SLCO Newsletter – July 15, 2018
Water Quality Update
Water quality testing was conducted on July 7, 2018 (the previous test was conducted on May 31, 2018).
There are six parameters that our water testing program monitors. They are Total Coliform, E.Coli, Total Phosphorus, Calcium, Clarity and Temperature. All of these have a factor in the quality of our water.
Water samples for Total Phosphorous and Calcium are done and sent to the Dorset Environmental Science Centre for testing. We will receive results for these later this summer. Dorset also receives our secchi (clarity) results for the season.
Secchi testing (clarity) on July 12, 2018 (a very sunny, calm day) resulted in a count of 11 meters. This is an excellent result for clear Skeleton Lake.
8 Locations are tested May to September each year for Total Coliform and E.Coli:
Wilson’s Bay SK2
Newport Beach SK4
Beaman’s Bay SK6
Camp Ramah SK7
Bottom of High Falls SK8
Camp Kwasind SK9
Long Point Bay SK10
Long Bay SK11
All of these locations in the second testing (July 7, 2018) tested “good to great”. Total Coliform counts were higher than in May. This is common for the lake with warmer temperatures and more boating. There has not been a lot of rain and the pollen was very high/thick this year. Temperature of the lake is a consistent 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Our water testing so far this year indicates that the high quality of the water in Skeleton Lake continues its reputation of a crystal, clear clean lake.
Garbage
The garbage and recycling bin site located at Skeleton Lake Marina did not return this summer season. The owner of the Marina requested that the District of Muskoka (District) remove the site due to ongoing misuse of it and the continued challenges of keeping the site clean and tidy.
Instead, for those interested, the marina has arranged a new service. New bins are now available to use at the side of the marina in a fenced, locked area. The current cost per month to use the bins is approximately $25/month. The amount of the fee is based on the number of people who use the garbage service. The marina will not be using these bins and will not be making any profits on the program. Please note this new service is only open to the marina’s seasonal slip customers, and not open to the general public.
Septic Pump-Out
SLCO is planning to once again organize a ‘septic tank pump’ for water access properties. This activity was done 2 years ago. For those of you that might have missed it in 2016, now is the perfect time to get this necessary job done. You can update your profile page by signing into your account at https://skeletonlake.ca/Sys/Profile , choose the grey tab ‘edit profile’ where you can indicate your interest in a pump out this year. Alternatively, you can email admin@skeletonlake.ca to indicate your interest in a pump out. We will be sending out more details in a separate note.
Nesting Loons
The cry of the loon is a classic sound of life at the cottage. As such, we need to do what we can to help protect our feathered friends. A friendly reminder to please slow down on the water. In particular, please be aware of the loons in the narrow channel between Rosebud Island and the mainland. There is a sign at one end that says ‘slow no wake’, and there is a sign at the other end that says loon nesting area. Speeding close to shore hurts our wildlife, damages boats and docks, and is dangerous!
Annual Regatta
The annual regatta will be held on Saturday August 4, 2018 starting at 12:00 noon. Similar to before, it will be held at Newport Adventure Camp, on Camp Newport Road.
Activities will include swimming/canoe/kayak races, plus land competitions including a 3-legged race, wheelbarrow race and tug-of-war. There will even be a horseshoe social. In-between the events, there will be a BBQ to keep you fueled up. BBQ and registration will start at noon. The event will end at approximately 3:30 PM. In the event of rain, the Regatta will be held on Sunday, August 5. The regatta is free to all SLCO members, their family and weekend guests.
Fishing Derby
The fishing derby will be held this year on Saturday, August 4 from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon at the Skeleton Lake Marina, at Skeleton Lake Road #3 and Highway 141. A pancake breakfast will be served, along with an award presentation after the event for those skilled anglers!
Sailing Regatta
The 49th running of the sailing regatta will be held on Sunday, August 5 with a start time of 1:30 pm at the east point of Wilson's Bay. In the interim, let’s hope for fair winds!
2018 AGM
A reminder that the Annual General Meeting will be held this year on Sunday August 12. The meeting will start at 10:00 am, and be held at Camp Ramah, 1104 Fish Hatchery Road in Utterson. Please plan to attend in order to keep you informed of both current activities and issues on the lake.
Proposed Lippa Quarry
The 2nd Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) Pre-Hearing Conference (PHC) was held on Friday July 13. A big thank you to all who attended!
The 3rd OMB PHC is scheduled for Monday November 26 in the Township of Muskoka Lakes Council Chambers (1 Bailey Street, Port Carling), starting at 10:00 am. This PHC provides an excellent opportunity for us to continue to show the OMB our level of concern and our complete commitment to defeating this quarry. Let's fill the Community Centre Hall with concerned SLCO members and others in the community.
