort level
• Know your sled and its capabilities, keep it well-maintained
• Always ride with a companion(s)
• Ride in single file on the trails
• Ride your side of the trail
• Leave plenty of space between you and the sled ahead
• Take responsibility for the rider behind you
• Be especially vigilant coming into corners or cresting hills
• Pass groomers and other riders cautiously
• Always stop at crossing roads and take extra caution riding trails on active logging roads
• Slow down at night or when visibility is poor, when non-motorized users are on the trail, or when passing through towns or residential areas
• Stay alert to the trail ahead and aware of your surroundings
• Stop on the trail at locations with clear sightlines in both directions
• Check area the ITG and weather conditions before your ride
• Before leaving home, notify someone where you will be riding and when you expect to return
• Always carry an emergency kit, snacks, extra fuel, a tow rope and a communication device.

Source: Federation of Ontario Cottagers Associations & Cottage First Insurance

With the temperature dropping, our thoughts turn to preparing our cottages for the cold and snow to come. For some, this means closing the cottage until the spring. For others, it is a time to prepare for life on the lake during the winter. Regardless, we all do our best to prepare our properties to withstand the toughest weather Canada can throw at us. Some property owners have opted to give their waterfront structures a helping hand, through the installation of bubblers.

What Are Bubblers?

For those who are unfamiliar, ‘bubblers’ are a type of de-icing system, intended to prevent the build-up of ice at or around waterfront structures like docks and boathouses. There are several different types of systems, but generally these devices use air or propellers to create zones of agitated and warmer water to prevent ice from forming. Protecting our cottage properties is understandable and an increasing number of cottagers in Ontario are turning to these devices as part of their winter preparation.

However, if you are a regular bubbler user, or if you are considering installing one at your property, it is important to plan carefully and be sure that you are not contributing to a significant hazard on the lake.

Creating a Hole in the Water

Bubblers are often turned on and left largely unattended by property owners throughout the winter. Without careful planning, management and consideration of the nature of your waterfront area, your bubbler can de-ice a significantly larger portion of the water than is necessary to protect your property. This is especially true in shallow or sheltered areas, or when several bubblers are active near one-another, with multiple property owners inadvertently creating a massive hole in the ice, hundreds of feet in size. These holes in the ice can pose a serious safety risk to winter users of our lakes, especially at night or during storms with poor visibility.

Legal Implications

Section 263 (1) of the Criminal Code of Canada is very clear that those who make or cause to be made an opening in ice are under a legal duty to guard the opening in a manner adequate to prevent persons from falling in by accident, and adequate to warn them that the opening exists. If you fail to perform these duties, the Code states that you may be found guilty of serious offences, up to and including manslaughter.

Risk Management Considerations

If you chose to operate a bubbler to protect your property, please make sure you are taking all steps possible to ensure the safety of all lake users and consider taking these risk management steps:

• Place and angle your devices with care to keep the impacted area as localized as possible;
• Talk to your neighbours to avoid doubling up in an area. It is possible that one bubbler will do the trick.
• Equip your system with a thermostat or timer control. Running 24/7 creates oversized openings.
• Place clear signs near the bubbling area, visible from all directions noting “Danger Open Water”.
• Run an amber light to mark the hazard at night and during storms. Do not use a red light, as this can be mistaken for the brake lights of a snowmobile and draw people towards the risk, rather than turn them away.
• Monitor your property. If you cannot be present, have someone check regularly to ensure the system is operating, the affected area is appropriate in size, and that the warning lights and markers remain in place.
• Where possible, a knowledgeable and experienced contractor should be used to configure the system.

Summer or winter, safety on the water is a top priority!

Source: Federation of Ontario Cottagers Associations & Cottage First Insurance (the SLCA is a member of FOCA)

Posted November 2024

The Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (OTCC) has announced the return of their online 50/50 fundraiser.

OTCC - home of Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre- is a registered charity whose goal is to protect and conserve Ontario’s native turtles and the habitat in which they live. They accomplish this by operating a turtle hospital that treats, rehabilitates, and releases injured turtles, by performing extensive research in the field to further conservation initiatives, and by running a comprehensive education and outreach program. A record 2,300 turtles were admitted to the turtle hospital in 2024.

Funds raised by this raffle will support the Centre’s ongoing efforts to help Ontario’s turtles. 

The raffle pot has surpassed $38,000. According to the OTCC the raffle winner will take home at least $19,000, which means the same amount will go to helping the turtles.

Ticket sales end Monday, November 25, 2024, and the draw date is Tuesday, November 26, 2024.

For more information about the 50/50 Raffle or other ways to help turtles, e-mail info@ontarioturtle.ca, phone 705-741-5000, or visit their website at ontarioturtle.ca. 

Transport Canada has opened a public consultation on the question of mandatory personal flotation device (PFD) wear for recreational boaters.  

Did you know Canada averages 111 recreational boating deaths each year? According to Transport Canada, not using a personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket is a leading cause of death among recreational boaters, accounting for 89% of all fatalities.

For those ‘human powered’ vessels, kayakers are more likely to wear a PFD (78%), while our canoer friends are less likely (41%).

The Drowning Prevention Research Centre Canada produced a report in 2021 that tracked recreational boating-related deaths in Canada from 2008 to 2017.

Key takeaways:

• most people who died due to a recreational boating-related incident weren’t wearing a PFD or lifejacket
• most of the people who died were adults
• most recreational boating-related deaths involved powerboats, followed by canoes
• the most common incident that led to a death was a capsized vessel, followed by a person falling or being thrown overboard

At the Federation of Cottager’s Association (FOCA) 2024 Spring Seminar, Sgt. Dave Moffatt of the Marine Unit of the OPP gave a slide presentation about PFDs and fatality rates. See his slides here (download PDF, 4 MB)

Have your say on the issue of mandatory PFDs  here, and share your comments by November 4, 2024.

Source: FOCA.on.ca. The SLCA is a member of FOCA

Cottages and summer homes are most vulnerable to thieves and subject to damage or vandalism in the off-season—from the week following Thanksgiving to the weeks prior to Victoria Day—especially if the owners are not using them regularly in the fall, winter or spring.  From the Labour Day weekend onward, many cottage and seasonal property owners begin considering the closure and winterizing of their properties. The Federation of Ontario Cottagers Associations (FOCA) wants to help you protect your investment, year-round. Remember, the cost of owning a cottage or summer property could include the frustration and irritation of repairing damage and replacing stolen property, if no one is living there or checking it regularly.

Cottage Closing Tips from FOCA:

• Secure your windows and doors.
• Close window curtains or blinds, and put up shutters to protect the interior from marauders (animal or human), storm protection and theft prevention.
• Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly (replace if necessary) and ensure they have fresh batteries. You should have detectors on all floors and outside all sleeping areas.
• Leave no valuables at the cottage (electronics, personal items, tools) unless you’re prepared to lose them.
• Lock up sporting goods that you decide must stay year-round (fishing rods & equipment, water skis, toys).
• Record the serial numbers of anything of value left behind. Marking your valuables with a drivers’ license # can help deter a thief or aid in property recovery.
• Remove all food, and anything that may attract animals.
• Pack up and take home all alcohol.
• Don’t leave firearms or weapons at the cottage.
• If you are leaving vehicles, boats, ATVs or snow machines, make sure they’re winterized and secure.
• Leave nothing on trailers unless it is locked or disabled.
• Defrost and unplug the refrigerator. Place an open box of baking soda inside the refrigerator to keep odours away.
• If you have propane appliances make sure they are properly shut down.
• Drain all water pipes, water heaters and fixtures, to avoid freezing.
• Scatter moth balls in the attic and anywhere small animals or bugs might gather.
• Organize snow removal if it will be required over the winter.
• Make a list of where everything is and make copies. Store one copy on your home computer and put a copy with items that will go back up to the cottage on your next trip.
• Designate a year-round contact or key-holder for: alarms, thefts, weather damage or animal problems.
• Know which police force patrols your cottage area (OPP Bancroft).
• Set up a network of neighbors to prevent and detect crime in your area, know your neighbours, their movements and vehicles, and connect with the local OPP detachment. Watching out for suspicious activity in and around your neighbours’ property can go a long way to lowering the incidence of property crime.

A shout out to Keith Fletcher who keeps us safe on the lake over the summer by marking those rocks that might otherwise damage our motors.

As of October 9,  Keith has removed our yellow ‘Minions’ and replaced them with the winter water jug markers.

Keith ensures the markers are out around the May long weekend, removes them around Thanksgiving weekend, and during the summer boating season he maintains the markers.

Thanks Keith!