lakeofbaysheritagefoundation

Dr. Cathy Charles Bird Count

tracey.a.macey@gmail.com (Tracey Macey) — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 05:31:12 GMT

Cedar Waxwing photo by Rick Stronks

Dr. Cathy Charles Bird Count

Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve
Saturday, May 2 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Join us for our annual spring bird count, one of our most anticipated nature events of the year!

Led by local naturalists Rick and Kelly Stronks, this guided walk explores the rich birdlife of Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve during peak spring migration. Together, we’ll observe, listen, and document the many species that call this special place home. No experience needed, everyone is welcome.

What to Expect

A relaxed, guided walk through the reserve
Opportunities to learn bird identification by sight and sound
A chance to contribute to a citizen science effort that supports bird monitoring data

The data collected will be submitted to eBird , a worldwide platform used to track bird populations and migration patterns.

What to Bring

Waterproof hikers or rubber boots
Binoculars (a few will be available to borrow, or borrow from the Dwight Library)
Camera (optional)
Bug spray
Your curiosity and sense of adventure

Why This Count Matters

May is an especially exciting time for birding. Many male birds are actively singing to establish territory and attract mates, making them easier to detect.

Our goal is to document all bird species present, with a focus on those that may be breeding on the property. Over time, this data helps build a clearer picture of biodiversity at Marsh’s Falls.

How to Register

Please email registration@lakeofbaysheritage.ca to let us know you’re coming or if you have questions.

Can’t Attend in Person?

You can still take part! Spend time observing birds around your property that weekend and send your sightings to info@lakeofbaysheritage.ca . We’ll include your observations in our Lake of Bays summary.

Not sure what you’re seeing or hearing? Record it and send it along. Our team of naturalists will help identify it.

About Dr. Cathy Charles

Our annual spring bird count now carries the name of Dr. Cathy Charles. Cathy enjoyed a long career as a Professor in the Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at McMaster University. She was also a lifelong cottager on Kerrimuir Road.

Unfortunately, she died in November 2015. Her love of Lake of Bays was expressed in her will: she left the Foundation a very generous bequest. It was indeed the first bequest of several that the Foundation has since received. To recognize these generous donors, the Foundation has established the Legacy Circle . In Cathy’s instance, the Foundation also decided to name the spring bird count in her memory to honour her love of nature.

Community Engagement and Operations Coordinator Opportunity

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 17:46:36 GMT

Position Overview

The Community Engagement and Operations Coordinator supports the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation’s community engagement initiatives, public programs, communications, and organizational operations. This role plays a central coordination function—keeping systems organized, the community informed, and programs running smoothly—while working closely with Board committees, Board members, and volunteers.

As LBHF’s first paid staff position, this part-time role offers a unique opportunity for an emerging professional to grow alongside the organization, with the potential for expanded responsibilities as our work continues to evolve.

The part-time position is well-suited to a detail-oriented, self-directed individual who is comfortable working independently from home and occasionally on-site during the summer, and who is motivated by conservation, community engagement, and collaborative work in a small, mission-driven organization.

The primary focus of the role is communications, coordination, and maintaining organizational systems, with responsibilities that shift seasonally based on organizational priorities. While the core responsibilities are well defined, some aspects of the role may evolve over time in response to organizational needs and the strengths of the successful candidate.

This role is central to ensuring LBHF’s work is visible, well-organized, and well-supported as the organization continues to grow.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and résumé outlining your interest and relevant experience to info@lakeofbaysheritage.ca by February 20, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

What a Dry Summer Revealed About Mushrooms

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:15:23 GMT

By Mark McLean

Mushrooms can appear from early spring through late fall, but August and September are typically when the greatest diversity of species is found in Muskoka’s forests.

The mushrooms we see emerging from the forest floor are the fruiting bodies of fungi that live underground. The unseen part of the organism consists of a vast network of thread-like structures called hyphae, collectively known as the mycelium. Most of these mushrooms are mycorrhizal, meaning their hyphae have formed a connection with the roots of plants including trees.

Through this connection, the fungus receives carbon produced by the plant through photosynthesis, while the plant gains access to essential nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, which the fungus is able to break down and extract from the soil. This mutually beneficial exchange depends on one critical factor: water, which acts as the medium that allows nutrients to move between partners.

From July through October of 2025, Muskoka received only a fraction of its usual precipitation, combined with periods of unusually high temperatures. As a result, plants shifted into survival mode. While older trees can often endure short-term drought, younger trees may struggle.

Because mushrooms consist of up to 95% water, dry conditions dramatically reduce the ability of the fungus to form fruiting bodies. When water is scarce and plants stop sharing resources, fungi simply do not produce mushrooms.

These conditions were clearly reflected during the August mushroom forays in 2025. Compared to the previous two years, approximately 60% fewer mushroom species were observed—a striking illustration of how closely fungi are tied to moisture levels and forest health.

Most of the mushrooms that were found last year were growing on living or dead trees and most of those were polypores. Here are a few examples of polypore mushrooms.

Westermain Woods Land Donation

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 14:25:31 GMT

Westermain Woods Inc. donates 350 acres to the

Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation for protection in perpetuity

Westermain Woods is located on the west side of Lake of Bays and is made up of two parcels of land. One of the parcels is Needler’s Point with 14.6 acres and 740 feet of shoreline. The other is 334 acres of forested land that lies to the west of South Portage Road. Westermain Woods is a biologically rich, undeveloped natural area that plays a critical role in supporting biodiversity. Field investigations have documented over 244 species on site, including seven Species at Risk, one provincially tracked species and two regionally rare species —highlighting the site’s importance as a stronghold for species conservation. For many years private landowners have maintained the forest in a natural state and, in 1994, the District of Muskoka identified Westermain Woods as a Muskoka Heritage Area.

In 1977 Westermain Woods was incorporated as a non-profit organization with board membership made up of the owners of the seven adjacent waterfront lots. The corporation’s sole mandate was to care for and protect the two parcels of land. A Managed Forest Plan was in place and an easement gave the owners exclusive access to the use and enjoyment of the protected lands.

Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation will retain the existing goals and objectives of the current Management Plan, keeping the land in its current undeveloped state. An easement will provide the seven lots owners with access to the land and the name Westermain Woods will be retained. The land will only be accessible by ecologists for scientific study and for monitoring purposes. The Foundation may occasionally hold nature events led by qualified naturalists.

“We are very grateful for the donation of Westermain Woods,” said Mark McLean, LBHF Director of Natural Heritage. “It is a great addition to the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation’s conservation properties, doubling in size the protected acres we own and manage.”

“This year Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation celebrates its 40th year as a conservation organization,” said President Margaret Casey. “Since Westermain Woods is the oldest conservation property on Lake of Bays it seems fitting to have this acreage under our care, to be protected in perpetuity.”

October 2, 2025

Photo: Fresh – Moist Hemlock - Hardwood Mixed Forest, Westermain Woods Forest Management Plan

Annual General Meeting 2025 - Highlights

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 20:48:40 GMT

Thank you to everyone who joined

us for this year’s AGM

Annual General Meeting 2025 – Highlights

It was a great gathering on August 16 at the Baysville Seniors Centre for the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation’s Annual General Meeting. President Margaret Casey presented the President’s Report , and Jeff Richmond reviewed the Foundation’s financial position as of April 30, 2025. ( Audited statements.) Robert Little presided over the election of directors.

New Directors

We are delighted to welcome three new Directors to the Board:

Joan Decarie – A retired teacher and long-time Foundation member, Joan has generously shared her time and talents with us, most recently helping to create our new StoryWalk for young children. Her experience and enthusiasm bring invaluable knowledge and creativity to our programs, events, and education initiatives.
Laura Gilmour – An herbalist, forager, and owner of Wild Muskoka Botanicals near Dwight, Laura teaches with several wilderness skills schools and brings deep ecological knowledge and hands-on experience to our work.
Ally MacLellan – A long-time member of the Foundation and Director of Integrated Intelligence & Technology at Proof Strategies Inc., Ally brings strong marketing and communications skills to the Board. She’s also an accomplished athlete, representing Canada at the World Triathlon this year.

Our continuing Directors are: Margaret Casey, Robert Little, Tracey Macey, Mark McLean, Judith Mills, Jeff Richmond, John Saunders, Paul Shoniker, Rick Stronks, and Jennifer Wiser.

Guest Speaker: Rick Stronks

Local naturalist and Foundation Director Rick Stronks, formerly Chief Naturalist at Algonquin Park, presented “Wildlife Discoveries at Marsh’s Falls.” Using infrared trail cameras, Rick has captured remarkable footage of animals living at the Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve. His presentation shared highlights from hours of video, revealing a thriving ecosystem in action.

�� Watch Rick’s wildlife video on YouTube ›

Featured Community: Whiskey Bay

This year’s featured community was Whiskey Bay, highlighted in a video tracing its story from early settlement through logging, prohibition, and the moonshine trade to the rise of cottage life. Many families remain deeply connected to the area, with generations still enjoying their original cottages.

The Guest of Honour was Aileen Blair , a summer resident of Whiskey Bay for 70 years—celebrating her 100th year!

We extend our sincere thanks to Elaine M. Hutton for her extensive research, and to Susan Truscott and Wendy Wadham Gibson for their thoughtful compilation and editing of the Whiskey Bay booklet. Special thanks to former Foundation Director Gloria Woodside , whose early efforts helped bring this project to life.

�� Watch the Whiskey Bay video and read the booklet ›

Heritage Awards

Foundation Heritage Awards were presented to:

Charley’s Place – Truscott Family Cottage
Sam Hart – Whiskey Point
Whiskey Bay Community circa 1950 (to be erected on a post recognizing the entire community)

Community Heritage - Whiskey Bay

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:39:59 GMT

Whiskey Bay Community

At our August 2025 AGM, we highlighted the history of the Whiskey Bay Community. A video and booklet capture its story—from the arrival of the first settlers, through the logging era, prohibition and the moonshine trade, to the growth of cottage life. Today, many families remain connected to Whiskey Bay, with generations still enjoying their original cottages.

40th Anniversary Celebration

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 20:25:03 GMT

Join us in celebrating 40 years of protecting natural and community heritage. Two parties – come for one or both, rain or shine! Bring your children and grandchildren! We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Two dates to choose from:

SATURDAY JULY 12TH from 12:00PM to 4:00PM

SUNDAY AUGUST 10TH from 12:00PM to 4:00PM

Location: Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve

• Explore our 4km of trails

• Meet with naturalists

• Sit by Marsh’s Falls

• Enjoy refreshments

• Explore our summer StoryWalk®

• Draw, paint and other activities

• Please leave pets at home

PLEASE REGISTER: REGISTRATION@LAKEOFBAYSHERITAGE.CA

Capturing species with trail cameras

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 13:58:50 GMT

Beaver drama in the wild!

As you may recall, our post below included a stunning video of Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve wildlife thriving and wondering about.

Today we follow up with a thrilling 3-panel photo strip from our MFNR wildlife cameras. The first two images are of beaver hard at work constructing a lodge. The third image is where the drama happens: a hungry winter predator sniffing around the lodge site . Check it out, we bet you will have no trouble naming the animal.

Capturing species in the wild with trail cameras

As a land trust, one of our responsibilities is to monitor and document the various species on the Marsh’s Falls property. We recently started using motion-sensor wildlife cameras, an amazing tool to discover what animals are present, what they do, and where they go. This past winter we used two wildlife cameras for the first time and got great results. Finding the right locations for the cameras took some time, but eventually we discovered a few good places and set the cameras to take 10-second video clips.

From December 2023 to April 2024, the cameras recorded over 3,000 video clips! Unfortunately, many clips were triggered by wind moving branches in front of the sensors. But we documented twelve species of mammals and ten species of birds. We also filmed a Painted Turtle basking on a log in early spring while there was still ice on the pond.

We’ve shared the best of these results in a nine-minute video on our YouTube channel.

Check it out here!

Some species are easy to document, such as surveying the plant community which just requires time and expertise to walk the property and document the species. Other creatures, like butterflies and dragonflies, require observers to conduct surveys at specific times of the year when these species are flying. Birds can be seen and heard year-round, but surveys are usually conducted during the late spring when male birds are singing to establish their breeding territory. The Foundation has been conducting these surveys for several years.

Another technique used is observing tracks. Some species, like White-tailed Deer or Moose, can be hard to find but their tracks are unmistakable. Other animals, like fox, fisher, otter and martens are very difficult to detect. But now, thanks to our wildlife cameras, we and you can observe these species in the wild!

Jake Rhodes Transforms Dwight Beach into a Masterpiece of Wood Sculpture

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 21:33:04 GMT

If you haven’t been to Dwight Beach lately, here’s reason for a special visit. You’ll get to see how two dying trees towards the east end of the shore have been transformed into remarkable nature sculptures. It’s the work of Burk’s Falls based chainsaw artist Jake Rhodes, who placed first in the 2023 and 2024 US Open Chainsaw Sculpture Championship event.

To learn all about it, check out this article by Brian Simpson.

Mushroom Forays -2024 Results

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 20:28:16 GMT

Aug 18 Foray on the Bondi Resort trails, Port Cunnington

It was another great foray. There was an enthusiastic group - a few returning from last year and several new people. Despite dire predictions it only rained briefly. Here's what we found:

Hydnum repandum, Wood Hedgehog

Sarcodon sp.

Gymnopus dryophilus, Oak-loving Gymnopus

Marasmius siccus, Orange pinwheeel

Marasmius rotula, Collared Parachute

Marasmius pulcherripes, Rosy Parachute

Hymenopellis furfuracea, Beech Rooter

Hygrocybe coccinea, Scarlet Waxcap

Hygrocybe miniate, Vermillion Waxcap

Humidicutis marginata, Orange Gilled Waxcap

Ramaria botrytis, Rosso Coral

Coprinopsis lagopus, Hare’s Foot

Boletus sensibilis, Curry Bolete

Ramaria formosa, Yellow-tipped Coral

Retiboletus ornatipes, Ornate Bolete

Lactarius sp. (white latex)

Tricholomopsis decora, Decorated Mop

Mycena leana, Orange Mycena

Tremellodendron Schweinitzii, Jellied False Coral

Xeromphalina Campanella, Pinewood Gingertail

Cantherellus cinnibarinus, Red Chanterelle

Coltricia Perennis, Brown Funnel Polypore

Fomes Fomentarius, Hoof Fungus

Ganoderma applanatum, Artists Shelf

Entoloma Salmonium, Salmon coloured

Amanita Flaviconia, Yellow Patches

Craterellus ignicolor, Flame Chanterelle

Boletinellus meruilioides, Ash-tree Bolete

Trametes versicolor, Turkey Tails

Scleroderma citrinum, Pigskin Poison Puffball

Lycoperdon Marginatum, Peeling Puffball

Clitocybe adirondackensis

Russula Brevipes, Short-stemmed

Russula Variata, Variable Russula

Hygrocybe flavescens, Golden Waxcap

Marasmius pulcherripes, Rosey Parachute

Leotia lubrica, Jelly Babies

Leotia viscosa, Chicken Lips

August 31 Foray from Dawson Ponds to Sherborne Lake

The foray went well once we got past the flooded section of the route. Thank you to the seven people who hung in and made it to the destination point, the Sherborne Lake Dam. We found and identified 45 species.

Harrya chromapes, Chrome-footed Bolete

Cortinarius lilacinus, Lilac Cort

Cortinarius iodes, Viscid Violet Cort

Cortinarius armillatus, Red-banded Webcap

Lactarius deliciosus var. deterrimus, Orange-latex Milky

Lactarius deceptivus, Deceiving Milky

Lactarius chrysorrheus, Yellowdrop Milkcap

Lactarius thyinos

Suillus punctipes, Spicy Suillus

Suillus granulatus, Dotted-stalk Suillus

Sullus americanus, Chicken-Fat Mushroom

Suillus spraguae, Painted Suillus

Russula brevipes, Short-stemmed Russula

Russula variata, Variable Russula

Hygrocybe miniata, Vermillion Wax Cap

Hygrocybe coccinea, Scarlet Waxcap

Hygrocybe marginatum, Orange-gilled Waxcap

Leotia lubrica, Jelly Babies

Leotia viscosa, Chicken Lips

Lycoperdon pyriforme, Pear-shaped Puffball

Hymenopellis furfuracea, Beech Rooter

Hydnum rufescens, Terracotta Hedgehog

Trametes versicolor, Turkey Tails

Fomes fomentarius, Hoof Fungus

Ganoderma applanatum, Artist’s Shelf

Ischnoderma resinosum, Resinous Polypore

Cystoderma amianthinum, Earthy Powdercap

Amanita flaviconia, Yellow Patches

Amanita muscaria, Fly Agaric

Amanita fulva, Tawney Grisette

Amanita bisporigera, Eastern Destroying Angel

Scleroderma citrina, Common Earthball

Clavulina coralloides, Crested Coral

Clavulinopsis fusiformis, Golden Spindles

Ramaria Formosa, Yellow-tipped Coral

Turbinellus floccosus, Scaly-vase Chanterelle

Cantharellus cibarius, Golden Chanterelle

Craterellus ignicolor, Flame Chanterelle

Craterellus tubaeformis, Funnel Chanterelle

Craterellus fallax, Black Chanterelle

Clitocybula occulus

Helvella cupuliformis, Stalked Cup

Hydnellum spongiosipes, Velvet Tooth

Gymnopus dryophilus, Oak-loving Collybia

Mycena pura, Lilac Bonnet

August 17 - Notice of Annual General Meeting

tracey.a.macey@gmail.com (Tracey Macey) — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 15:59:06 GMT

The Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation
invites you to attend

The Annual General Meeting of Members

Saturday, August 17, 2024

Baysville Autumn Leaves Seniors Centre
112 University Street, Baysville

Coffee 10:00 am, meeting 10:30 am,
followed by lunch

The AGM features a presentation by renowned local nature photographer Rob Stimpson, a Foundation video about the Garryowen community, and built heritage award presentations. These will be preceded by the annual business meeting which includes reports from the LBHF President and Treasurer, and election of Directors.

See below for details on Rob Stimpson and the Garryowen community. Lunch will follow the meeting.

Documents to review

Guest Speaker - Rob Stimpson

Topic - Land Trusts, creating an emotional attachment to the land

Based in Huntsville, Rob is a renowned professional photographer with a stunning portfolio that ranges from Algonquin Park to Antarctica. His talk is titled “Creating an emotional attachment to the land”. Rob will share his photos from some of the most beautiful places in the world and his thoughts about preserving natural land to protect its values and inspire stewardship everywhere.

Rob’s work is displayed in the visitor centres at the French River and Arrowhead provincial parks as well as the Algonquin Art Centre. He teaches photography at Loyalist College, writes for northern tourism organizations, and maintains a photographic gallery in Huntsville.

Community Heritage - Garryowen Community

Garryowen, near the narrows on the southeast shore of Lake of Bays, originated in the 1880s with a land grant to Charles Brown. In the early 1900s Shirley and Elizabeth Ball bought a block of that land. They established the Garryowen resort, “a camp in the woods” that offered hunting and fishing. Guests stayed at the lodge, in pagodas and in tents. By the time Shirley Ball passed away in 1938 much of the property had been divided into parcels and sold to family and friends. In 2013 Garryowen cottage was registered under the protection of the Ontario Heritage Trust. This amazing 4.13 acre community is a time capsule of early Muskoka settlement.

A video will portray the community and four heritage cottage owners will receive commemorative plaques. (There will be no walking tour.)

We look forward to seeing you at the AGM!

Butterfly Count

Sat, 25 May 2024 16:40:19 GMT

Join local naturalists Rick and Kelly Stronks for a morning of nature, discovery, and conservation at the Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve. Help us count and identify butterflies as part of a nationwide effort to monitor and protect these beautiful pollinators. Whether you're a seasoned spotter or a curious beginner, everyone is welcome! It's a great family activity. You’ll learn how to spot different butterfly species and contribute to vital conservation data.

�� Date: Saturday July 4
�� Time: 9:00am to around noon
�� Location: Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve, 25613 Hwy 35, Dwight ON
�� What to Bring: Binoculars, an insect net if available, clear jars (baby food size is great), a camera, insect repellent, sun protection — and your love for nature!

Please email registration@lakeofbaysheritage.ca if you plan to attend or have any questions.

Let’s count butterflies and make a difference — one wingbeat at a time!

Photo: Little Wood Satyr courtesy of Rick Stronks

Spring and summer nature events

tracey.a.macey@gmail.com (Tracey Macey) — Wed, 01 May 2024 21:17:36 GMT

The Foundation will host five nature events this year. They are led by local naturalists, open to everyone and suitable of all ages. All events take place on weekend mornings and finish by mid-day.

Dr. Cathy Charles Bird Count - May 18

Butterfly Count - June 29

Silent Boat Rally - July 27

Mushroom Forays - August 18 and August 31

Silent Boat Rally

kristen@clientfirstcanada.com (Kristen Szykoluk) — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 16:39:01 GMT

Sneak up on nature on Saturday July 25!

The Silent Boat Rally is an ecological tour of the Lower Oxtongue River for canoeists, kayakers and paddle boarders. It's an easy paddle on a meandering river that is one of the most scenic areas in Muskoka. A wildlife sighting contest includes prizes and lunch is provided with a view overlooking Marsh’s Falls. Good for all ages.

We start at Dwight Beach at 9:00am and paddle 1 km along the Dwight Bay shore to the mouth of the Lower Oxtongue. From the lake it's 4.5 km paddle up the winding river to Marsh's Falls. Take your time and explore the meanders and bays along the way. When you reach the falls land at the Marsh's Falls Nature Reserve. Stretch your legs and enjoy a catered lunch by the falls. Return to Dwight Beach by 2:00pm. Cost $25 per person.

Note: Registration closes on July 17th

There are two steps to register:

1)Email registration@lakeofbaysheritage.ca with

the number and names of people in your group
the number of boats and type of boat (canoe, kayak, paddleboard)
any dietary restrictions

2)Send Interac payment ($25 per person) to donations@lakeofbaysheritage.ca

PLEASE ADD "Silent Boat Rally" and the names of people whom you are paying for in the message section of the Interac transfer.

Annual General Meeting

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 15:29:50 GMT

Featuring Whiskey Bay Community

Three generations of the Anderson, Blair, Gibson, McBride, Price, Scott, Truscott

and Wadham families celebrating 40 years on Whiskey Bay in 1996.

Annual General Meeting of Members

Saturday August 16
Baysville Autumn Leaves Senior Centre
coffee 10am, meeting 10:30am followed by lunch

Each year a community on Lake of Bays is researched and cultural history documented in a video and booklet. This year the Whiskey Bay Community will be showcased.

Two lakefront subdivisions created the Whiskey Bay Community in the 1940s and 1950s. Remarkably most of the mid-century cottages remain in the ownership of the original families. The longevity of the original owners is also remarkable. Aileen Blair will be 100 on July 24th. Aileen has spent time every summer for the past seventy years at her cottage on Whiskey Bay and will be the Guest of Honour at the AGM.

Mushroom Forays

kristen@clientfirstcanada.com (Kristen Szykoluk) — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 17:35:58 GMT

The mushroom forays are a chance to walk in a beautiful forest and to see what we can find in the fungi kingdom.

Foray 1 is August 22 on a Bondi Village trail near the junction of Foxpoint Road and Port Cunnington Road.

Foray 2 is August 29 and begins 20 minutes south of Dorset on the Sherborne Lake Access Road.

Start times will be 9:00am and we'll be done around noon.

Mushrooms come in all shapes, sizes and colours. We will try to find and identify as many species as possible. Sharp eyes will be needed to detect the specimens on the forest floor. This is a great opportunity to learn about mushrooms in general, and which kinds grow around Lake of Bays.

Participants should wear good walking shoes and bring bug spray and water.

To register, or for further information, email registration@lakeofbaysheritage.ca

Why are native trees so important?

tracey.a.macey@gmail.com (Tracey Macey) — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 19:50:17 GMT

Why are native trees so important?

It might be easy to think that there are enough native trees and shrubs in Ontario so planting a few non-native species on our properties should be fine. But recent research has shown that although birds may land on those non-native plants, they don’t get much benefit from them.

Dr. Eric Davies from the Faculty of Forestry at the University of Toronto led a very important research project in Toronto where he selected four native tree species (Silver Maple, Red Oak, White Ash, American Elm) and compared the insect abundance and diversity to four non-native species (Norway Maple, Manitoba Maple, Scotch Elm, Tree of Heaven). His results were conclusive – native trees supported a wider variety and abundance of pollinators, moths, beetles, and other invertebrates. In fact, the non-native trees were almost devoid of insects. This really shouldn’t come as a surprise as it has been known for centuries that some non-native plants would be “pest free” as no insects would eat the leaves. This is exactly why so many urban landscapes use non-native plants.

But we now know that to maintain and even enhance ecological integrity, we need to minimize forest fragmentation and protect wildlife corridors. And this is the role that Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation, as a land trust, can play with our protected properties. But we can also do our part on our own properties and restore ecological opportunities by switching to native species. And the results should be obvious – more birds in your backyards!

Dr. Cathy Charles Bird Count - Results

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 16:37:06 GMT

2024

The weather for our annual Dr. Cathy Charles Bird Count on Saturday, May 18, at the Marsh’s Fall Nature Reserve was perfect with comfortable temperatures and not too many biting insects! An enthusiastic group of 5 volunteers, led by Rick and Kelly Stronks, amassed a total of 45 species of birds either seen or heard. This year a volunteer paddled the Oxtongue River and submitted an impressive 36 species count. The highlights include:

14 species of warblers including the uncommon Canada Warbler,
4 singing Winter Wrens,
a nesting Eastern Phoebe, and
a pair of Pine Siskins and Red Crossbills which may indicate these two species are nesting on the property.

Other observations include Painted Turtles basking on a log, an Eastern Pine Elfin (an early spring butterfly), trilliums blooming and a few False Morels.

Note to the curious: click on a bird's name for their photo and song.

This brings the total number of species recorded on ten previous bird counts to 71 species. See the complete summary here .

2023

Unfortunately, we had to cancel the original date for the Dr. Cathy Charles bird count at the Marsh’s Fall Nature Reserve due to heavy rain, but we were able to complete the census a few days later on May 22 with a smaller group. With the help of volunteers Rick and Kelly Stronks, 35 species of birds were documented including a total of 14 species of warblers. The highlights include:

a Bay-breasted Warbler, a new species for the property,
8 Blackburnian Warblers including one that was carrying nesting material, and
10 Ovenbird warblers, the most abundant warbler we heard.

Another exciting find was four different Canada Warblers which is a bird designated as a Species of Concern in Ontario. Since these were all singing males, it is likely this species is nesting on the property!

Other observations include Painted Turtles basking on a log, a Northern Azure (an early spring butterfly), Painted Trilliums blooming and a few False Morels.

Note to the curious: click on a bird's name for their photo and song.

Nashville Warbler by Kelly Stronks

2022

Despite forecasted showers, we had an excellent morning on May 21 for our annual Dr. Cathy Charles Bird Count at the Marsh’s Fall Nature Reserve. An enthusiastic group of nine volunteers, led by Rick and Kelly Stronks, amassed a total of 37 species of birds either seen or heard. The highlights include 12 species of warblers, two mallards dabbling in a small vernal pool (potentially nesting?) and a ruby-throated hummingbird, the first time this little gem has been recorded on the property. This brings the total number of species recorded on this protected property to 74. Other observations included painted turtles basking on a log, a northern azure (an early spring butterfly), trilliums blooming and a few false morels.

Note to the curious: click on a bird's name for their photo and song.

2021

We had perfect weather this year of our annual Dr. Cathy Charles Bird Count on the May 15/16 weekend. Although the spring started with very warm temperatures in early April, late April and early May were unusually cool with winds from the north. This delayed the normal migration but by mid-May, just in time for our count, the birds were starting to show up in the Lake of Bays area.

Rick and Kelly Stronks birded the Marsh's Falls property on Saturday and managed to record 39 species of birds including 11 species of warblers, a Spotted Sandpiper and a Broad-wing Hawk which likely nests on the property.

We had 12 families (up from 8 last year) that participated in the stay-at-home challenge. As a group they tallied 45 species!

Together, the final result is 57 species of birds recorded for the weekend, up from 51 species last year!

2020

Despite the weather and the Covid pandemic we had a very successful bird count on the May 9th weekend.

This spring has been unusually cool resulting in a stalled spring bird migration. From reports from across Ontario, it appears that some species are showing up 7 to 10 days later than average. Other species that did arrive, especially the insect specialists, are likely having a difficult time with the temperatures we are experiencing.

Rick and Kelly Stronks birded the Marsh's Falls property on both Saturday and Sunday and managed to record 32 species of birds including three new species: Broad-winged Hawk (pictured above), Blue-headed Vireo and White-crowned Sparrow.

We had eight families that participated in the Lake of Bays stay-at-home challenge and, as a group, tallied 45 species! Together, the final result is 51 species of birds recorded for the weekend!

Marsh's Falls Nature Reserve

kristen@clientfirstcanada.com (Kristen Szykoluk) — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 18:24:52 GMT

December 2023

This fine looking lone wolf has been visiting Marsh's Falls lately!

November 2023

If you are walking the trails at the Marsh's Falls Nature Reserve, you may be surprised to see that someone has recently cut a number of healthy looking pine trees. But don't worry - this was done deliberately. This past week, volunteers identified and cut approximately 20 Scots Pine, a non-native and invasive species. As part of the Management Plan for the property, one of the objectives is to allow the White Pine – Red Pine forest community to naturally succeed into an old growth forest and to actively monitor and remove any invasive species. So thank you volunteers for helping us with our long-term goal!

October 2023

The nature reserve was busy through summer 2023. Many visitors took in the falls and walking trails. Foundation events were well attended. Several local groups used the Education Centre for meetings and workshops. And Irwin Memorial Public School grade 5/6 students visited in September.

Volunteers completed several projects:

A new boardwalk was constructed on the Riverview Loop trail with lumber donated by Dwight Lumber.
The Education Centre front deck and back door railing were repaired and re-stained.
New nature posters were donated and hung in the Education Centre.
The trails were monitored and the grass cut around the Education Centre.

Thank you to all the volunteers who contributed their time, skills, and hard work!

Reminder

If you wish to visit the Nature Reserve please register first. Upon registering you will receive an email with access and parking information, and a trail map. Registrations help us monitor the amount of trail use and inform our grant applications.

June 2023

Spring Cleanup

Like many organizations, the Foundation relies on volunteers. We were fortunate to have a group of dedicated individuals participate in the first annual Marsh’s Falls Spring Cleanup on April 29.

The winter was challenging, with multiple storms downing many trees along our 4 km of trails. Although we have a small crew of regular trail maintenance volunteers, we needed extra help. We emailed everyone who had registered to visit the property, and nine individuals stepped up to help!

These intrepid volunteers braved a cool and rainy morning, persevered, and had the trails cleared by noon. They were rewarded with hot tea, sandwiches and snacks back at the Education Centre.

Thank you for your hard work and contributions to the Nature Reserve!

Summer Projects - can you help?

We're looking for people to join our volunteer team to help with projects at the Marsh's Falls Nature Reserve:

Re-staining the wooden benches on the walking trails
Cutting and brushing the area around the Education Centre to maintain the pollinating gardens
Removing non-native species from the garden areas
Repairing the decks on the Education Centre
Arranging for a small bridge to be built on one of the walking trails
Be onsite for a few hours (especially weekends) to open the Education Centre, greet visitors, and inform them about the property and the role of the Foundation.

If you would like to help or have any questions email us volunteer@lakeofbaysheritage.ca

Interested in visiting the property?

Foundation members and the public are welcome to visit this protected property to hike, bird watch and take photos. There are 4km of trails, most of which are level with some moderate slopes. We ask all visitors to register in advance at

https://www.lakeofbaysheritage.ca/marshs-falls-nature-reserve

To protect species and habitat, we don't permit camping, fires, motorized vehicles or pets.

Photo by Rick Stronks

February 2023

T he snowstorm over Christmas resulted in significant tree damage at the Marsh's Falls Nature Reserve leaving the trails impassable. Thank you to the volunteers who worked several days in early January to clear the dozens of trees that blo c ked sections of the trails.

Two new surveys in 2023

In a continuing effort to inventory and monitor species utilizing our properties, we will embark on two new surveys in 2023. Some species, like plants, are relatively easy to monitor – they don’t move! Other species like birds or frogs can be identified through visual observation and song. But what about animals that don’t make a sound and rarely show themselves? These groups of organisms require specialized equipment and techniques.

In the case of salamanders , those lizard-like amphibians, searching under cover objects is the best way to count them, but this can damage their habitats. By placing specially designed cover boards throughout the forest and then searching these artificial hiding spots, we use a repeatable protocol that doesn’t damage natural habitat.

Salamanders require moist hiding places and are often found under fallen logs and debris in the forest. Salamander cover boards can mimic this environment and can be left out for years and checked regularly. Each board is uniquely numbered and has two layers with a space in between for the salamanders to hang out and stay moist. With the help of volunteers and students, these cover boards will be checked regularly to determine which species are found on the property.

Another group of animals that are rarely seen are bats . Ontario is home to eight species of bats but four are endangered. In some cases, little is known about their roosting locations or migratory paths. Individual bat species emit calls (which humans can’t hear) with specific characteristics related to their size, flight behaviour, and prey types. This means that with the aid of a specialized device called a bat detector, we can identify many species by listening to their calls or recording them for sound analysis on a computer. With the help of a newly purchased bat detector, volunteers will survey the property on select evenings to determine which species are present.

Over the next few years, we will be actively monitoring these two groups of organisms and will report back any results!

Winter Access

As a reminder, winter access to the trails is from Sale Road (not from Highway 35) where two parking spaces are cleared. Please remember to register for your visit to the reserve and that dogs are not permitted on the site. Register at https://www.lakeofbaysheritage.ca/marshs-falls-nature-reserve

May 2022

The Foundation has given the Marsh’s Falls property a new name: Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve (MFNR). The Reserve consists of three parcels we acquired, with the support of many generous donors, between 2008 and 2016. Our priority is to conserve and support the natural growth and evolution of these properties. The new name reflects this protected status while allowing for low-impact activities like nature appreciation events and trail walks.

We have made changes to improve MFNR visitor experiences. The highlight is a new colour-coded trail map that is displayed on site and available online. It provides for easy navigation of four connected loops that range in length from 0.6 to 1.1 kilometers. (Total trail length is 4 km.)

Anyone who wishes to visit the Reserve must first register a request at https://www.lakeofbaysheritage.ca/MFNR

The link takes you to a set of frequently asked questions about MFNR followed by a registration button. After you register you will receive an email with an acknowledgement, information about access and parking, and the trail map.

New signs have been posted at our entrances on Highway 35 and Sale Road and also at the landing on the river below the falls. The signs include a QR code that takes you to the registration page on the Foundation website. If you haven’t registered in advance, we ask you to use this feature to do so just before entering the Reserve.

A snag tree left as a potential wildlife resource.

February 2022

You may notice some changes at Marsh’s Falls the next time you visit, as we had to cut some of the large trees around the Education Centre. Last fall, with the help of Sunrise Tree Service, we identified several trees that were dead or dying, and others that were potentially hazardous to the building or visitors.

The decision to cut down trees on land that has been set aside for long term protection is tough, but we tried to make the best of it. Branches were chipped on site and volunteers spread the resulting wood chips to define the trails close to the Education Centre. More important, you’ll notice several trees where the tops were cut but the trunks left standing (see photo above). We also left some large branches and tree trunks on the ground. Why? The answer is simple – habitat !

Dead and decaying wood is a critical component of ecosystems. Deadwood is found in standing and downed dead trees. Standing dead trees (sometimes called snags) provide feeding and nesting sites for many animals (see photo below). Downed deadwood provides habitat for small mammals, insects, fungi and mosses, and even tree seedlings.

Standing dead trees provide valuable foraging and nesting habitat for many species of birds and mammals. Woodpeckers and chickadees are considered primary excavators, as they make holes in dead snags to look for food or build nests. Other birds, as well as cavity-dependent mammals like bats, squirrels, and racoons, rely on primary excavators or natural tree decay to form cavities that they can use for shelter and raising young.

Whether it serves as a home, protection from prey, or a site for feeding on insects, deadwood is an important part of forest ecosystems. By leaving some standing snags and fallen branches and stumps, we aim to provide important habitat for the species that live on the Marsh’s Falls property. And perhaps the next time you do property maintenance at your home or cottage, you will also consider the role of deadwood as a natural resource.

Northern Flicker, a local woodpecker species, will excavate a hole in a dead stump to build a nest and raise its young.

Photos: Rick and Kelly Stronks

October 2021

Things are winding down at Marsh's Falls. The Eduction Centre is closed until next spring. This fall our 5km of walking trails are available for use by Foundation members and community residents by request. To schedule a walk, email registration@lakeofbaysheritage.ca with your desired date and the names and email addresses of your party. We will follow up with the details on trail access and use. Please remember that use of these trails is at your own risk, as the property is not a public facility. Kindly note that no dogs are allowed on the property.

Photo: Sara Byrnell

February 2021

Trails groomed and ready

Our 5km of groomed snowshoe trails at Marsh’s Falls are beautiful at this time of year. This winter they are available for use by Foundation members and community residents by request . To schedule a snowshoe or hike in this winter wonderland, email registration@lakeofbaysheritage.ca with your desired date and the names and email addresses of your party. Brian Simpson, our property management director, will follow up with the details on trail access and use. Please remember that use of these trails is at your own risk, as the property is not a public facility. Kindly note that no dogs are allowed.

Snowmobilers damage reforestation efforts

Much to our dismay, and despite our no snowmobile and no trespassing signage, several snowmobilers breached the Marsh’s Falls property on two weekends in January. They drove around the property, damaging young saplings and recently planted trees in reforested sections bordering highway 35. We are grateful to volunteers Craig and Doris Macdonald, Brian Simpson and Gloria Woodside for their 3-day effort to install 100 metres of snow fencing, steel support posts and more signage. You can see two sections of the fencing along highway 35.

October 2020

Despite the pandemic we have had a very productive summer at Marsh’s Falls. Volunteers have been busy on many projects that continue the re-naturalization of the site and enhance our educational and recreational facilities.

A network of walking trails has been created to highlight the original First Nations portage route, butterfly gardens, oxbow views, lush wetlands, scenic river views and the sounds and sight of the rushing water over Marsh’s Falls.
The trails have been groomed and graded for ease and accessibility and four wooden benches have been installed along the trails to offer scenic views and rest stops.
A large welcome sign with a map of the trails has been posted near the Education Centre (pictured above).
Trees have been trimmed around the gazebo to open up the view of Marsh’s Falls.
Invasive Phragmites plants have been treated to prevent their spread into our wetlands.
The tarmac on the former Hwy 35 roadbed by the falls has been removed and prepped with a soil cover to sustain transplanted indigenous trees that over time will restore the natural ground cover of that area.
The new decks on the Education Centre installed in 2018 have been treated and waterproofed.
An illustrated educational panel has been installed inside the Education Centre along with 20 tables and 40 chairs to accommodate school programs and large group meetings.

A group of dedicated volunteers led by Board members Penny Thomas and Brian Simpson got this done. Special thanks to Craig and Doris MacDonald for their vision and energy in creating the trails and designing the trail map, to Mark McLean, Jack Stewart, Rob Stimpson and Simon Miles for their help on the welcome sign, Phil Pavey for his expert tree trimming, Rebecca Krawczyk for managing our invasive Phragmites, and Mark Pimlott for protecting the new benches with linseed oil and clearing bush around our Hwy 35 signs. View our volunteer photo gallery .

For more information about Marsh's Falls Click Here .

July 2020

Our property at Marsh’s Falls continues to be closed due to the pandemic. Volunteer work is ongoing to enhance the educational and recreational facilities for future enjoyment. Walking trails are being cleared and benches installed at locations ideal for bird watching. Trees are trimmed around the gazebo to open up the view of the falls.

American Friends of Canadian Conservation

tracey.a.macey@gmail.com (Tracey Macey) — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 17:51:16 GMT

Here's an excellent online learning opportunity for US taxpayers who want to protect their Canadian owned property.

American Friends of Canadian Conservation, in conjunction with the Canadian Land Trust Summit, is hosting a half-day online (Zoom) workshop on Oct 24. This is an amazing chance for landowners and their tax and legal advisors to learn about the bi-national tax benefits that can make it financially feasible to permanently conserve Canadian natural lands, and facilitate intergenerational property transfers.

For more info and how to register:

https://conservecanada.org/cross-border-conservation.../

Mushroom Forays -2022 and 2023 Results

tracey.a.macey@gmail.com (Tracey Macey) — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 20:24:19 GMT

2023

Sept 2 Foray on Sherborne Lake Road

The foray went very well. Great weather. Lots of mushrooms and an enthusiastic group (pictured above). We found 38 species:

Harrya chromapes, Chrome-Footed Bolete

Cortinarius lilacinus, Lilac Cort

Lactarius deliciosus var. deterrimus, Orange-Latex Milky

Suillus punctipes

Suillus granulatus, Dotted-Stalk Suillus

Sullus americanus, Chicken-Fat Mushroom

Suillus spraguae, Painted Suillus

Russula brevipes, Short-stemmed Russula

Hygrocybe miniata, Fading Scarlet Wax Cap

Hygrocybe flavescens, Golden Waxcap

Lactarius lignyotus, Chocolate Milky

Dacryopinax spathularia, Fan-Shaped Jelly Fungus

Leotia lubrica, Jelly Babies

Lycoperdon pyriforme, Pear-Shaped Puffball

Hymenopellis furfuracea, Beech Rooter

Fomes fomentarius, Hoof Fungus

Hydnum umbilicatum, Depressed Hedgehog

Hydnum repandum, Sweet Tooth

Trametes versicolor, Turkey Tails

Ganoderma applanatum, Artist’s Shelf

Scutellinia scutellata, Common Eyelash

Microglossom rufum, Orange Earth Tongue

Piptoporus betulinus, Birch Polypore

Collybia tuberosa, Lentil Shanklet

Amanita ceciliae, Strangulated Amanita

Clavuliopsis laeticolor, Handsome Club

Cystoderma amianthinum, Earthy Powdercap

Amanita flaviconia, Yellow Patches

Amanita muscaria, Fly Agaric

Scleroderma citrina, Common Earthball

Clavulina coralloides, Crested Coral

Phelodon sp.

Turbinellus floccosus, Scaly-Vase Chanterelle

Cantharellus cibarius, Golden Chanterelle

Trichoglossum farlowii, Black Earthtongue

Craterellus ignicolor, Flame Chanterelle

Craterellus tubaeformis, Funnel Chanterelle

Lactarius helvus, Burnt-Sugar Milky

2023

August 26 Foray on Bondi Resort Trails, Port Cunnington

Another great foray. Perfect conditions and lots of mushrooms. We observed 56 different mushrooms and were able to identify 47 species:

Hygrocybe miniate, Vermillion Waxcap

Gyroporus cyanescens, Cornflower Bolete

Hygrocybe flavescens, Golden wax cap

Boletus subvelutipes, Red-Mouth Bolete

Amanita flaviconia, Yellow Patches

Russula variata, Variable Russula

Hygrocybe conica, Witches Hat

Hygrocybe cuspidate, Candy Apple Wax Cap

Clavulinopsis laeticolor, Handsome Club

Clavulina cristata, Crested Coral

Tremellodendron Schweinitzii, Jelly Coral

Suillus spraguei, Painted Suillus

Leccinum snellii, Snell’s Bolete

Hericium coralloides, Coral Tooth Fungus (rare pink variety)

Ramaria Formosa, Yellow-tipped Coral

Hypomyces chrysospermus

Boletus Speciosus, Showy Bolete

Lactarius deliciosus, Saffron Milk Cap

Pleurotus pulmonarius, Oyster Mushroom

Entoloma abortivum, Aborted Entoloma

Calocera cornea, Club-like Tuning Fork

Microglossom rufum, Orange Earth Tongue

Lactarius subvellereus,

Spathulariopsis velutipes, Velvet Fairy Fan

Entoloma salmonium,

Coltricia perennis, Brown Funnel Polypore

Climacodon septentrionalis, Northern Tooth

Cantharellus cinnibarinus, Red Chanterelle

Cantharellus cibarius, Golden Chantarelle

Marasmius rotua, Collared Parachute

Oudemansiella furfuracea, Beech Rooter

Encephalus murrayi, Yellow Unicorn Entoloma

Fomitopsis betulia, Birch Polypore

Leotia lubrica, Jellybabies

Lycoperdon perlatum, common Puffball

Lycoperdon pyriforme, Pear-shaped Puffball

Lycoperdon marginatum, Peeling Puffball

Fomes fomentarius, Hoof Fungus

Hydnum albidum, White Hedgehog

Retiboletus ornatipes, Ornate-stalked Bolete

Polyporus badius, Bay Polypore

Ganoderma tsugae, Varnish Shelf

Fomitopsis mounceae, Northern Red Belt

Mycena epipterygia, Yellow-stalked Mycena

Mycena pura, Lilac Bonnet

Hypholoma lateritium, Brick Top

Mycena sp.

Genus identified but not species

Five different Amanita species

Pholiota sp.

Mycena sp.

Two mystery (so far) gilled species

Several LBMs (little brown mushrooms)

2022

Mushroom species observed Sept 3 on Crown land about 20 minutes south of Dorset off of Hwy #35.

We could not have had better conditions for this mushroom foray: no bugs, sunshine and lots of mushrooms. We found 56 species in total. That includes, 10 unidentified, 4 genus identified and 42 species identified. It helps to have several sharp-eyed people to find that many species (photo above)!

Mark McLean

Species found:

Craterellus fallax, Black Chanterelle

Hydnum Umbilicatum, Depressed Hedgehog

Suillus spraguei, Painted Suillus

Hydnellum aurantiacum, Orange Rough-cap Tooth

Amanita bisporigera, Eastern Destroying Angel

Phellodon violascens, Spruce Tooth

Ischnoderma resinosum, Resinous Polypore

Inocybe rimosa, Split Fibrecap

Hypomyces chrysospermus, Golden chrysospermus

Russula sp.

Russula variata, Variable Russula

Russula brevipes, Short-stemmed Russula

Lactifluus deceptivus, Deceptive Milky

Clavulinopsis Laeticolor, Handsome Club

Lactarius chrysorrheus, Yellowdrop milkcap

Cortinarus armillatus, Red-banded Webcap

Amanita fulva, Tawny Grisette

Clavulinopsis fusiformis, Golden Spindles

Sebacina schweinitzii, Jellied False Coral

Turbinellus floccosus, Scaly Chanterelle

Fomes fomentarius, Hoof or Tinder Fungus

Hygrocybe miniata, Vermillion Waxcap

Russula sp.

Russula grata, Almond-scented Russula

Russula densifolia, Dense-gilled Russula

Strobilomyces strobilaceus, Old-Man-of-the-Woods

Suillus granulatus, Dotted-stalked Suillus

Cantharellus cibarius, Golden Chanterelle

Trametes versicolor, Turkey-tail

Chlorociboria aeruginascens, Green Wood Cup

Helvella cupuliformis, Stalked-Cup fungus

Lactarius lignyotis, Velvet Brown Milky

Clavicorona pyxidate, Crown-tipped Coral

Mycena leaiana, Orange Mycena

Laccaria laccata, Deceiver

Amanita sp.

Cystoderma amianthinum, Earthy Powdercap

Leotia lubrica, Jelly Babies

Leotia viscosa, Chicken Lips

Amanita flaviconia, Yellow Patches

Cortinarius camphoratus, Goatcheese Webcap

Gyroporus cyanescens, Cornflower Bolete

Clavulina cristata, White Coral Fungus

Clavulina cinerea, Grey Coral Fungus

Mushroom species observed August 20, 2022

at the Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve

It was a nice morning for a walk through the Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve. Although the mushrooms were not numerous we ended up seeing 30 species in all. I have identified twenty-one of the species and the genus of two others but I am still puzzling over another seven.

Mark McLean

Species found:

Leccinum scabrum, Brown Birch-Bolete

Suillus granulata, Dotted-stalked Suillus

Lycoperdon marginatum, Peeling Puffball

Russula brevipes, Short-stemmed Russula

Amanita sp.

Tapinella atrotomentosa, Velvet-footed Pax

Lycoperdon perlatum, Common Puffball

Cantharellula umbonata, The Humpback

Russula variata, Variable Russula

Cystoderma anianthinum, Earthy Powdercap

Lactarius deceptivus, Deceptive Milky

Pholiota flammans, Flaming Scalycap

Coltricia perennis, Brown Funnel Polypore

Cantharellus cibarius, Golden Chantarelle

Fometopsis mounceae, Northern Red-Belt

Inotus obliquus, Chaga

Russula sp.

Clavulina coralloides, White Coral Fungus

Hemileccinum subglabripes, Smoothish-stemmed Bolete

Hygrocybe miniata, Fading Scarlet Wax Cap

Phaeolus Schweinitzii, Dyer’s Polypore

Suillus Spraguei, Painted Suillus

Leccinum aurantiacum, Red-capped Scaber Stalk

Seven more unidentified

Langmaid’s Island Development

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 17:32:04 GMT

July 2023 -

A letter from LBHF & LOBA

Hello Members and Supporters,

Lake of Bays Association (LOBA) and Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation (LBHF) were disappointed with the September 2022 Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) ruling in favour of the application of Langmaid’s Island Corporation (LIC) to redevelop this heritage site. LIC gained permission to develop 32 building lots on the island and 2 waterfront landings on South Portage Road.

Having said this, we achieved some wins that would not have happened without our participation as parties to the OLT process. The process had two stages: first, the three-week hearing in 2021 that resulted in the decision to approve development. A second hearing was scheduled to finalize the plan of subdivision, which falls under the authority of the District of Muskoka (DOM). Prior to the second hearing, each of the parties agreed to Terms of Settlement with LIC. A settlement hearing was held on June 7 and the OLT decision was issued on July 6. The Draft Plan of Subdivision is approved subject to the fulfillment of the conditions as detailed in Schedule 2 of the decision.

The positive outcomes, from the perspective of LOBA and LBHF, include the following:

Four blocks of lands on Langmaid’s Island are set aside as conserved properties. They include the two highest peaks on the island, the rock cliffs on the south end, and the two rock barrens. Easement regulations prohibit public access or use of the conserved lands. The boundaries of the conserved blocks will be clearly marked. The decision requires appointment of a recognized conservation body to ensure conservation in perpetuity.
The decision includes several measures to protect the shoreline and tree canopy. It requires that lots have more shoreline and larger overall sizing than required under the Township of Lake of Bays official plan. Shoreline protection measures include 23 meter shoreline buffers (vs. 20 meters in the official plan); only limbing of trees is permitted in shoreline activity areas, unless the tree presents a hazard; the pathway from the shore is limited to a 2 meter width (may be 6 meters during construction, then must be revegetated).
The Township is mandated to oversee character guidelines for all built structures.
Implementation of recommendations in the Boating Impact Assessment and its provisions for access and services, including long-term ownership and maintenance of the mainland landings.
To inform lot owners and future purchasers, an ecological expert will prepare a Stewardship Manual that explains the owner’s role and responsibilities as a steward of the island’s ecology. It will describe the history of Langmaid’s Island and its natural heritage area designation. It will provide details on appropriate development and construction restrictions. The Stewardship Manual will be approved by the District of Muskoka and given to every prospective lot purchaser at the time of offer.
A revised parking concept for the waterfront landings complies with municipal by-laws and provides the required number of spaces while adhering to all setback requirements.
LIC has agreed that there will be no barging activity in the narrows on weekends and statutory holidays from July 1 to Labour Day.
In all, thirty conditions must be fulfilled for final project approval to be granted. LIC has five years to clear these conditions, after which they would need to apply for an extension.

We were unsuccessful in negotiating several mitigation measures that would have lessened the impact of construction on the neighbouring community. However, LIC agreed to provide a Letter of Comfort indicating a “promise to act as a steward of the community, working with trades to ensure that the neighbouring lands are treated respectfully and with as minimal disruption as possible”. This letter is a gesture of goodwill upon which we hope the local community and LIC will base a cooperative relationship as development proceeds.

It will be incumbent upon the District of Muskoka, The Town of Huntsville and the Township of Lake of Bays to stand firm on each condition of approval and future development. The opportunity for variances and amendments requests always looms, and we expect our municipal planning departments to stay true to the intent of the settlement. This is likely the last waterfront subdivision of this scale on Lake of Bays. Let’s get it right.

LOBA and LBHF have worked diligently on this file for over 5 years. Although we didn’t succeed in defending the Langmaid’s Island policy in the Township of Lake of Bays Official Plan, we measurably mitigated the impact of development on the island ecology and the surrounding community. Being at the table made a difference.

We thank the many donors who supported us through contributions to the Langmaid’s Protection Fund and the LOBA Action Fund. We could not have done this without your support and endorsement.

Over time, 32 new families will join the Lake of Bays community. We should welcome them and lead by example so that they too will be good stewards of the lake.

Sincerely,

Judith Mills

President, Lake of Bays Foundation

Wendy Gibson

President, Lake of Bays Association

Read the full decision→

June 2023 -

Parties Agree to Terms of Settlement With Langmaid's Island Corp

The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) divided the appeal proceedings for the Langmaid’s Island Corp’s (LIC) application to develop Langmaid’s Island into 2 phases. Phase 1, completed in 2022, approved the development of 32 waterfront residential lots and 2 conservation blocks. Phase 2 now focuses on the Plan of Subdivision under the authority of the District of Muskoka.

Phase 2 assesses the viability of individual lots, conservation easements, boating safety, and the adequacy of supporting infrastructure such as roads, parking, and waste disposal. A hearing was set for June 5, 2023. Parties to the process are Langmaid's Island Corporation, Lake of Bays Association (LOBA), Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation (LBHF), District of Muskoka, Town of Huntsville and Township of Lake of Bays. Prior to the scheduled June 5 hearing date, the various parties all agreed to terms of settlement.

On June 7, a Settlement Hearing took place, presided over by Tribunal Member Bryan Tuckey. He reviewed the District’s Conditions for Subdivision Approval as well as Minutes of Settlement submitted on behalf of each party. The next step is for the Member to review the proposed settlement and deliver a written decision. When this document is released, LOBA and LBHF will provide details of the decision and a link to the final documents.

February 2023 -

Second Ontario Land Tribunal Hearing Scheduled for June 2023

It’s Not Over Yet

When Langmaid’s Island Corporation (LIC) filed appeals to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) in November 2018, the Tribunal determined that the appeal would be heard in two phases. The first hearing would provide a ruling to either approve or deny LIC’s application to develop the island. If the Tribunal decision was to approve the development application, a second hearing would be held to determine the detailed lot plans, properly called a Plan of Subdivision, and any conditions that would need to be met for final approval to proceed with the development.

The Decision

In September 2022, the OLT delivered its 105-page Decision on the appeal by LIC to develop Langmaid’s Island. The hearing was held in February 2021 and lasted 23 days. The Lake of Bays Association and the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation were joint parties at the hearing, supporting the Town of Huntsville and the Township of Lake of Bays staff reports to deny the application. The development application was approved, and the Tribunal ordered the Official Plan, By-law, and Zoning amendments to allow up to a maximum of 32 lots on the island, and two mainland waterfront landings on South Portage Road. These amendments have now been adopted by the Township of Lake of Bays (for the island) and Town of Huntsville (for the waterfront landings). The Tribunal’s Decision included direction to proceed to the second hearing.

What Happens Next?

As the ruling authority for all Plans of Subdivision, the District of Muskoka is tasked with drafting the Plans for both the island and mainland properties. The purpose of the second hearing is to determine the suitability of any “conditions” that need to be met by the developer prior to final approval of the Plan of Subdivision. For example, the second hearing will address details around the parking plans/capacity for the waterfront landings, how the development might be phased, mechanisms for stewardship of the conserved lands, and other issues of concern held by the parties, such as construction mitigation measures. The second hearing has been scheduled for seven days beginning June 5, 2023 .

The Good News

While we were disappointed with the Decision, we feel our participation in the process so far has resulted in some definite improvements to the original development proposal. The first lot plan we reviewed in 2017 showed 38 lots, no conserved lands and a dock and boat house in the Narrows. After public consultations the proposal was revised. At the hearing, evidence presented by the parties opposing the development resulted in some further important adjustments to the proposal to accommodate concerns. There are three directives in the Tribunal’s “Findings” that we believe are significant wins for LOBA and LBHF:

Conserved Lands

Two blocks of land encompassing the island’s highest peaks and the rock cliffs and barrens on the south end of the island will be protected in perpetuity by a conservation easement. The Tribunal also ordered that the six lots between the two conserved blocks whose rear lot lines abut, will have a limitation on tree removal 10-metres from their rear lot line. This will ensure a 20-metre natural connective corridor between the conserved blocks and enhance the scenic landscape.

Phased Development

The Decision has suggested that the development should be undertaken in two stages, with appropriate technical studies required prior to the commencement of the second stage. This provision was proposed to address the Tribunal’s expressed concerns about the potential for over capacity for parking at the waterfront landings and the increased vehicle and boating traffic the development will generate. The phasing of the development will be addressed in the second hearing.

Enhanced Shoreline Protection

The Bylaw amendment for Langmaid’s Island specifies that selective tree trimming, limbing and pruning for the purpose of views is permitted in the Shoreline Activity Area (SAA), however tree removal is prohibited, except for safety reasons. Trees and vegetation may be removed in the SAA only for the purpose of providing a maximum six-metre-wide, temporary construction access, which must be revegetated when construction is complete. After that, a maximum two-metre-wide pathway to the water/dock is permitted. This restriction on tree removal in the SAA is unique to Langmaid’s Island, and in the long term will result in a more vegetated naturalized shoreline than standard residential lots on the lake where 25% of the shoreline frontage can be cleared for the SAA, up to a maximum of 23-metres. The stricter policy for Langmaid’s Island is intended to re-establish, as much as possible, an undisturbed shoreline - one of the natural heritage values for which the Island was recognized.

The Island will remain identified as a Heritage Area in the Lake of Bays Official Plan, and the design and construction of all structures will be subject to “Character Guidelines” approved by the Township of Lake of Bays. It should also be noted that the property standards for the Langmaid’s Island lots meet or exceed the standards for new lot creation on Lake of Bays. Some examples are:

Looking Ahead

The environmental, servicing, and boating impact studies and peer reviews for this proposal were exhaustive. There are many recommendations in those reports that are critical to the protection of the environment and character of the lake. LOBA and the LBHF remain engaged and committed to ensuring that Langmaid’s Island Corporation, the District of Muskoka, the Town of Huntsville and the Township of Lake of Bays are accountable in implementing and monitoring an appropriate and sustainable development on this highly valued, heritage designated property and the waterfront landings that will service it.

Sept 16, 2022

Tribunal Decision - Phase 1

On Sept 12 the Tribunal released its decision. We are disappointed to report that the decision is to allow for 32 lots to be developed on the island. We are reviewing the decision with our lawyer and exploring our options regarding the next phase of the Tribunal process about the Plan of Subdivision.

While we are disappointed with the decision, we feel our participation in the hearing netted some improvements to the original development proposal. In particular there are three recommendations in The Tribunal Findings section that we believe are wins for the Lake of Bays Association and the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation.

1. A number of spaces on the island will be set aside as conserved lands. With regard to these areas, the Tribunal wrote:

[193] The Tribunal hopes that the Applicant and the Foundation will continue to work together to determine an appropriate legal mechanism for the Foundation to become the long-term stewards of the conservation areas defined on the Island. There is no doubt in the Tribunal’s mind that the Foundation would steward these areas in the best interest of the residents, both island and the larger community.

2. There has been some restriction placed on the removal of trees in the Shoreline Activity Area, but trimming, limbing and pruning will still be allowed. Further, regarding the preservation of views to the island:

[166] Dr. Coleman opined that further way to preserve the views to the Island it to protect the rear yards of the proposed lots and restrict the removal of trees in this area. With the rear yard setback being 10 m, it was his opinion that this would greatly enhance the views to the island. On this issue, the Tribunal agrees. The preservation of the linear strip of treeline will strengthen the continuity and connectivity of this tree line between the two designated open space blocks, further enhance and conserve the cultural landscape and ecology. This directly relates to Dr. Coleman’s concern over the fragmentation of the conservation easements.

3. And finally, paragraph 184 suggests that there could be two phases of development with a pause in between to reassess the impacts of development. Note that PofS stands for Plan of Subdivision.

[184] Therefore, the Tribunal directs that as a condition of draft PofS, Muskoka and the Applicant should determine the appropriate phasing of development on the Island along with the appropriate technical studies that will be required to fulfill this condition. The Tribunal heard that an appropriate phasing plan could include the development of 20 lots on the Island as Phase 1. A Phase 2 that would allow for the development of the remaining lots would be conditional on the Applicant submitting to the satisfaction of the approval authority with necessary technical studies to ensure that adequate parking, vehicular access, and boating volumes are maintained at an appropriate level. This condition and the requirements to satisfy the Tribunal may be considered as part of the Phase 2 of this hearing as required.

We thank all of you who supported the Lake of Bays Association and Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation through this appeal. As we review the decision and make plans on how to proceed, we will keep you informed.

Read the full decision→

April 23, 2021

A letter from LBHF & LOBA

Hello Members and Supporters

Thank you to the many people who supported the Lake of Bays Association and the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation through the Local Planning Appeals Tribunal (LPAT) hearing regarding Langmaid’s Island Corp’s (LIC) proposed development of Langmaid’s Island. The hearing took place virtually from February 1 to March 5 and was presided over by LPAT Executive Chair, Mr. Gregory Bishop. We believe that the 60 or more people who attended the hearing each day gave Mr. Bishop an appreciation of the community opposition to this proposed development. We were well represented by our lawyer, Mr. Harold Elston, environmental planner, Dr. Derek Coleman and land use planner, Mr. Stephen Fahner. Additionally, we appreciated the support of the other opposing parties; The Town of Huntsville, the Township of Lake of Bays and Kelly Zytaruk; and the ten participants who wrote passionate letters opposing the development.

We have not yet received Mr. Bishop’s decision and no specific timeline for the decision was provided. In the meantime, we remain hopeful that there will be a positive outcome.

If we are not successful and Mr. Bishop approves the LIC proposal to develop Langmaid’s Island, the Township of Lake of Bays Official Plan will be amended to permit the development of the island and the wording of the natural heritage policy governing Langmaid’s Island will be changed. A Phase 2 hearing would then be held to approve the Plan of Subdivision under the jurisdiction of the District of Muskoka. Many of the concerns identified by the Lake of Bays Association (LOBA) and the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation (LBHF) throughout the hearing are details that would be addressed in the Phase 2 hearing, such as:

mechanism for protection of conserved lands through a land trust or public body
minimizing community impacts of parking areas, barging and shuttle operations
conditions that will determine building envelopes for septic systems and structures

Protecting a Muskoka Heritage Area is an Expensive Undertaking

LOBA and LBHF have worked jointly to protect Langmaid’s Island since 2018 when LIC proposed a development of 36, later 32 lots. From 2018 to the end of 2020, we spent $100,000 in consulting fees to assist us in assessing the development proposal, providing our input to planning authorities, seeking party status for the LPAT hearing and guiding us through a mediation process. This cost was shared evenly with funds from LOBA’s Action Fund and the LBHF General Fund. In January 2021, in advance of the hearing, we launched a joint appeal for donations to the LBHF Langmaid’s Protection Fund. Based on the best estimates of the time required, we set a goal of $100,000 and were overwhelmed when our members and supporters donated almost $120,000. Thank you.

Due to the complexity of the case, the actual time spent was more than anticipated. We are satisfied that our consulting team did what was necessary to prepare for and represent our position as strongly as possible and we have no regrets. However, the total invoices were higher than estimated leaving a shortfall of $65,576 of which each organization is responsible for half or $32,788.

Considering our options

We have considered a number of options to address this shortfall including additional fundraising. However, if development of the island is approved and we determine it is in our collective best interests to participate in Phase 2, a further fundraising effort will be necessary to cover legal and planning advice, and representation. Therefore, our respective boards have approved using the LOBA Action Fund and the LBHF General Fund to cover the shortfall. We thank all our members for your ongoing financial support which allowed us to react nimbly in 2018 and to cover this shortfall now.

The Langmaid’s Protection Fund remains open until we know the outcome of the Phase 1 hearing. It is available if members would like to donate with the corresponding receipt for tax purposes which are mailed in January each year.

Sincerely,

Judith Mills
President, Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation

Mary Ann Peden
President, Lake of Bays Association

March 10, 2021

Hearing came to a close on March 5

After five weeks of intense proceedings, the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) hearing about the proposed development on Langmaid's Island came to a close on March 5.

Over 100 people viewed the proceedings online on the last day, up from about 60-80 on other days.

The Foundation and LOBA were well represented by our lawyer Harold Elston and four witnesses: Dr. Derek Coleman (environmental planner), Stephen Fahner (land use planner), Mary Ann Peden (LOBA President) and Judith Mills (Foundation President). Both organizations believe that our objections were described well. Additionally, the Town of Huntsville, the Township of Lake of Bays and Kelly Zytaruk were in accord with our position to the point that we were referenced collectively as the opposing parties.

We are grateful to the many members who donated to the Langmaid’s Protection Fund, enabling us to cover our expenses for professional services.

We now await the decision of the hearing Chairman, Mr. Gregory Bishop . It could take a few weeks or as long as a year. The decision will be either refusal or acceptance of the application. If accepted, a phase 2 hearing will address a myriad of issues related to barging, land conservation methods, shuttles, garbage disposal, etc.

To read the final submission by our lawyer, Harold Elston, click here . This public document contains our complete argument in about 80 pages. The first few pages suggest that the decision is about a public opportunity vs a private opportunity, and the consequences of supporting each opportunity. It is a complicated case: our hope is that Mr. Bishop will see the big picture and respond to the many potential negative impacts of the proposed development on Langmaid’s Island and the Lake of Bays community.

February 19, 2021
The Tribuna l will reconvene on Friday, March 5 at 10:00am for closing submissions.

Online: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/626183053
By phone: 888-299-1889 (toll free) or 647-497-9373

Access code: 626 183 053

Please remember to turn off your camera and mute your audio.

Parties to the appeal

Langmaid’s Island Corp. - LIC
Township of Lake of Bays
Town of Huntsville
Lake of Bays Association & Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation - LOBA/LBHF
Kelly Zytaruk

Witnesses in order of appearance

Bill Van Ryn, Servicing Engineer for LIC
Dan Currie, Heritage Planner for LIC
Gord Neilson, Aquatic Biology and Boating Impact for LIC
Al Shaw, Ecology and Biology for LIC
Michael Hannay, Visual Impact for LIC
Stefan Szczerbak, Land Use Planning for LIC
Al Shaw, Ecology and Biology for LIC, recalled for further questions
James Dyment and Debra Walker, Land Use Planners for LIC
Melissa Markham, Land Use Planner for Township of Lake of Bays
Kirstin Maxwell, Land Use Planner for Town of Huntsville
Derek Coleman, Ecology and Environmental Planner for LOBA/LBHF
Stephen Fahner, Land Use Planner for LOBA/LBHF
Mary Ann Peden for LOBA
Judith Mills for LBHF
Jennifer Alexis, Sustainable Development for Kelly Zytaruk
Rick Esselment, Environmental Public Health for Kelly Zytaruk

January 29, 2021

The Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) hearing

begins Monday February 1 and is open to the public

Here are the details on how to observe the hearing:

This hearing starts at 10:00AM on Monday February 1, 2021. There are two ways to observe:

1) Log into the video hearing

The event will be held using the GoToMeeting service. Log into the video hearing at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/626183053 at least 15 minutes before the start of the event to test your connections. In all cases observers should turn the camera off and mute their device.

The desktop application can be downloaded at GoToMeeting or a web application is available: https://app.gotomeeting.com/home.html . NOTE: A compatible web browser for this service is Chrome. The Meeting ID Access Code is 626 183 053. It's a good idea to access and set up the application in advance.

2) Telephone

If you have technical difficulties accessing the GoToMeeting application or wish to only listen to the event dial 1 888 299 1889 (Toll Free) or +1 (647) 497-9373. The access code is 626-183-053.

Workplan

The Tribunal has set aside 25 days for this hearing. A workplan identifying the daily order of evidence to be presented and cross-examined is available. It will keep you abreast of the proceedings.

November 2020

A letter from LBHF & LOBA

The Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation (LBHF) and the Lake of Bays Association (LOBA) need your help to continue protecting Langmaid’s Island

Langmaid’s Island is special. It is the second largest island on Lake of Bays, with six kilometres of virtually undeveloped shoreline. It hosts diverse and sensitive habitats and biotic communities. Langmaid’s Island is designated as a ‘Natural Heritage Area’ in the Township of Lake of Bays Official Plan and, as such, this area “will be protected from incompatible uses or activities”. It also qualifies as a Provincial ‘Cultural Heritage Landscape’.

Notwithstanding the Heritage Area designation, the current owners of Langmaid’s Island, Langmaid’s Island Corp (LIC), applied to the Township of Lake of Bays to develop 32 lots, each with a cottage, three cabins and a boathouse; and to the Town of Huntsville to use land on South Portage Road to accommodate 105 parked cars with a shuttle to the island properties. In November 2018, planners from the municipalities recommended the applications be denied and LIC immediately appealed to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT).

Jointly, the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation (LBHF) and the Lake of Bays Association (LOBA) are parties to this appeal, as are the Township of Lake of Bays, the Town of Huntsville, and an individual property owner, Kelly Zytaruk. The environmental and municipal planners retained by LBHF and LOBA confirm the municipal planners’ views that the application does not represent ‘good planning’ and that the proposed development will have a permanent negative impact on the visual landscape and natural heritage values. We have a strong case.

Since 2018, LBHF and LOBA have been working together to represent our shared concerns about this proposed development of Langmaid’s Island. We thank our many members who have supported both organizations with donations to the LBHF Langmaid’s Protection Fund and LOBA’s Action Fund. Those funds have covered our costs to date.

The appeal is set for February 2021 and is expected to take 20-25 days with an estimated cost to us of $100,000. We need your help.

We ask all who are concerned about the impact of this proposed development to direct their donation to the LBHF Langmaid’s Protection Fund, which will be jointly administered by LBHF and LOBA. All donations qualify for a charitable tax receipt.

Donations can be made by PayPal, credit card, Interac e-Transfer or by cheque.

Mary Ann Peden, President, Lake of Bays Association

Judith Mills, President, Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation

August 2020

On July 24 the Local Planning Appeals Tribunal (LPAT) conducted a Mediation Assessment and has agreed to provide mediation, with an LPAT-assigned mediator, for the Langmaid’s Island appeal. All parties have agreed to participate—that is Langmaid’s Island Corp., Township of Lake of Bays, Town of Huntsville, District of Muskoka, Kelly Zytaruk and LOBA/LBHF. It is anticipated that there will be four one-day sessions with at least a week between each one. The first two dates have been scheduled for September 14 and 25, 2020. The sessions will be conducted on Zoom and LBHF/LOBA will be represented in the proceedings by our consulting team:

Harold Elston (lawyer)
Steve Fahner of Northern Vision Planning (planner)
Dr. Derek Coleman of Ages Consultants (planner)

Both LOBA and LBHF will have members attending and available for consultation, with Judith Mills, Margaret Casey and Mark McLean representing the Foundation.

Mediation is a confidential settlement process. All information is confidential and cannot be shared with anyone unless all parties agree or are compelled by law. Anyone involved in the mediation process is bound by the same terms. Should the mediation proceed to an agreement, that agreement must be reviewed by and agreed to by our board prior to being finalized. If no agreement is reached, the appeal under LPAT scheduled for February 2021 will proceed.

June 2020

Rather than wait for the LPAT hearing which is now scheduled for February, 2021 Langmaid's Island Corporation (LIC) proposed that the parties participate in mediation in an effort to pursue settlement. 

Background

Langmaid’s Island is recognized in the Lake of Bays Official Plan as a Natural Heritage Area with significant restrictions on development of the island. The island was purchased by LIC who submitted a development application for a 32-lot subdivision in the Township of Lake of Bays with two waterfront landings on South Portage Road which are located in the Town of Huntsville. In November 2018, the planners from each of the Township and Town posted a report recommending the application be declined. Immediately, LIC filed appeals on the basis that no decision had been reached by the respective councils (Township of Lake of Bays, Town of Huntsville and the District of Muskoka) within the mandated time limit. The Lake of Bays Association (LOBA) and the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation (LBHF) were granted Party status for the appeal proceedings, along with the three municipalities and Kelly Zytaruk who represents himself but has the support of a large group of residents. The hearing date is scheduled for February, 2021.

Recent events

In May 2020 LIC proposed the Parties participate in private mediation with a mediator identified by LIC. LOBA and LBHF were not comfortable with private mediation since the appeal is about planning issues and we felt any mediation should be done in a public forum overseen by a public body. Therefore, we feel that mediation under LPAT would be an objective and balanced exercise with a focus on good planning and the public’s interest. LOBA/LBHF declined participation in private mediation, as did Kelly Zytaruk. LBHF/LOBA subsequently submitted a request to LPAT for a Tribunal-led mediation and copied all Parties on this request.  

To ensure that our intentions were clear, LOBA/LBHF sent a letter to each council member of the three municipalities:

to explain our reasons for declining participation in a private mediation,  -to stress our reasons for opposing the development of Langmaid’s Island,  
to ask the Councils to join us in that opposition, and  
to ask for their support in our position that any mediation be led by the Ontario Government’s Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT).

Both LOBA and LBHF support the Township of Lake of Bays and Town of Huntsville planners’ reports that recommend the development application be denied. The appeal by LIC resulted in these reports being withdrawn from their scheduled meeting agendas in November 2018 and therefore no decisions were reached, and no resolutions were passed by either Council regarding the development application. We believe that a pre-emptive appeal by the developer should not compromise Council’s ability and obligation to take a position on this development. We have urged Councils to table the staff reports related to this application and encouraged them to support and adopt those recommendations to deny the application based on good land use principles.   

LPAT responded immediately to our request and has asked each Party if they are willing to participate in a Tribunal-led mediation. To date, LOBA/LBHF, Kelly Zytaruk, the Township of Lake of Bays and LIC have agreed. LIC’s participation is on the provision that Tribunal-led mediation would not effect, and presumably delay, the pre-Hearing and Hearing deadlines that are currently scheduled for February 2021. LOBA/LBHF have agreed to this provision. Unless almost all issues are resolved in mediation, which maybe unlikely, there will still be a Hearing to determine the final ruling. The Tribunal has advised the Parties that it currently has the capacity to conduct mediation and that they are currently reviewing this case to assess suitability for mediation.

We are awaiting further word from the Tribunal as to suitability and the scheduling of mediation.   If you are concerned about the development of Langmaid’s Island, please read the letter sent by LOBA/LBHF to the municipal councillors. If you agree with our position or want your voice heard, you could consider contacting the Mayor and your councillor.

Honouring Simon Miles for 37 years of volunteer service

tracey.a.macey@gmail.com (Tracey Macey) — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 19:35:59 GMT

Having served continuously on our board since he co-founded the Foundation in 1985, Simon Miles retired in 2021. He filled many roles, including President, Vice-President and Secretary. In recognition of his many contributions to preserving the heritage of Lake of Bays, a major donor has offered to match donations to the Foundation in honour of Simon up $10,000. All donations qualify for a tax receipt and should be identified as being “in honour of Simon Miles“.

Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas Project

tracey.a.macey@gmail.com (Tracey Macey) — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 01:01:56 GMT

We are looking for your Common Loon,

Barn Swallow or Osprey nesting records!

Did you know that in 2021, the third Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas project started (the other two were in 1981 to 1985 and 2001 to 2005)? The purpose of these 5-year projects is to map the distribution and relative abundance of Ontario’s approximately 300 species of breeding birds. The entire province is divided into squares and local experts attempt to document all breeding bird evidence in their squares.

And you can help! Have you seen Common Loons with chicks or know where they nested this spring? Do you know of other bird species like Barn Swallow or Osprey in the Lake of Bays area that have successfully nested this year? If so, please send your sightings to Foundation Board member Rick Stronks ( rick.stronks@live.ca ) and include the species, date, location, and description of nesting evidence. Your contributions will help with our understanding and protection of birds in Ontario!

For more information: https://www.birdsontario.org/

Photo by Rick Stronks

Volunteers Needed

tracey.a.macey@gmail.com (Tracey Macey) — Thu, 26 May 2022 13:29:54 GMT

Volunteers needed at Marsh's Falls Nature Reserve

We are looking for Foundation Ambassadors!

Here’s an opportunity for you to enjoy the lovely Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve, while informing visitors about the property and the role of the Foundation.

The need : The primary purpose of the Reserve is protection, but we do allow visitors to enjoy the view of the falls and hike the trails. To help manage these activities, we ask all visitors to register. This allows us to monitor overall use and to inform visitors of permitted activities. However, some visitors are unaware of the registration process or what is, or is not, allowed.

The solution : We are forming a team of volunteer Foundation Ambassadors who will spend some scheduled hours at the property. Their role is to welcome visitors who come by land or by water, ask them to register if they haven’t, share information about the site and the Foundation, gift them a copy of the Foundation’s publication “Paddle Guide to the Lower Oxtongue”, and share their favourite things about the property.

The joys of being an a Foundation Ambassador : You get to spend (mostly) quiet time communing with the lovely natural environment of Marsh’s Falls. Relax in a lawn chair on the Education Centre deck or wander around the shore until you see a visitor coming. When visitors turn up, you get to meet some Lake of Bays neighbours and enlighten them on what Marsh’s Falls is all about. Washrooms, potable water, a fridge, microwave and tea kettle in the Education Centre are available for your use.

How to become a Foundation Ambassador : You commit to any number of scheduled three-hour time slots, primarily, but not exclusively, on weekends. We will provide you with a short orientation, a tour of the Education Centre and where to find the sign-in book and printed handout materials. To sign up or find out more, email us at volunteer@lakeofbaysheritage.ca .

Vivienne's Autograph Book, Bigwin 1938

tracey.a.macey@gmail.com (Tracey Macey) — Sun, 13 Feb 2022 22:02:47 GMT

Tom Probislo of Meaford discovered an interesting birch-bark autograph book among several quill boxes that his late mother Ilse had collected. The book belonged to “Vivienne” and her connection to Ilse is unknown. The 20-page book is a collection of notes and autographs from her apparent co-workers at Bigwin Inn. Based on these delightful comments and jokes, it seems that Vivienne worked there in 1938.

Tom’s search to find a home for this little piece of history led him to the Foundation. After some sleuthing we discovered that Douglas McTaggart’s book Bigwin Inn lists all the staff who worked there in the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s. Only one Vivienne appears, and her last name is Van Huson. Perhaps this is her book.

Thanks to Ilse and Tom, it will soon be on display at the Lake of Bays Marine Museum in Dorset.

Fall Photographic Perspectives on the Lower Oxtongue River

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 19:31:05 GMT

Foundation member Brian Simpson's 3-page impressionistic guide Fall Photographic Perspectives on the Lower Oxtongue River tells you where to find little known treasures, such as the submerged dry-dock that was used to build launch George Marsh’s Mary Louise steamboat in 1884. (The boat serviced Marsh’s water-power ed sawmill on the site and the growing Lake of Bays community for 23 years.)

Butterfly Count - Results

tracey.a.macey@gmail.com (Tracey Macey) — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 18:23:00 GMT

Striped Hairstreak, Kelly Stronks photo

2025

On Sunday, July 6, fourteen people joined Rick and Kelly Stronks in the annual Butterfly Count at the Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve. It has a very hot and humid morning. We tallied 14 species, including one new species for the property. There were some additional species added after the group tally – some from photos that were taken during the count but only identified and confirmed after the pictures were uploaded to iNaturalist, and a few from observations by Kelly and Rick after the count.

1 Northern Azure (found by Rick Stronks after participants left)
5 Monarch (one adult seen flying after participants left plus four caterpillars)
2 White Admiral
2 Northern Pearly-eye (one seen by the group, one photographed by Mark McLean)
2 European Skipper (one photographed by Mark McLean, one by Jim Atkinson)
1 Indian Skipper (photographed by Kelly Stronks)
4 Peck’s Skipper
1 Crossline Skipper (photographed by Kelly Stronks)
3 Tawny-edged Skipper
20 Long Dash Skipper
1 Northern Broken-Dash (photographed by Kelly Stronks)
1 Hobomok Skipper
4 Dun Skipper
1 Striped Hairstreak (photo above) was found by Kelly Stronks after participants left. This is the first record of this species on the property!

2024

Unfortunatley the June 29 butterfly count was rained out. Here's a summary of results from past years:

2023

Despite the threat of thunderstorms, we had a very good morning for our annual Marsh’s Falls Nature Reserve Butterfly Count on July 1. Thanks to the twelve volunteers that participated we managed to tally 11 species. Here are the count results:

Monarch

White Admiral

Mourning Cloak

Northern Crescent

Long Dash Skipper

Peck’s Skipper

Least Skipper

Dun Skipper

Tawny-edged Skipper

Hobomok Skipper

European Skipper

2022

We had a successful butterfly count on July 10 at the Marsh's Falls Nature Reserve. A big thank you to Rick Stronks and the 18 keen butterfly hunters who helped out. We are delighted to see families joining our nature events and hope to see even more next year. Here are the 10 species found:

Great Spangled Fritilliary

Compton Tortoiseshell

Little Wood Satyr

Least Skipper

Peck's Skipper

Crossline Skipper

Long Dash Skipper

Northern Broken-Dash Skipper

Hobomok Skipper

Monarch

2021

Thanks to all who helped with our July butterfly count at Marsh's Falls. We are very pleased we got 3 hours of observing before the rains started. Here is the summary of what we found:

Least Skipper - 4

Peck’s Skipper - 1

Dun Skipper - 5

Northern Azure - 1 *New record for the property* see photo above by Kelly Stronks

Great Spangled Fritillary - 1

Silver-bordered Fritillary - 1

Northern Pearly-Eye - 8

Monarch -2

What you can do to help Monarch butterflies survive

tracey.a.macey@gmail.com (Tracey Macey) — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 18:22:47 GMT

Of all the butterflies found in Ontario, the Monarch is by far the most recognizable and familiar. Perhaps you have witnessed the incredible transformations of a Monarch caterpillar turning into a chrysalis and emerging as an adult. Or know about the migratory behavior of the Monarch and its overwintering site in Mexico. And, sadly, perhaps you have seen reports of its recent population crash and concerns that the Monarch may become extinct. What we can do locally to help the Monarch?

The Monarch is among a handful of Ontario migratory butterfly species. Most butterfly species winter as an egg, caterpillar or pupa and transform into adults in the spring or summer. They may fly as an adult for only a few weeks, mate, lay eggs and die. The Monarch’s strategy is quite different.

Tens of thousands of adult Monarchs winter in Mexico every year. In the spring they start to migrate north. In March or April they mate, lay eggs on a milkweed plant and die. After several weeks of the caterpillars feeding on leaves of milkweed, they mature into butterflies, continue the journey north and repeat the cycle. By midsummer we begin to see the second or third generations of Monarchs in Ontario. When they arrive, they again mate and lay eggs to produce a generation of Monarchs that will do something vastly different. This last group of Monarchs, remarkably, make the journey all the way to Mexico, to a specific location in the mountains that they have never seen! This generation of Monarchs spends the winter in a semi-dormant state until the following spring, when it restarts the cycle. How do they know what to do and how to do it? How do they find the right wintering site in Mexico? This is one of the great mysteries of nature!

This survival story entails many challenges for the Monarch species. They must have the strength to fly hundreds of kilometers and avoid predation. Their Mexican wintering site in Mexico is under threat. They must survive spring storms in the southern United States that can kill them in the thousands. And the sole plant the Monarch caterpillar feeds on, milkweed, must be available for the laying of eggs. We can’t directly control most parts of this story, but one thing we can all do is provide the Monarch’s essential habitat: milkweed.

Unfortunately, many people see milkweed and other native flowers as “noxious weeds”. We sometimes feel that manicured non-native flower gardens are more aesthetically pleasing around our homes and cottages. But native plants are critical for insects and the ecosystems around our homes. What is it we can do to help Monarchs in our area? It’s simple - allow and encourage native plant species, including milkweed, to grow on and around our properties. Perhaps consider collecting milkweed seed pods in the fall or spring to plant around your property. You may also be able to purchase seeds from a local nursery that specializes in native species.

And if you do, perhaps later this season you will see the iconic Monarch floating around from plant to plant. Maybe you will find a chrysalis or two and witness the incredible metamorphosis of a caterpillar transforming into an adult. Later in September, when you see an adult Monarch, you may marvel at the journey it soon will make back to Mexico, knowing you had a small hand in the survival of this species.

By Rick Stronks, Foundation Director and local naturalist, April 2021

Photo credits: Kelly Stronks (Monarch butterfly on milkweed), Lori MacKay (Monarch caterpillar and chrysalis)

Thank You To Our Permanent Members

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 23:14:39 GMT

We thank these permanent members for their recent donations

Current permanent members who donated $1000 or more:

Tom Anselmi and Sharon Mey - new Protectors

Shaun Boughen and Amanda Ottogalli

Jim and Cathie Cade

John and Margaret Casey

John and Ann Chamberlain - new Legacy Supporters

Chawkers Foundation

Jason Dezwirek

Phillip and Peggy Dezwirek

Mark and Pat Faircloth

The Gordon and Lorraine Gibson Family Foundation

Karen Girling and Bruce MacLellan

Bob and Marie-Josee Hammill

Michael and Joanne Kaptein

David & Stephanie Keeley

Gabriela Klein & Gerald Panneton

Arthur and Sonia Labatt

Patricia and Robert Levy

Tracey Macey and David Ticoll

Bill & Carole Mackie - new Protectors

Ross Mackinnon

Paul Macpherson

Patricia McDermott

Judy and Mark McLean

Simon Miles

Al and Carolyn Paterson

Andy and Valerie Pringle - new Protectors

RBC West Acheson Group - new Protectors

Jeff and Beth Richmond

Janice Robertson

John Shuter

Mary Sinclair

Alvin and Cindy Stark

Don Tapscott and Ana Lopes

Penny and Paul Thomas

Bill and Kathleen Troost

Terry Richmond and Doug Ward

Ian and Susan White

George and Letha Whyte

Jennifer Wiser - new Heritage Advocate

New permanent members:

Life Members

Kyle and Gail Adema

Fran and Edmund Clark
Robin Cooke and Erik Wallgren
Bob Frank and Ann Sutherland
Donald Livingstone
Fran and Murray Lloyd
John and Kathleen MacDonald
Bill MacKenzie
Andrea Moffat
Ron Peddicord and Carla Orland
Carol Peterson
Dayle and Tom Pinckard
Ruth Ross

Gundy Upans
Steve and Jeannie Von Buttlar
Gaye Wadham

Protectors
Terry and Andrea Killackey

President's Year End Report to Members & Supporters

tracey.a.macey@gmail.com (Tracey Macey) — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 18:16:07 GMT

President's Year End Report and Appeal

November 20, 2020

Dear Members and Supporters,

I hope that you and your loved ones are keeping well. Despite Covid-19, your Foundation has had a good year. Although several nature events had to be cancelled, we did redesign the Dr Cathy Charles Bird Count as a ‘stay-at-home’ count and, with 12 families participating, had excellent results. The quieter time enabled us to move important projects forward. For example, we designed a new website and launched it in October. (The old one ran on technology that was no longer supported.) And we produced a striking video of the Lower Oxtongue River. You can find it on the new website, under Protected Property: The Lower Oxtongue River. And volunteers were able to clear and create signed walking trails at the Marsh’s Falls property, which we hope members can enjoy in 2021. Finally, the mortgage held on the property was reduced significantly: one final payment remains due.

Increase in Annual Membership Fee to $40

At a strategic planning session the Board decided that, after 35 years, we should increase the annual membership fee to $40 from $25. We believe the benefits have increased substantially. Members are now able to participate in over seven nature events each year and are kept up to date with timely newsletters, Facebook and Twitter. Additionally, the website provides many videos, community histories, and local memoirs produced or acquired by the Foundation.

Langmaid’s Island

In early 2018, Langmaids Island Corp (LIC) submitted applications to the Township of Lake of Bays and the Town of Huntsville to rezone and develop Langmaid’s Island into what was initially 36, and currently 32, lots, with parking for 105 cars on two mainland properties. Since then, the Foundation and the Lake of Bays Association (LOBA) have been working together to protect the island from development. Langmaid’s Island is designated as a ‘Natural Heritage Area’ and the Township Official Plan contains a special section that protects the island’s natural values from incompatible uses. The island also qualifies as a Provincial ‘Cultural Heritage Landscape’.

In late 2018, the planners from the municipalities recommended the applications be denied. Immediately, LIC filed an appeal on the grounds that the municipalities’ response was delayed beyond a mandatory time period.

The appeal, to be heard by the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT), is set for February 2021. Jointly, the Foundation and LOBA are parties to the appeal, as are the Township of Lakes of Bays, the Town of Huntsville, the District of Muskoka and Kelly Zytarak, a local resident. In September, all parties participated in two days of a mediation process. This was unsuccessful. The appeal hearing is estimated to take 20-25 days and cost the Foundation and LOBA $100,000.

We want to thank our many members who supported us with donations to the Langmaids Protection Fund (LPF) in 2018-19. These funds have covered our costs to date. Recently, the Foundation and LOBA agreed on a joint fundraising effort to replenish the LPF to enable us to cover professional fees for the appeal process. The fund is administered by LBHF, which is a registered charity. Thus all donations to LBHF receive a receipt for tax purposes. If you are concerned with the development of Langmaid’s Island, we ask that you read the enclosed letter from LOBA and LBHF . LOBA members will be receiving the same letter.

The year ahead will be challenging and, once again, we are asking for your assistance.

First, please renew your membership (this is not necessary for Life Members or those who have done so with their LOBA membership renewal). Second, if you share our concern about the impact of the proposed development, please donate to the Langmaid’s Protection Fund. All amounts will receive a 2020 charitable tax receipt for a deduction on a Canadian tax return.

Donations and membership renewals can be made by:

PayPal or credit card
Interac e-Transfer to donations@lakeofbaysheritage.ca
Cheque ( download Membership & Donation form )

US taxpayers can support our work with a gift that is tax deductible in the US. Thanks to our partnership with American Friends of Canadian Conservation you can help us protect land in the Lake of Bays Township and watershed with a contribution of cash or securities, and receive a tax benefit in the US. See details here.

The Foundation operates with a minimum of expenses. We expect 2021 to be another busy and productive year. At this year’s virtual Annual General Meeting the following people were elected to serve on the Board for 2020-21: Ian Beverley, Jim Cade, Margaret Casey, Mike Kaptein, Tracey Macey, Mark McLean, Simon Miles, Judith Mills, Brian Simpson, Rick Stronks, Penny Thomas and Gloria Woodside.

Thank you for your continuing support for heritage in our community, and please contact me with any suggestions at (416) 433-2174 or info@lakeofbaysheritage.ca

Sincerely,

Judith Mills

President

Our YouTube Channel

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 15:18:10 GMT

The Foundation's YouTube Channel

This channel is a collection of all the videos produced by the Foundation. It includes several community histories, two beautiful videos on the Oxtongue River and Marsh's Falls, an informative discussion on how to be a good steward and protect your shoreline, and the cottage memoirs of Cay Jennings.

Go to YouTube channel

2020 Annual General Meeting

kristen@clientfirstcanada.com (Kristen Szykoluk) — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 16:37:21 GMT

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting emergency measures, our AGM was held electronically on August 19. Normally, each year we feature a community of the Lake of Bays area and present heritage plaques to owners of heritage buildings. Gloria Woodside has the research underway for the Wahawin community on Glenmount Road. This will be presented at our 2021 AGM.

The Foundation continues to make progress:

memberships stand at 832 with 319 couple and 194 single members.
6 new Life Members, one of whom joined at Legacy status of $10,000
47% of our members are Permanent members (These are the members who have donated at least $1,000, and often much more, in any one year)
volunteer activity dropped by 15% due to Covid-19

CANCELLED - October 10th 2020 - Native Species Planting

kristen@clientfirstcanada.com (Kristen Szykoluk) — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 16:34:12 GMT

We are well along the way to creating a more inviting habitat for songbirds and pollinators at Marsh's Falls. We did two plantings last year and will do two more this year. The first one is July 11 at 10:30am, the second is October 10 10:30am .

If you are able to join us email registration@lakeofbaysheritage.ca . We'll have the plants and seeds on site. Refreshments too. Please bring a shovel and garden rake (not a fan rake) to scratch the earth for planting, and clean boots to avoid tracking in invasive species lurking in dry mud in boot treads. As a bonus, you will experience the Falls in all their splendour.

Identifying Butterflies, Damselflies and Dragonflies

kristen@clientfirstcanada.com (Kristen Szykoluk) — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 14:07:46 GMT

Archaeology on Lake of Bays

kristen@clientfirstcanada.com (Kristen Szykoluk) — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 18:24:44 GMT

1. A Brief Illustrated History of Landscape and Aboriginal Peoples in the Muskoka Region.

Click Here For the Full Presentation (PDF)

2. Report of the Master Plan of Archeological Resources of the District of Muskoka and The Wahta Mohawks.

February 1994, 3 volumes. Volume 1 and Volume 2

3. Final Phase 1 Report of the Master Plan of Archaeological Resources of the District Municipality of Muskoka.

Submitted to the District Municipality of Muskoka and the Mohawks of Gibson, 1992. View The Full Report

Heritage Books & Publications

kristen@clientfirstcanada.com (Kristen Szykoluk) — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 15:15:18 GMT

Here is a partial list of books and publications to learn more about Lake of Bays heritage. Many are available in the Baysville, Dorset and Dwight libraries or online. Some titles may be on sale at local stores. Please contact us at info@lakeofbaysheritage.ca if you know of other books or publications that should be on the list.

Publications

An Evaluation of Wildlife Habitat in the Lake of Bays Vicinity 

In 1988, the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation commissioned Kenneth Towle to assess the lake. Sixteen sites are discussed including Langmaid Island, Lower Oxtongue River, Baysville Marsh, Dreamhaven Lake, Menominee Bay, St. Mary Creek, Port Cunnington Wetland and Bigwin Island.

Natural Heritage Evaluation of Muskoka

1994, by Ron Reid and Bonnie Bergsma. Part of the Muskoka Heritage Areas Program a project of the District of Muskoka and The Muskoka Heritage Foundation. The text of all the site evaluations can be found on the “Muskoka Water Web” map or Heritage Areas site.

Report of the Master Plan of Archaeological Resources of the District of Muskoka and The Wahta Mohawks

February 1994, 3 volumes. Volume 1 Volume 2

Final Phase 1 Report of the Master Plan of Archaeological Resources of the District Municipality of Muskoka

Submitted to the District Municipality of Muskoka and the Mohawks of Gibson, 1992. Report

Books

By Wagon and Water 

A Tweedsmuir History produced by the Haystack Bay Women's Institute focusing on the areas of Port Cunnington, Foxpoint and Birkendale. Originally published in 1951 with reprints in 1980 and 2008 with some additional 20 pages of family histories. The book was not set in type; instead all 167 pages were elegantly handwritten by Elizabeth Hungerford and Ethel Bedat. “By Wagon and Water” is an excellent reference.

Baysville Area, Tweedsmuir History by the Baysville Women’s Institute.

Dwight Memories , 1875-1985, Dwight Women’s Institute, 1989.

Muskoka’s Grand Hotels

By Barbara Boyer, 1987, Boston Mills Press . This book gives an idea of the extent of the tourist industry in Muskoka with 143 resorts; many long vanished such as the Wawa. It offers brief histories of 21 resorts on the Lake of Bays. This is a useful and well researched book.

Enchanted Summers, The Grand Hotels of Muskoka

By Cameron Taylor, 1997.

The Steamboat Era in the Muskokas

Volumes I and II by Richard Tatley.  An exhaustive study of the steamboats, big and small, when and how they were built, operated and, in most cases, sank or burned. The book discusses the development of Huntsville and Lake of Bays Navigation Company from Captain Marsh to C.O. Shaw.

Guide Book & Atlas of Muskoka and Parry Sound Districts

1879, text by W.E. Hamilton.

Lorin and the Juanita

By Merrill Orne Young.  Privately published in 2004 to mark the centennial of Savage Den, the Young’s cottage. The author tells the story of his father and his long connection with the lake and with a 22 ft. gasoline powered launch, the Juanita. Told with great warmth and wit.

The Ruth Martin Papers

This collection of four volumes, plus a volume of photographs, contains over 900 pages of typewritten information on the history of the settlement of Lake of Bays. Ruth Martin collected every written history that pertained to the area, transcribed many of them, and between 1966 and 1974 conducted 55 interviews with descendants of homesteading families. She taped the interviews then typed a transcription. In 1995, Margaret McBurney, a director of LBHF and herself a notable historian, arranged to have the papers copied and the originals deposited with the Thomas Fisher Rare Books Library at U of T. Copies were given to the Dwight, Dorset and Baysville libraries and are now available in PDF format on this website. Click here to view papers .

Looking Back In Time: Picture Memories from the Area

1890-1990 by The Port Cunnington Centennial Committee.

My Happy Years at Lake of Bays

By Jessie Garratt, 1988.  Charming book about the author’s memories about her time spent on Lake of Bays beginning in 1905.

Lures and Legends of Lake of Bays

By Mary Lynn Findlay, 1973.  A small book worth reading if you can find a copy.

Baysville: Photos from The Past

By Mervyn Kelly, 1996.

Adventures of a Bigwin Postmistress

By Maryleah Otto, 2004.  A charming little book about the author’s summer working at Bigwin in 1949 when Frank Leslie owned the resort.

English Bloods: In The Backwoods Of Muskoka

1878 by Frederick de la Fosse.  Originally published in 1930, reprinted in 2004 with an introduction and helpful notes by Scott D. Shipman. Informative and amusing account of the author’s experience of being sent from England at 18 to learn how to be a settler in Canada.

Bigwin Inn

By Douglas McTaggart, 1992, Boston Mills Press. This is the definitive book on the history of the Bigwin Inn. Lavishly illustrated and thoroughly researched.

Whiskey and Wickedness, Volume 3, Muskoka and Parry Sound Districts 1850 to 1900

By Larry D. Cotton, 2004.  History of the taverns of the area and many stories of alcohol fueled mayhem taken from contemporary newspaper accounts.

By Steam Boat and Steam Train: The story of the Huntsville and Lake of Bays Railway and Navigation Company

By Niall Mackay, 1982 and 1994.

Pictures from The Past: Huntsville, Lake of Bays

Boston Mills Press 1986, Muskoka Pioneer Village.

Camping in the Muskoka Region: A Story of Algonquin Park

By James Dickson 1886, reprinted 1960. Mostly about camping in Algonquin Park but the journey begins on Lake of Bays.

East Georgian Bay Historical Journal, volumes 1-5 1982-1989 

These issues are full of interesting and well researched articles about the history of Muskoka and Georgian Bay.

“Echoes of the Past” Resounding in the Present 

A brief illustrated general history of a central region in Southern Ontario Formed by Two Muskoka and Ten Haliburton Townships.

Post Cards from Lake of Bays

Published in 2008 by LBHF past-President Bruce MacLellan with 160 pages of old post cards depicting the first half of the 20th century. For sale in local gift shops.

Back Again at Lake of Bays

This book is a sequel to Post Cards from Lake of Bays. Bruce MacLellan has assembled more post cards about the lake, covering places and resorts not included in the first book. It is for sale in gift shops around the lake.

Reflections: Muskoka and Lake of Bays of Yesteryear

By Sidney G. Avery, 1974.

My Sixteenth Winter: An account of logging on the French River

By J. Mason 1974.

Muskoka Past and Present

Geraldine Coombe, McGraw-Hill. A detailed account of history and present life in the whole region in 1976, including Lake of Bays. Rare. 

Gilmour Tramway

Gary Long, 2003. An excellent account of the lumber scheme to transport logs from Algonquin through Lake of Bays and down to Trenton. Available at local book stores. 

Steamboating in Muskoka

Richard Tatley, 1972. Anecdotes and information about the original steamships. Mainly about Lakes Muskoka, Rousseau and Joseph, but some connections to Lake of Bays.

The Night the Mice Danced the Quadrille

1995. Written by Thomas Osborne in 1934, 60 years after his arrival in Muskoka, this book is a tale of pioneer hardship and ingenuity. A charming book narrated by the young boy who settles in Lake of Bays with his family in the late nineteenth century. He states Bigwin was connected to Port Cunnington due to pre-dam water levels. Out of print and selling on the Internet for $50 to $60.

Reluctant Pioneer

This book is a re-release of "The Night the Mice Danced the Quadrille" by Thomas Osborne. You can find it on the Muskoka Books website.

Hardscrabble, The High Cost of Free Land

Donna E. Williams, 2013. Forward by Patrick Boyer. How emigrants were lured to Ontario’s Muskoka in the 1870’s in a vain attempt to farm the Canadian Shield.

A Muskoka Century, The Story of the S.S. Bigwin

Marijane Terry and Jeff Gabura. An excellent source of SS Bigwin history. Available for sale online and at the Marine Museum in Dorset.

George Works!: Lad to Leadership, The Making of a New Canadian

George Daniels, 2019. George, who was instrumental in the formation of the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation, pens a fascinating autobiography.

A History of the Cunningtons of Port Cunnington

Written in 2010 by Doug Cunnington, grandson of B.H. Cunnington. Traces the history of the Cunningtons from 1737 to 2010. https://dougcunningtonbooks.com/

The WaWa Hotel, Norway Point, Lake of Bays

Written by Doug Cunnington, 2010. Updated and expanded 2022. Incorporates many photos and post cards. https://dougcunningtonbooks.com/the-wawa-hotel/

Memories of Lake of Bays , as told by Mary Elder, a pioneer’s daughter and Dean Mathews, an early cottager to Doug & Helen Cunnington. Written in 2010. Includes lots of photos and old post cards of Lake of Bays. https://dougcunningtonbooks.com/memories-of-lake-of-bays/

Art Asbury, Speedboat Driver, World Record Holder, Friend

Outlines the life of Art Asbury of Dwight through his life as a serviceman in the RCAF and his remarkable career as a successful hydroplane racer. Includes lots of photos.

More Memories of Lake of Bays

A look at the history of he Anglican Church Regatta in the Port Cunnington – Haystack Bay area, and Turner’s Island, a look into the history and life on Turner’s Island from the time it was Point Elizabeth to the present. Again, lots of photos. Due to be released summer 2021.

Resort to Humour: Wholesome Tales of Joy and Laughter from Vacations at Family Resorts
This recently published book brings together stories from eight long-standing north Muskoka resorts, including several on Lake of Bays such as Bondi Village, Port Cunnington, Foxwood, and the former Ronville Lodge. Co-authors Bruce Cassie and David Scott draw on interviews, archival memories, and photographs to share light-hearted experiences alongside short histories of each resort. Together, the stories reflect more than a century of family-run tourism in the region. All proceeds from the sale of the book are being donated to two local hospitals.

Dorset Heritage Walking Tour

kristen@clientfirstcanada.com (Kristen Szykoluk) — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 15:07:03 GMT

First Nations’ Chippewas of Bigwin Island made this part of Lake of Bays their summer cam pgrounds for years. When white settlers began moving into the area in the early 1800’s, Dorset became known as Trading Bay for Francis Harvey’s trading post that sprang up along the Narrows. No one knows who the first white travel l ers were, but someone carved 1675 into a rock in the area – found in the early 1800’s by TomSalmon, one of the first settlers on Lake of Bays.

DOWNLOAD THE MAP AND GUIDE (PDF)

Credit for this pr oject must go to the Township of Lake of Bays Heritage Advisory Committee and their dedicated volunteers, and the Dorset Community Group for their invaluable insights into their hometown. Special mention must go to Brad Robinson, Roy McKay, Penny McEachern and Ruth Ross.

We hope you enjoy this h eritage t our.

Dwight Heritage Walking and Driving Tour

kristen@clientfirstcanada.com (Kristen Szykoluk) — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 14:55:12 GMT

This tour takes about an hour and a half to walk through the main central region, with side trips by bike or car to the more outlying points of interest. Please park in the Municipal lot, take some time to explore the shops in the village itself, and do be respectful of private property.

DOWNLOAD THE MAP & GUIDE (PDF)

Credit for this project must go to the volunteers of the Heritage Committee and residents of Dwight for their invaluable insights into their hometown. Special mention to Jacqueline Godard and Nancy Tapley, and a special thanks to Rebecca Krawczyk for crafting the maps. Thank you to the Township of Lake of Bays, The Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce and Muskoka Futures for supporting this project. We hope you enjoy this Historical Tour.

The Ruth Martin Papers

kristen@clientfirstcanada.com (Kristen Szykoluk) — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 14:43:21 GMT

The Foundation was entrusted with four precious loose-leaf notebooks in 1995. The pages recorded priceless interviews with descendants of many of the first settlers in Lake of Bays Township. Ruth Martin had the foresight to pursue her interest in our pioneers’ stories. We owe Ruth Martin a tremendous debt of gratitude.

Settlement around Lake of Bays began after the Free Land Grant Act (1868) made land available. Little of it was arable, however, and the new arrivals faced daunting challenges. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries the lumber industry offered employment for some, and the arrival of the first summer cottagers at the turn of the century added another dimension to life by the lake. The people interviewed from the early 1950s to mid-1970 s by Ruth Martin were, in most cases, children or grandchildren of the first settlers in the township.

Ruth Martin (nee Campbell) summered for many years on Bigwin View Lane. She was born in 1908 and taught at Eastern High School of Commerce in Toronto. She was the social hostess at Bigwin Inn for three summers in the 1940s. When illness prevented Ruth from continuing with her writing, the Ruth Martin Papers were put in safekeeping with her stepdaughter, Annette Benson. Jane Tate, daughter of Mary Lynn Findlay, who was a friend of Ruth Martin, took possession of the papers. Jane Tate and her nephew, Lee Van Ormer , allowed the Foundation to arrange for their publication.

Margaret McBurney, a former director of LBHF and herself a notable historian, arranged to have the papers photocopied unedited and the originals deposited with the Thomas Fisher Rare Books Library at U of T. Copies were given to the Dwight, Dorset and Baysville libraries.

The Foundation, with the support of the Township’s Heritage Advisory Committee, has made the papers available as downloadable PDF files. Thank you to Gloria Woodside, a director of LBHF for organizing the project, and the community members who contributed their time and careful efforts in transcribing the typed papers into electronic format.

Book 1: General Muskoka History

Book 2: Lake of Bays General History – Tom Salmon - Fox Point Road - Birkendale & Ten Mile Bay - Port Cunnington Road - Haystack Bay Tweedsmuir History

Book 3: Dwight—Portage—Newholm—Portage

Book 4: Bigwin—Baysville—Gordon’s Corners—Brown’s Brae

Paddle Guide to the Lower Oxtongue River and Marsh's Falls

kristen@clientfirstcanada.com (Kristen Szykoluk) — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 14:22:49 GMT

This guide was designed for paddlers exploring the tranquil waters, lush wetlands, and the beautiful waterfall on the lower Oxtongue River. The natural and cultural heritage associated with this river is a legacy being preserved by the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation.

The guide was compiled by Brian Simpson with assistance from David Franks, Rebecca Krawczyk, Caroline Konarzewski, Bruce MacLellan, Mark McLean, Simon Miles, Kelly Stronks, Rick Stronks and support from the Lake of Bays Heritage Advisory Committee.

Baysville Heritage Walking Tour

kristen@clientfirstcanada.com (Kristen Szykoluk) — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 13:58:31 GMT

Welcome to Baysville and this self-guided tour of the village. Please always be respectful of private property. Note that private homes are not open to the public at any time, but please do visit our businesses while you are here.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL MAP AND GUIDE (PDF)

Credit for this project must go to the volunteers of the Heritage Committee and residents of Baysville for their invaluable insights into their hometown. Special mention to Jacqueline Godard and Nancy Tapley, and a special thanks to Rebecca Krawczyk for crafting the map. Thanks to Leanne Fetterley for production. Edited by H.W. Muirhead. Thank you to FedNor for generously supporting this project. We hope you enjoy this h istorical t our.

For other insights into Baysville history refer to: https://www.baysvillecommunitygroup.ca

Dr. Cathy Charles Bird Count - May 2020

kristen@clientfirstcanada.com (Kristen Szykoluk) — Thu, 14 May 2020 20:16:56 GMT

Despite the weather and the Covid pandemic we had a very successful bird count on the May 9th weekend.

We birded the Marsh's Falls property on both Saturday and Sunday and managed to record 32 species of birds including three new species: Broad-winged Hawk (pictured above), Blue-headed Vireo and White-crowned Sparrow.

We had eight families that participated in the Lake of Bays stay-at-home challenge and, as a group, tallied 45 species! Together, the final result is 51 species of birds recorded for the weekend!

Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation Annual Bird Count 2020

TOTALS:

Marsh' Falls - 32 Species

Lake of Bays Area - 45 Species

Water Management in the Muskoka River System

kristen@clientfirstcanada.com (Kristen Szykoluk) — Thu, 07 May 2020 21:31:51 GMT

The Muskoka River watershed originates on the western slopes of Algonquin Park, descending 300 metres in elevation over a distance of 210 kilometres before flowing into Georgian Bay via the Musquash/Gibson and Moon rivers. The watershed is approximately 5,100 square kilometres (approximately the size of Prince Edward Island) and includes more than 2,000 lakes of various sizes with a total surface area of approximately 78,000 hectares.

The watershed receives more than 1,000 millimetres of precipitation each year and is one of the wettest locations in the province of Ontario. Annual precipitation includes more than 300 centimeters of snowfall typically representing 20% to 25% of the annual wet precipitation amount.

The lakes, rivers and wetlands within the Muskoka River watershed support a diversity of natural ecosystems, tourism and recreation activities, and businesses including hydroelectric generation.

The Muskoka River is comprised of three subwatersheds: the north and south branches of the Muskoka River, and the Lower Muskoka subwatershed comprised of the Musquash/Gibson River and Moon River. There are a total of 41 water control structures located throughout the river including 11 waterpower facilities and 30 dams. The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) owns and operates 29 of these dams.

There are 13 water control structures on the south branch of the Muskoka River and its tributaries including the Baysville Dam which regulates Lake of Bays water levels and downstream flows within the South Muskoka River. The portion of the south branch subwatershed upstream of the Baysville Dam is 1,481 square kilometres.

Most of the inflow to Lake of Bays is from the Oxtongue River and Hollow River. Flows within the Oxtongue River are influenced or controlled primarily by the Tea Lake Dam within Algonquin Park which regulates water levels on Tea Lake and Smoke Lake. Flows within the Hollow River are controlled by the Kawagama Lake Dam which regulates Kawagama Lake water levels.

In 2002, the MNR produced the Water Management Planning Guidelines for Waterpower to provide a formal planning framework for the operation of waterpower facilities and dams for river systems within the province. A water management plan is intended to provide for the management of water levels and flows on a “watershed” basis to equitably address or balance environmental, social and economic interests within the lakes and river reaches.

The Muskoka River Water Management Plan (MRWMP) came into affect in June, 2006. This plan provides for the management of water levels and flows as they are affected or controlled by the operation of each water control structure. Currently there are four waterpower companies and the MNR Parry Sound District signatory to the MRWMP.

The MRWMP report and additional information and resources can be viewed on the Muskoka WaterWeb at: www.muskokawaterweb.ca/water-101/water-quantity/mrwmp .

The MRWMP includes the lake Operation Plan for each water control structure, enforceable provisions for the management of flows and levels, compliance monitoring to ensure that waterpower facilities are meeting requirements, and effectiveness monitoring to determine whether the ongoing implementation of the plan results in attaining the ecological, social and economic objectives.

A number of objectives were identified during the planning and consultation phase of the MRWMP which includes the following:

Social and Economic Objectives

maintain public safety during high flow periods or flood events
avoid adverse impacts to built infrastructure and shorelines
maintain or enhance recreational capacity of lakes
enhance base flow conditions in river reaches especially during periods of drought
maintain or increase hydropower potential
remain within current operational and flow passage capabilities of water control structures
remain within the established normal operating zones for developed lakes

Ecological Objectives

higher and/or longer duration spring peak levels for fish and wildlife reproduction and habitat
gradual water level reduction on lakes throughout the summer period;
improved base flow conditions and water quality in river reaches downstream of water control structures
provide for moderate seasonal and inter-annual variability in levels and flows;
consideration of more natural flow regimes
less differential between fall and winter drawdown levels to prevent or reduce lake trout egg mortality and promote successful lake trout reproduction

Water levels, flows and the overall “health” of the Muskoka River system are monitored and evaluated on an ongoing basis by a number of government agencies, organizations and groups. Environment Canada in partnership with the MNR maintains automatic (electronic) gauges throughout the river system. Daily water levels are recorded by these gauges for most of the regulated lakes with daily flows recorded for the north and south branches and lower subwatershed. Lake levels are manually recorded at least once per week where an automatic gauge is not available.

On a daily basis, MNR Parry Sound District water control technicians collect, compile and analyse level and flow data along with other environmental information such as rainfall and snowpack conditions; including snowpack water content. The data and information is used to determine which MNR dams need to be operated to meet flow and level objectives. Lake levels and downstream flows are altered by either placing or removing a certain number of control stop logs from a dam to best meet seasonal objectives of the MRWMP and water level regime identified in the Operating Plan for each lake. Close communication with the various waterpower producers is maintained to ensure a coordinated approach to water management throughout the river system.

Ongoing documentation of water levels and flows provides the opportunity to monitor conditions over time. Changing weather patterns or climate can alter the hydrology of a watershed over a relatively short timeframe or extended period of time. For example, climate change may create greater fluctuations in flows and levels and possibly increase the frequency and severity of both flood and drought events.

The MRWMP and other similar plans within the province provide for an “adaptive management” approach to water management planning. As new information and science becomes available, the MRWMP can be amended as required to prescribe new or altered level and flow requirements and objectives.

Thanks to Steve Taylor, Water Resources Coordinator, MNRF Parry Sound District who provided this article in September 2012.

Heritage Property Tax Relief Program

kristen@clientfirstcanada.com (Kristen Szykoluk) — Thu, 07 May 2020 21:27:56 GMT

The heritage buildings in Township area are cherished resources that stand as links to a rich history. Most of these properties are privately owned and maintaining and restoring heritage buildings can be expensive.

The Township of Lake of Bays, encouraged by the LBHF, passed a by-law in 2008 establishing a Heritage Property Tax Relief Program. This program is intended to encourage owners of heritage properties to be good stewards by making regular investments in the maintenance of their buildings. Owners of properties that have been designated by council to be of significant heritage value may apply for tax relief.

The decision to designate is a mutual process between the property owner and the Township. This program has been successfully established in many towns and cities in Ontario. The Township of Lake of Bays is the first municipality in Muskoka to take this decision and they should be applauded for recognizing the value of our heritage buildings. More information on the program can be found on the Township’s website at http://www.lakeofbays.on.ca/content/heritage-tax-relief-program .

Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program

kristen@clientfirstcanada.com (Kristen Szykoluk) — Thu, 07 May 2020 21:16:05 GMT

Certain forests in Ontario may be privately owned, but they benefit all Ontarians. The Ontario Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP) recognizes the importance of these lands. The goal of the MFTIP is to bring greater fairness to the property tax system by valuing forests according to their current use. The program is designed to increase landowner awareness about forest stewardship.

L andowners with more than 4 hectares of forest who apply and qualify for the program have the eligible portion of their property classified and assessed as Managed Forest under the Managed forests property class. The eligible land is taxed at 25 percent of the municipal tax rate set for residential properties.

For the details on how your property my qualify for this very important program, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/managed-forest-tax-incentive-program .

Wetlands in our Watershed

kristen@clientfirstcanada.com (Kristen Szykoluk) — Thu, 07 May 2020 21:10:14 GMT

We are fortunate to have large areas of wetlands around Muskoka and Lake of Bays. Whether they are a marsh, bog, swamp or fen, each type of wetland plays a role in our water quality and wildlife food chain. The Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation (LBHF) wants people to understand how wetlands work, appreciate their importance and look for ways to ensure we keep them.

Wetlands are called nature's kidneys because they act as a natural filtering system. Some types of wetlands can trap and neutralize sewage waste. This is done mainly by the wetland vegetation: plants absorb nutrients and help cycle them through the food chain. Plants also slow down flowing water and thereby cause silt to settle out. Wetland plants provide food to other wildlife species in addition to their normal role of providing oxygen through photosynthesis.

By their ability to retain water, wetlands also provide a natural flood barrier that slows down the runoff of spring melt water and also storm water. This ability to hold back runoff makes them very useful in many parts of Canada because the normal low summer flow in rivers often causes serious problems for people and places depending on rivers for their water supply. The more wetlands there are in the drainage area, the higher the likelihood that serious water shortages can be prevented.

Finally, wetlands also help to reverse global warming. Global warming is largely due to the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Wetlands are carbon sinks: the carbon from decaying plant and animal tissue accumulates in the wetlands rather than being released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.

Wetlands are also well known for attracting birds. Wetlands are extremely important as a habitat for many species. All of Canada’s wetland areas provide breeding, nesting and wintering habitat for thousands of migratory birds and shorebirds. Birds that are commonly associated with wetlands include ducks, geese, swans, herons, bitterns and birds of prey such as ospreys.

The Muskoka Watershed Council has developed a brochure to educate landowners on the value of small wetlands on their property. It deals with stewardship, species at risk, importance of wetlands and how to enjoy their wetland. It is available at www.muskokaheritage.org

The Watershed Council has identified 68 significant areas and sites throughout Muskoka — around 30 of those sites are classified and protected as provincially significant wetland.

You can access these websites for more information about caring for wetlands on your property: www.hww.ca or www.ducks.ca

Invasive Species

kristen@clientfirstcanada.com (Kristen Szykoluk) — Thu, 07 May 2020 20:29:41 GMT

An invasive species is an exotic or alien species that negatively affects the environment. Invasives tend to be hardy, fast at reproducing and have no natural predators in their adopted homes. Ontario’s best examples are Zebra Mussels and Purple Loosestrife.

Here’s how you can help:

Inspect outdoor articles because invasive species can move around by hitching rides on outdoor items.
Use local firewood because many invasive insects and diseases can travel inside logs.
Before planting a garden, check that your chosen plants are native or non-invasive species. Some plants look great but their impact is far too costly for everyone.
To stop freeloaders, inspect your boat, trailer and motor and remove plants/animals before leaving the waterbody.
Never release live bait caught in one lake into another waterbody.

If you find or think you have invasive species on your property, call the hotline 1-800-563-7711 or visit www.invadingspecies.com

Asian Long-Horned Beetle

Since we posted the article below, in March 2004, the CFIA has found a number of infected trees in the Regulated Area around Steeles Avenue and Highway 400. The most recent removal of some 200 trees was in March 2008, in the Jane Street and Sheppard Avenue area.

CFIA needs two years of no finds before they can confirm that the beetle has been eradicated. However, public vigilance is essential, especially in not removing host tree material and firewood of all species from the Regulated Area. Please read our initial article on this threat to our hardwood forests across Canada and continue to monitor your trees.

The Asian Long-Horned Beetle: Muskoka's New Enemy Number One

By Simon Miles

The Fall of Muskoka may be about to take on a completely new meaning. Can you imagine the fall without the flaming colours of our maples and birches? Can you conceive of your favourite landscapes devoid of thousands of trees you've grown up with and taken for granted?

Unfortunately, time for imagining is fast running out. This nightmare scenario could well become a stark reality. Muskoka, and indeed much of Canada, is about to become a war zone. And every citizen has to be involved in the battle.

The enemy is the Asian Long-horned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis). This is an invasive species that has found its way to Toronto and Vaughan, most likely in wooden packing crates, from its native China and Korea. Although the beetle could have arrived four to six years ago, it was first identified in Canadian trees on 4th September last year in the Vaughan area. As of January this year, it had already turned up in several locales in northwest Toronto around the 400/407 interchange.

Being an invasive s pecies, the beetle has no known natural predators, and as such constitutes a threat to the biodiversity of our natural ecosystems. Eradication is essential.

As soon as the beetle is identified, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the local officials move in to remove potential host trees within 400 metres of a sighting. Although the beetle only goes for selected hardwood trees, it does seem equally at home in many species. Thus, in some situations this can lead to the removal of 50 percent or more of the trees in a landscape, with its obvious implications for the rapid erosion of sloping land. Less obvious is the removal of habitat for the beetle's potential predators.

An alternative approach, which may well be open to us by the time you read this, is the potential use of imidacloprid. This chemical pesticide was used in the USA after sightings in 1996 in the New York area, in 1998 in Chicago and 2002 in New Jersey. There, almost 9,000 trees have been felled and more than 100,000 others have been treated with imidacloprid in buffer zones around the sightings. The pesticide is either injected into the tree or the soil, or the soil is drenched around the tree. While the advantage of pesticide use is that one keeps the treated trees, the disadvantages are several: imidacloprid is not a control agent but only a protector; its application has to be repeated every year until no sightings are reported; concentrated injections of chemicals into the environment pose threats to other species; and the financial cost is enormous.

The decision as to whether to permit the use of imidacloprid rests with the federal Pest Management Regulatory Agency. That agency is dependent upon information being compiled by the CFIA. However, whether or not we are allowed to use chemicals, what will not change is the need for action by all of us.

This is what you need to know:

The beetle attacks only hardwoods. The preferred host trees are: all maples; sycamore; all birches; all willows; poplar; horse-chestnut; elm; hackberry; silk tree; and mountain ash. Earlier reports incorrectly extended this preferred list to include: locust; all ashes; mulberry; plum; and pear. However, most other broad-leaved, deciduous trees are thought to be vulnerable. Richard Ubbens, Chief Forester for the City of Toronto, estimates that vulnerable trees constitute about 60 to 70 percent of the crown cover in Toronto. Among the many species being monitored are the red oak and the ashes. The ash is remarkable in that egg-laying sites have been spotted but none of these has been observed to have led to the hatching of a larva.
The adult beetle is a shiny bluish-black with distinctive, long, black and white antennae. The back of the beetle has white splotches. The body length, excluding the antennae, ranges from 2 to 3.5cm. The antennae are longer than the body (50% longer on the male and slightly less on the female, which also happens to be larger). The black legs have bluish sections.
Don't confuse this beetle with the White Spotted Pine Sawyer Beetle that also leaves piles of sawdust and makes similar-sized holes, but attacks only softwood trees. The Sawyer beetle has a body no more than 2cm. long, and is a dull, uniform, dark brown, except for the one white spot just behind the head.
The larva can reach 5cm. in length.
Signs of an attack are: Oval wounds on the bark (as though someone had used a potato peeler to take an eye out of the bark). The pit-like scar (generally about 1cm. long) is left as the female beetle chews through the bark to lay an egg just under the bark. One female may lay up to 100 eggs in all, with just one egg in each pit. Tree sap may be seen dripping from the wounds. Small piles of rough sawdust under the trees, from the chewing of these pits, will signal recent activity. Exit holes made by mature beetles are large enough in diameter (about 1cm.) to take a pencil. Twigs stripped of bark where adult beetles have been feeding. Wilted leaves.
The wounds and exit holes can appear anywhere on the tree, but are more likely to be on the trunk and main limbs.
The beetle prefers trees in the open or at the edges of wooded areas rather than in the interiors, so be particularly vigilant about looking for it along shorelines and roads. Although a flight of more than a kilometre has been recorded, the adult beetle is unlikely to fly more than 300 to 400 metres and tends to stay on trees that are near the one from which it first emerged.
The adult beetles are active and visible from early summer to mid-fall, especially from mid-morning to early afternoon on sunny days. On cloudy days, they rest in the tree's canopy. They feed on the bark of twigs.
The life cycle is generally about 12 months long. It starts any time from early to late summer with the female chewing away the bark to lay an egg at each site under the bark. One egg is laid each day. An egg laid in July will result in an adult beetle emerging the next July (the peak emergence time). The larva (or grub) hatches from the egg in seven to ten days and eats its way in an irregular fashion through the cambium layer, feeding on the soft phloem tissue under the bark. This is the layer that moves water and nutrients through the tree. This capability is destroyed as the larvae work their way around the tree and into the heartwood before returning to be close to the surface. The larval form exists for about 10 months. It metamorphoses into a quiescent pupa for two to three weeks. In the spring the first pupae metamorphose into adult beetles. The beetles then eat their way out to the surface.
The adult beetle is killed after 15 hours exposure to a hard frost. The larvae and pupae are known to be able to survive the winter at temperatures of minus 25 Celsius. There is debate over the egg: in Canada, it has not been found over-wintering; in the USA it has.
A tree can be killed within two to five years. Once dead, a tree no longer attracts the beetle.
Wood from felled trees should not be transported for firewood use. Although it may appear to be perfectly good wood, it has to be chipped and composted or burned to kill the eggs and larvae. Be extremely careful, especially if you live in northwest Toronto or Vaughan, where outbreaks have already occurred, not to transport any wood debris/firewood any distance at all. However, there is no danger associated with transporting softwoods or kiln-dried hardwoods.
If you see signs of an infestation or attack, call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342.
Capture any adult beetles or larvae and keep them in a sealed jar on site.
The beetles pose no threat to human health and will not affect homes or workplaces.
For further information, go to the CFIA website at www.inspection.gc.ca.
More is being learned about the beetle all the time. This article's information updates earlier data published by the CFIA and will itself be subject to updates.

The costs of inaction could be enormous. While individuals will doubtless be motivated to act by the prospect of the loss of their everyday aesthetic enjoyment of a view, this is but one cost. In Canada, obvious losers would be tourism, the $100 million maple sugar industry, and the $11 billion forest products industry. Less obvious, but of enormous significance, is the potential disruption of the functioning of ecosystems and the provision of ecosystem services. For example, the loss of thousands of trees would remove much habitat vital for the survival of wildlife that we take for granted. Erosion of our already thin topsoils would be hastened. The contribution of those trees to the absorption of carbon dioxide would be lost. And in urban areas, such as Toronto, the loss of shade over pavement would greatly increase the production of ground-level ozone.

The earlier US experience offers three vital lessons for Canada. First, we have to act swiftly and resolutely. The US started by removing only those trees on which there had been sightings, simply because legislation did not permit the removal of trees on which there had been no such sightings. To obviate this shortcoming, the USDA obtained authority to use pesticide on trees around sightings. Last year in Chicago, some five years after the first sightings, only two trees had to be removed. The reliance on chemical pesticides was, however, heavy. Second, the US effort has been dependent upon the public for its cooperation in reporting sightings. Third, money is needed: US$138 million of federal, state and local funds has been spent on the US program to date to cover felling, chemical treatment and replanting (with some 7,570 trees having been replanted to date).

In dealing with the Toronto infestation, the City and the CFIA are hopeful that, by felling all potential host trees within 400 metres of a sighting, and by doing this during the winter when there is no adult beetle moving about, they will be able to kill off all forms of the pest. Some 14,000 trees will be removed in northwest Toronto and Vaughan. Mr. Ubbens has been very impressed and moved by the spirit of cooperation shown by the landowners involved. As he notes, in the urban areas, every tree is part of someone's everyday life. It is a heart-wrenching decision to report a tree infested and to see it, and so many around it, felled. Howard Stanley, of the CFIA, also remarks on the productive collaboration among all public sector bodies.

Residents of Muskoka, year-round and seasonal, and indeed residents throughout southern and central Ontario, will have to exhibit the same vigilance in monitoring their trees and the same commitment to the public good by reporting their findings. In addition, all of us should let our federal, provincial and local elected representatives know that we want to see sufficient public resources made available to eradicate this pest. In your calls, you should also urge that more be done to reduce Canada's vulnerability to invasive species in general. Environment Canada is coordinating the production, with the provinces and territories, of "Canada's national plan to address the threat of invasive alien species". When approved, likely in September this year, it will need money behind it. The Environment Commissioner of Ontario, in his 2003 report, has urged the provincial government to do much more to combat the threat of invasive species to biodiversity. The cutbacks in recent years have done much harm to the environment; the Asian Long-horned Beetle's presence is just further evidence of this shortsightedness in not maintaining our natural capital.

How well we fare in dealing with this beetle will also serve as an indicator of our readiness to combat other invasive species looming on the horizon. This January, the CFIA extended its wood packaging material entry controls to cover all countries of origin (other than the USA). The intent is to prevent any forest pest from being introduced into Canada. Time will tell how effective they are. Howard Stanley notes that the Brown Spruce Long-horned Beetle, an invasive species under eradication in Halifax, uses the same pathway as the Asian Long-horned Beetle and could come to Ontario. Closer to home, in Windsor, there is an infestation of the Emerald Ash Borer. This has already devastated millions of ash trees across the river in Detroit. Combating the spread of this 9 to 14 mm.-long, metallic-green beetle (with a 2.5 cm.-long larval form) is requiring the complete elimination of all ash trees in a 10 km.-wide and 30 km.-long belt around Windsor. If the clearing is not completed by April this year, there is a real possibility that the pest will spread to the rest of Ontario. There are over one billion ash trees in Ontario now and a good number of those are in Muskoka. Ironically, many were planted to replace those elms lost to Dutch Elm Disease.

The bottom line is clear: public funds have to be found fast and every individual has to commit to do their bit if we are to keep our hardwood forests.

Dark Skies

kristen@clientfirstcanada.com (Kristen Szykoluk) — Thu, 07 May 2020 20:15:58 GMT

Our night sky heritage

Dark skies practices are crucial around cottage lakes. They preserve the natural environment and the splendor of the night sky. Light pollution disrupts nocturnal wildlife behaviours, harming our local ecosystems. It also obscures views of stars and other celestial bodies, diminishing our connection to the cosmos. Shoreline light is reflected and magnified across the water and impacts your neighbours.

Town of Huntsville and Township of Lake of Bays by-laws regulate outdoor illumination to ensure responsible lighting, mitigate light pollution and conserve the night environment.

View Huntsville by-law . View Lake of Bays by-law .

Minimizing light pollution begins at home:

Use outdoor lighting where and when it’s needed, in the amount required, and no more.
Light the ground, not the sky. Use shielded (aka full cut-off) fixtures that only shine downwards.
Utilize controls such as timers or motion sensors.
Use light bulbs that do not emit violet and blue light as this is harmful to wildlife. (Reference: Light pollution has cut humanity’s ancient connection with the stars – but we can restore it by Or Graur)

The night sky is an essential part of our natural heritage. Ensure your outdoor lighting is dark-sky friendly. Visit the International Dark-Sky Association website for more information.

The Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation (LBHF) wants to raise everyone's awareness about the proper use of outdoor lighting.

The issue of light pollution exists in many places. A dark sky full of stars is a wonder that everyone enjoys, from the youngest children to the oldest of adults.

If you think about it, the night sky is an important part of our natural heritage. But with excessive outdoor lighting, even the stars are an endangered species. One unshielded light seen a mile away is many times brighter than the brightest stars in the sky. Those lights act collectively to reduce the stars and change Muskoka.

Muskoka is taking action

Muskoka has been a leader in protecting dark skies. Canada's first dark sky park is at Torrance Barrens. Our Township of Lake of Bays has bylaws that require lighting be aimed downward.

Excessive lighting wastes energy too

Outdoor lighting is one of the most inefficient uses of energy today. An outdoor light fixture that scatters light everywhere is like running your air conditioner with the windows open. Don't be a lighting litterbug.

With good lighting, we all win

There are many good reasons for artificial lighting at night. The judicious use of lighting can enhance safety and security. Lighting stairs or a driveway can make sense. We want people to light the ground, not the sky. Any dock lights should aim down and be used only when needed. Below we offer ideas for good lighting. We hope you will consider them.

Solutions that protect the beauty of our night skies

Use only good lighting. Quality designs are really just common sense approaches to lighting and how you use it. Let's educate ourselves about the principles of good outdoor lighting.

Use less lighting

Some architects and builders do not think of dark skies when they design structures. The result can be more fixtures than needed or placement of lights in inefficient places.

Eliminate glare

Glare never helps visibility, but it is a common form of light pollution. If a light is blinding, then it is too bright for the intended purpose. Glare becomes even more difficult as you get older. Solutions include lower wattage bulbs, fixtures that aim down or tinted or opaque glass.

Shine the light down

It is best to purchase light fixtures that have a covered top or that funnel the light toward the ground area. Water reflects light the most, so apply this thinking to your dock too.

Don't mount lights too high

Lights that are on high poles or mounted on trees stand out on the horizon and often spill light over neighbours and unintended places.

Use motion sensors or timers

These features will ensure the light is there when you need it but not all the time. A motion sensor light still offers a sense of security. A timer ensures the light isn't wasting electricity when it is not needed.

Use lower wattage bulbs or dimmers

We often light areas as if we are trying to water a flower pot with a lawn sprinkler. By reviewing your outdoor lights for brightness, you can save energy costs and save our stars at the same time.

Consider your neighbours

Conduct a lighting self-assessment of your property for what your neighbours see at night. This includes next door neighbours and those across the water. Just like not playing music that is too loud, we suggest lights that are not too bright.

Thank you for thinking about dark skies. Let's save our stars!

Development Rules

kristen@clientfirstcanada.com (Kristen Szykoluk) — Thu, 07 May 2020 20:09:33 GMT

Know The Rules

The Township of Lake of Bays has a shoreline vegetation protection system known as t h e Development Permit System (DPS) . This law was supported by the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation and the Lake of Bays Association. It took effect January 1, 2006.

The DPS also serves as the new planning system designed to combine and replace zoning, site plan and minor variance applications in one streamlined process. It is intended to protect the environment and make local government more efficient.

It is important that all waterfront property owners understand the DPS before they consider altering their shoreline, building structures such as docks and boat houses or removing vegetation.

The General Rules to follow are as follows (reprinted from a Township brochure):

Removal of any vegetation within 66 feet or 100 feet of the water's edge requires a Development Permit, depending on the lake your property is on.
A Shoreline Activity Area (SAA) is the area where shoreline structures and human activity (including cleared areas) may be located. A property may have two of these areas, and cumulatively they must not exceed 25% of the shoreline, or 76 feet, whichever is the lesser.
Depending upon the lake your property is on, the setback for structures from the water's edge may be either 66 feet or 100 feet.
A development Permit may be required prior to the site alteration or removing vegetation within wetlands, steep slopes, or identified natural heritage areas.
These guidelines are a very small excerpt of the entire by-law. Please consult the entire by-law, as well as other supporting information available at the Township web site at www.lakeofbays.ca

The objective of this by-law is to protect the critical environmental area where water meets land, known as the Riparian Zone. The place is vital to the survival of much of the natural life in the area. The DPS will also protect the beauty of the area so that the view from your dock (and your neighbours) is mostly natural.

Shoreline Protection

kristen@clientfirstcanada.com (Kristen Szykoluk) — Thu, 07 May 2020 20:04:36 GMT

Shorelines are a critical and sensitive link between land and water. The land and shallow water that meet at the water's edge provide a nursery for the wildlife in the waterway. Here, fish spawn, aquatic insects find mates, waterfowl nest and turtles scramble ashore to lay their eggs. When development destroys the vegetation that feeds and protects this shoreline nursery, all living things in the water are affected.

A dense strip of natural vegetation is an important buffer that filters rainwater that runs over the surface of the land. Shrubs, trees, grasses and wildflowers all play an important role in removing sediment from this surface runoff, and promoting its percolation into the soil - further cleaning the water and recharging groundwater supplies.

A thick network of roots from a variety of waterfront plants helps to keep shoreline soil on land where it belongs, not in waterways. Soil eroding into waterways contaminates spawning beds, which reduces fish populations.

Think of your human neighbours too! Our survey of residents found that the number one priority is to protect our natural shoreline for appearances as well as nature.

Consider the following points for your shoreline:

Allow the shoreline to return to its natural state, or plant native species or flowers, grasses and shrubs;
Aim for a naturalized area extending at least 10 met res back from shore;
Avoid hard barriers such as concrete walls and gabion baskets. If possible, remove retaining walls;
Limit shoreline alteration to no more than 25 percent of your shoreline;
Shoreline vegetation also helps to protect water quality; and,
Manicured areas act like hard surfaces when it rains. More than 50% of rainfall can run off straight into the lake along with fertilizers, pesticides, pet waste, etc

Conservation Easements and Land Trusts

kristen@clientfirstcanada.com (Kristen Szykoluk) — Thu, 07 May 2020 19:52:58 GMT

Land Trusts and Conservation Easements

The undeveloped stretches of the Lake of Bays shoreline are a special part of the lake's natural heritage. Conservation easements and land trusts can ensure that they retain their special place for future generations.

The Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation provides assistance to residents seeking permanent protection of their lands through a land trust donation or acquisition, conservation easement or other means.

Depending on the method chosen, landowners can maintain the use and enjoyment of their property and may receive income tax and property tax benefits. A conservation easement is a voluntary agreement by which a landowner enters into a binding legal agreement with a conservation body to "conserve, maintain, restore or enhance" the significant natural features of the landowner's property by placing conditions on the use and management of the property. Attached to the title of the land, the easement is a way to protect the natural attributes of a property in perpetuity. This involves placing development limits on a property, but all other rights remain with the property owner.

A "land trust" is a legal entity set up specifically for the purpose of protecting heritage properties. By donating land to such a trust, the owner can receive a charitable tax receipt (for fair market value) for tax planning needs and also know that the land will be protected forever in its natural state. The Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation is such a Trust, as are the Ontario Heritage Trust or the Muskoka Heritage Trust. These Trusts are charitable corporations and adhere to the policies and principles of the Ontario Land Trust Alliance and hold properties throughout Muskoka. The Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation also works as a local partner to monitor sites and ensure properties are not disturbed. Conservation easements likewise are administered through a land trust.

Land Trust Example

The decision in 2004 by the late Ross Boothby is a great example of creativity in conservation and raised interest from many people around the lake. In his case, he arranged for a large parcel of land to be purchased at below market value by the Ontario Heritage Foundation (OHF). The Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation facilitated this transaction by raising the funds from private donors and also acts as custodian of the land for the OHF.

As protectors of the Boothby land, we established rules that prohibit camping, fires, snow mobiles, ATVs or any activity that would detract from the pristine quality. These rules are in keeping with the family wishes and LBHF volunteers will monitor. The land is held by the OHF which was created by the Government of Ontario several decades ago for the purpose of conserving valuable pieces or land or built heritage. If the OHF should ever cease to exist (unlikely), the title ownership on the Boothby land transfers to the LBHF.

Conservation Easement Examples

Several years ago, the Goering family on Lake of Bays placed a conservation easement on several hundred feet of their shoreline, to keep it natural forever while still enjoying their cottage.

In the fall of 2003, a conservation easement was placed on a total of 11 acres that include 939 feet of pristine natural shoreline on Longline Lake, in our watershed just east of Muskoka Road 117. LBHF worked with the Muskoka Land Trust to complete the documents and legal work. The owners are three sisters - Elisabeth Stewart, Megan Winstanley and Martha Lewis - and our community is indebted to them for preserving a piece of nature in perpetuity.

If you are interested in learning more about land trusts and conservation easements from the LBHF, please contact the chair of our Natural Heritage Committee, Mark McLean (416) 944-0631.

Jay's Paddle

kristen@clientfirstcanada.com (Kristen Szykoluk) — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 16:56:53 GMT

This work, entitled Jay’s Paddle, is an educational resource expressed through craftwork and design. It was created by one of our board members to address the ecological crisis that our planet is facing while reinforcing the evolutionary forces that have shaped our living planet.

When the Lower Oxtongue Paddle Guide (also included in this section of the website) was first published, the Township invited local artists to donate their time and talents to depict, on paddles, an artistic expression of the lower Oxtongue River to promote the guidebook and the heritage value of the river.

Approximately 10 paddles were created over a period of one month and placed throughout the township (restaurants, museums, stores) to draw attention to the availability of this Paddle Guide and promote the river as a scenic attraction for paddlers. They were all quite different in both subject and artistic styles. Jay’s Paddle is one of our favourites.

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