© RAPPEL - Bromont Lake
Hello,
Your three Liberal MPs from the Eastern Townships, in collaboration with the Conseil régional de l'environnement de l'Estrie (CREE), have put together this practical guide for the protection of our lakes.
Our goal is two-fold; first, to inform you about the risks posed by exotic invasive aquatic species, such as the Eurasian Water Milfoil and Zebra Mussels; and second; to give you information on how you can contribute to the protection of the health of our lakes.
All watercraft and equipment, from paddleboarding to large motor boats, kayaks, rowboats and pontoons, can contribute to the spread of invasive species.
Vigilance is necessary!
In this practical guide, you will also find some initiatives from our lake associations.
Join the movement, and have a great summer!
Marie-Claude Bibeau, MP from Compton-Stanstead
Élisabeth Brière, MP from Sherbrooke
Pascale St-Onge, MP from Brome-Missisquoi
Invasive species are the second leading cause of biodiversity loss worldwide.
They can be animals, plants, or micro-organisms that are introduced into environments outside their natural region. Invasive species are already causing significant environmental, social, and economic impacts in our region such as:
Shoreline residents and tourists can sometimes be vectors of spread. From paddleboards to large motorboats, kayaks, rowboats and pontoons, all watercrafts and equipment can
contribute to the multiplication and spread of exotic invasive aquatic species.
Several actions can be taken by users of recreational boats and accessories to reduce the risks of introduction and spread. The first step is to become informed!
There are several boat cleaning stations in our area. Find the one closest to your boating location at: foretouverte.gouv.qc.ca
Small freshwater mollusc that can measure about 2.5 cm. It can be recognized by its stripes, its triangular shape and the filaments that attach it to the substrate.
A fast-growing and proliferating aquatic perennial plant. It can be distinguished by its leaves, which have between 12 and 24 pairs of leaflets: a single segment is sufficient for a new shoot to take root.
A tiny crustacean measuring 1 to 1.5 cm. This zooplankton has a tail with three pairs of sharp spines and is more than half as long as its body.
Red-spotted crayfish are larger than other crayfish. Without its claws, it measures about 10 cm. The black spikes on the tips of its claws make it easy to identify.
Spherical, with coils separated by deep sutures. It measures 3.5 cm or less and its color ranges from yellow to greenish brown. It has three or four reddish-brown spiral bands. The operculum is shaped like an ear with concentric growth stripes.
With Transport Canada and the Quebec Ministry of Municipal Affairs, we are pursuing our efforts to ensure that boating can be regulated by the municipalities that wish to do so for safety and environmental protection purposes, all while ensuring free access to our waterways.
In our region, more municipalities are using the powers that fall under their jurisdiction, particularly with regards to controlling access to bodies of water with, for example, stickers certifying boat washing, or setting up surveillance and control mechanisms.
Federal Funding $258 776
With a vision of making Lake Massawippi a Canadian model for boating, Bleu Massawippi has been conducting research since 2017 to identify ecologically sensitive areas of the lake on an evolving map.
We encourage you to download the Ondago application when you sail on Lake Massawippi. You will be able to locate yourself and adapt your navigation according to the area you are in.
Bleu Massawippi was the first environmental organization to receive funding from Transport Canada. Thanks to our regional leadership, the federal department now recognizes the importance of regulating boating, not only for reasons of safety, but also to protect the environment.
The work allows for a better understanding of the impact caused by boating, for example, waves caused by speed, or destruction of algae caused by motor propellers in shallow areas.
The data collected will also allow science-based decisions to be made when regulating recreational boating.
Lovering Lake
Founded in 1970, Lovering Lake Société de conservation (SCLL) is dedicated to the conservation of the lake, the quality of its waters and water sources, and the protection of its wildlife. In collaboration with regional and governmental authorities, and with its users, it ensures the preservation of the lake.
Since 2013, volunteers have been working to control Eurasian Water Milfoil. The installation of burlap has proven to be effective and, in 10 years, the surface area of the milfoil has been reduced by approximately 60%.
In 2023, the SCLL will focus on training a team to tackle the presence of another exotic invasive species: the Georgian Snail.
Memphrémagog Lake
Memphrémagog Conservation (MCI) is a non-profit organization that was founded by three shoreline residents in 1967. It works to protect, conserve, and enhance the health of Lake Memphremagog and its watershed.
In addition to working with municipalities, the government, and citizens to carry out concrete actions, it relies on scientific knowledge to inform the local population and raise awareness. In this way, it ensures the environmental health and natural beauty of ecosystems.
MCI is currently working on several initiatives such as the monitoring of Zebra Mussels and Eurasian Water Milfoil, a bi-national study on nutrients, and the environmental impact of motorboats.
Coventry
In collaboration with Memphremagog Conservation Inc,. provincial counterparts, and municipal colleagues, your three Eastern Townships MPs are closely monitoring developments surrounding the expansion of the landfill in Coventry, Vermont, including the treatment and disposal of leachate.
Argent Lake
Federal Funding $60 000
Founded in 1962, the mission of the Association des résidents du lac d'Argent is to protect and enhance the quality of the water near the shores and watershed of Lac d'Argent in the municipality of Eastman.
In 2022, thanks to the help of its team of dedicated volunteers, the association proceeded to install 40,000 sq. ft. of tarp to cover Eurasian Water Milfoil. The installation helps mitigate the spread of this invasive species and prevents its vertical growth.
Massawippi Lake
Federal Funding $136 143
The first signs of Zebra Mussel contamination appeared in October 2021 in Lake Massawippi. A crisis management committee was immediately formed with Bleu Massawippi, the Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs (MFFP), Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the COGESAF and the Régie du Parc Régional Massawippi.
Due to its high calcium content, Lake Massawippi is recognized by experts as the most vulnerable lake in southern Quebec. Due to this reality, the organization is enhancing its efforts through a rigorous detection protocol and modernized prevention tools.
Action Saint-François is an environmental organization that carries out activities to clean waterways, revegetate shorelines, and raise awareness about environmental protection.
Conseil régional de l'environnement de l'Estrie
The CREE is a key environmental organization, namely in biodiversity protection, sustainable mobility, and waste management. They work to protect biodiversity in the fight against invasive aquatic species, and have coordinated the Estrie table since 2018.
By scanning the QC codes placed on boat ramps at several lakes in the Eastern Townships, they will access to more information on boat movement, and high-risk areas in our region.
Regroupement des associations pour la protection de l’environnement des lacs et des bassins versants
RAPPEL's mission is to promote the protection and preservation of Quebec's lakes, waterways and wetlands and to support, through its expertise, the people and organizations involved.
Conseil de gouvernance de l’eau des bassins versants de la rivière Saint-François
The COGESAF's mandate is to carry out the integrated management of water resources in the Saint-François area.
We are fortunate in the Eastern Townships to have many volunteers working to protect our lakes. The associations propose various actions, such as clean-up operations, which allow them to monitor the quality of the water, and protectthe flora and fauna.
You can join a lake association on a voluntary basis or become a member.
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