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The Lower Beverley Lake Association

Our Mission:

• to foster preservation of the pristine character of the lake environment • to serve as a focal point for lake stewardship and improvement projects • to provide information concerning matters related to the lake community • to provide a forum for lake users to meet and to get know each other

Don’t Kill The Buzz

Click on the link above for more information about mosquito and tick
pesticides and their effect on our pollinators and even our fish

From our 2023 AGM (pdf’s)

Understanding Septic Re-Inspection

Invasive Species Presentation 2023

Diet For a Small Lake

Below, you will find the contact information for an island septic company if needed.

ISLAND MARINE CONSTRUCTION LTD
www.islandmarineconstruction.ca
CONTACT GREG
613-349-9655
islandmarineconstruction2021@gmail.com
 

From Dave Champagne regarding our water quality testing:

As part of lake stewardship activities, volunteers with your lake association have been involved for several years in monitoring water quality. This has included phosphorus sampling with the help of the Ontario Lake Partners program, which provides laboratory assistance. We also monitor the dissolved oxygen in the water. Phosphorus is an important nutrient that plays a role in algae and other plant growth, while dissolved oxygen is an important element to a vigorous fishery.

For at least ten years, we have taken samples in the deepest parts of the lake and measured the oxygen levels, which tend to decrease – especially in deep waters – as the summer progresses. This has been done with fairly simple equipment (“field kits”). For two or three years more recently, we borrowed equipment from the CRCA (Cataraqui Regional Conservation Authority) which can measure water temperature and dissolved oxygen from the water surface to the lake bottom in intervals (for instance, every meter). This profile from top to bottom is valuable additional information for monitoring how the dissolved oxygen varies, not just seasonally, but also with depth.   

Just before the pandemic hit, your lake association purchased its own equipment for such detailed monitoring. Unfortunately, covid travel restrictions have delayed implementing these plans, but we hope this coming year will see progress.

Past results have indicated that late in the season, the oxygen levels in the deeper parts of the lake are inadequate for some fish species. This condition is often related to an overabundance of algae and other vegetation. This condition, in turn, is often related to nutrient levels entering the lake waters – especially phosphorus, as well as nitrogen.

We have been monitoring phosphorus levels for several years. Phosphorus is considered a major contributor to lake water nutrient levels (along with nitrogen), and often implicated in algae blooms and other objectionable conditions. Scientists broadly refer to lakes in three categories of nutrient load, (basically, from very low to too much) with Lower Beverley in the middle. Data that are available through 2020 indicate some gradual improvement (lowering) over time, but not enough to eliminate all undesirable occurrences of blooms, or to bring deep water oxygen levels up to suitable levels for some fish species. At least a portion of nutrient load is generally thought to come from human activity, such as fertilizer applications, faulty septic disposal, and improper shoreline maintenance.

Some of this data are available on the Lake Partners website.

This monitoring helps to characterize water quality, or lake “health,” and relates to many of the recreational uses lakefront owners and others typically enjoy including fishing and swimming

On a related subject, studies are available indicating a relationship between good lake water quality and nearby property values. Better water quality, including improvements in quality, have been found to correspond to higher property values. This could be another incentive for property owners to all do their part in enhancing the quality of our lake environment.

Managing Your Waterfront Property in a Changing Climate

Top 5 Actions Shoreline Owners can take

1. Keep your shoreline natural and enhance it if possible

A naturalized shoreline is generally considered the best multi-purpose approach to protecting the lake’s edge. Protect the natural shoreline by replanting areas that lack vegetation and maintain those areas that already exist.

2. Keep aquatic plant populations intact

Aquatic plants support the insects that fish eat, and are a primary food and habitat source for birds. In addition, aquatic plants help stabilize loose sediment and are an effective natural breakwater keeping waves from eroding the shoreline.

3. Maintain and improve your waterfront property’s health and biodiversity

Enhance biodiversity on your property by leaving rock piles, fallen tree limbs and brush piles untouched so they can function as wildlife habitat.  Re-vegetate bare grounds near streams, rivers and lakes and encourage native species of flowers, shrubs and trees to limit your maintenance work and provide shelter to native species.

4. Manage pests and disease

Understand which insects, diseases and invasive species might be expected at your waterfront property and be on the lookout for them with regular monitoring to enable early intervention and easier management.

5. Stay informed

It is important to stay informed and attuned to developments in science and research and incentive programs that may affect you and your waterfront property. Sign up to receive FOCA’s free monthly Elert (electronic newsletter) today at https://foca.on.ca!

For complete booklet: https://foca.on.ca/managing-your-waterfront-property-in-a-changing-climate/

Shoreline Owner’s Guide to Healthy Waterfronts: This guide gives a quick and easy overview of ways to make the most of your shoreline property, while living in balance with your lake’s fragile ecosystem.  https://foca.on.ca/shoreline-owners-guide-to-healthy-waterfronts/

Ontario Centre for Climate Impacts and Adaptation Resources  www.climateontario.ca

 

 

 

2 Replies to “Home”

  1. Our shoals are marked by a buoy with a solar light on them (they go in in May and get pulled in September -usually) In general, the lake is pretty deep, just stay away from the rocky points of the island and shores- the points tend to continue into the water. Welcome!!
    Lynne Jeffries
    LBLA President

    1. People who are new to the lake should also get a copy of the “Boaters’ Guide to Lower Beverley Lake”, a small brochure that gives the lay-out of the lake, some of the history, and mentions the shoal markers and other safety tips. The brochures are available at our AGM in July

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