BLUE LAKES PROJECT

The MPOA received our Certified Blue Lakes designation in 2023, thanks to the hard work of the Blue Lakes Committee. The ecolabel is a free, voluntary method of environmental certification that recognizes the adoption of lake stewardship principles or practices. Ecolabels are found around the world.

While much of the Committee’s efforts have been on combating Eurasian Water-Milfoil, a highly invasive water species found in the Lake in recent years, you can read about some of the other program highlights here:

Performance Area 1: Habitat Conservation and Biodiversity

Provide a FREE milkweed seed program in support of declining Monarch Habitat. Since this initiative launched, we have distributed thousands of seeds over the years. Seeds are mailed by Canada Post to participants in the winter for germination in March/April and planting in May/June; and in July/Aug for germination in September and planting in October. If you wish to participate, please email communications@lakemazinaw.ca with your mailing address and a packet of seeds will be mailed to your address of choice.
Promote the Dark Skies at Night and Fireworks reduction education campaign pursuant to habitat conservation and protecting biodiversity

Performance Area 2: Shoreline Health

Launched and continue to promote free Shoreline naturalization programs, offered by both the MVCA and Watershed Canada (separate programs)
Revamped the website with Ribbon of life info
Published and promoted the MVCA drought and flood resistant plant lists to the website, distributed in e-blast and posted to social media
Participate in the MVCA Tree Days Program (in 2022 and 2025 combined the program distributed nearly 600 trees and shrubs to participating property owners)
N.B. For Lake Tree Day 2025 participants: The MVCA have scheduled pick up for June 14th 2025 at “Tappings Bay Boat Launch” on North Mazinaw Heights Road from 10:30am to 12:30pm. To avoid everyone coming at the same time, the MVCA are asking participants to sign up for their preferred time by emailing the program manager Kayla Cuddy . If you are unable to collect your plants during the pickup time please arrange with a neighbor or friend to collect them. Or pick up at the MVCA Carleton Place office during the week. Please let Kayla know if you are planning to make alternate arrangements. For pick up day info sheet explaining what to expect and how you can prepare to help the pick up go smoothly, participants are asked to refer to Kayla’s email instructions.

Performance Area 3: Herbicides, pesticides, septics, and nutrient management

Revamped the website and social media channels with critical septic bed information
Spoke to Council re mandatory septic testing July 20th 2023. Continued pursuit of government and/or non-profit support through FOCA and the NFLAA
Investigated biodegradable tablets used to test septic systems and detect overflow

Performance Area 4: Community Science Monitoring and Nature-Connectedness

Participated in the FOCA ISample Program in 2022 and again in 2023
- the 2022 program tests for zebra mussels, spiny waterflea
- the 2023 program tests for European water chestnut, and Water soldier
Worked with the MVCA to upload historical Lake Health testing to the MPOA website
Researched Water Rangers kits and other kit sources for community science testing

Performance Area 5: Invasive Species Management

Delineate colonies with in water markers to prevent further spread of EWM invasive species
Quantify EWM areas to substantiate issue statement and monitor growth, where applicable and as needed
Produced various formats of EWM education and awareness via all mixed platforms catering to all audiences from seniors to youth and for those without computers or internet
Erect cautionary land signs at boat launch areas
Researched and make recommendations on the most effective and Health Canada approved treatment options
Lobby government for various levels of support and clarity on their roles in managing aquatic invasives
Worked with MVCA to produce a new 2025 brochure of invasive species that are of top concern in the area

Performance Area 6: Social Outreach and Education

Ongoing website updates with relevant webinars and educational opportunities to in turn post to Social Media (ongoing)
Explored several potential University partnerships re EWM issues
Signed up for Ulink program

Performance Area 7: Reconciliation, Humility and Kindness

Work towards building these relationships so that we can honor Indigenous Peoples in an appropriate way

Performance Area 8: Lake Database

Developing an app with the Blue Lakes Program whereby all Lake Data from the MVCA; iSample program, etc has been shared with Blue Lakes
All historical Lake Data (ie phosphorus levels, MVCA reports) uploaded to the MPOA website and shared with MPOA members (to be added to our new website soon).

The Blue Lakes program is designed in a way that any Lake Steward or new Committee members can advance each focus area in perpetuity.

The committee works towards promoting the health and integrity of the lake, and report on the success of their efforts at year’s end. Those who reach their goals are awarded the Blue Flag, which they can fly to signify their successful participation in the program each year.

To keep the designation, each year a self assessment Scorecard is used to track all accomplishments each year against their goals. This is submitted annually to maintain the ecolabel. Success will be measured by a group's or individual's ability to improve and advance each year.

The program runs in one-year cycles. Maintaining our designation requires continuous enrollment and participation in the program. To remain enrolled, the MPOA and the Mazinaw Blue Lakes Committee will continue tackling the goals set out in each focus area, with much of our efforts on combatting Eurasian Water Milfoil, a highly invasive water species found in the Lake. We are always looking for volunteers so please reach out if interested: communications@lakemazinaw.com

Free Milkweed Program

Some Blue Lakes Projects to Date:

The MPOA launched a FREE milkweed seed program for our members with the goal to distribute 100,000 milkweed seeds to property owners for planting a "Monarch Milkweed Way" on the roads surrounding the Lake or anywhere sunny on your property. Milkweed is the only source of food and sustenance for monarch caterpillars; and is a rest stop and nectar for butterflies. It is the only plant monarchs will lay their eggs on. Monarchs have been declining by alarming rates since the 90's. but they're critical pollinators, just like bees, and play a major role in preserving Mazinaw Lake's ecosystem and biodiversity by virtue of their role in the eco-chain. Providing seeds to property owners is a 'SMART' goal for our lake

Dark Skies Program

Our Lake Steward is calling on MPOA members to participate in the Dark Skies at Night Program. Lights, especially near the shore, increase algal production and mosquito activity. Furthermore, areas where outdoor lights shine all night long, can have drastic effects on the health of Lake Mazinaw because artificial night lighting interferes with the natural cycle of day and night for all lake species. Light sends signals to all living things telling them when to eat, sleep, mate, and migrate. Any change to this regular pattern of light and dark as a result of light pollution can cause confusion, disorientation, and even death. Simply turning your lights off at night, is a 'SMART' goal for our lake, as defined by the Blue Lakes Program (explained in our SpringNewsletter) and meets our Board mandate to promote and protect the health of the Lake.

Fireworks and Noise Pollution

Did you know that loud fireworks have extremely harmful effects on Lake Mazinaw's health? Fireworks cause a great amount of fear, stress and anxiety in wild animals, not to mention it is a fire hazard and produces chemical and mineral pollutants when set off. Birds and mammals will abandon their nests, leaving their defenceless babies behind. The panic of the ordeal can cause disorientation, decreasing the ability for wildlife to locate their homes. It's not just fireworks that harms Lake Mazinaw - motorized vehicles, watercraft and human disturbance also play a part. Human-generated noise has negative impacts on the communication, distribution, foraging, reproduction and homeostasis of a range of species, including amphibians, arthropods, birds, fish, mammals, molluscs and reptilians. Refraining from fireworks and other recreational noise pollution is a 'SMART' goal for our lake, as defined by the Blue Lakes Program and meets our Board mandate to promote and protect the health of the Lake.

Community Science Monitoring and Nature-Connectedness

Community Science is a great way to build community and gravitate around a common purpose: the health of Lake Mazinaw. Participating in Community Science is rewarding and fosters a greater appreciation and knowledge, expertise and insights into the natural world.

The MPOA Blue Lakes Committee welcomes any interested individuals to help collect various types of data on the Lake! Participating in Community science is a 'SMART' goal for our lake, as defined by the Blue Lakes Program and meets our Board mandate to promote and protect the health of the Lake.

There are 3 Lake Monitoring streams for Lake Mazinaw as follows:

1. Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) Monitoring (phosphorus, oxygen levels, temperature):

The MVCA water quality data collection for Mazinaw is done 3 times a year on a 2-year rotation, with sampling taking place in May (spring), July (summer), and September (fall) to get a representation of different seasonal effects on the water quality. The water quality parameters tested include calcium levels (spring only), total phosphorus levels, secchi depth, pH, temperature and dissolved oxygen. They will be sampling Mazinaw Lake again in 2025.

2. MPOA Monitoring - IsampleON Invasive Species Awareness and Monitoring Program:

a. In 2022, the MPOA enrolled Lake Mazinaw into the IsampleON Invasive Species Awareness and Monitoring Program for Lakes Education Ontario, brought to us by the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations and the Invasive Species Centre.There were two sampling methods used. The first report attached herein had the results from using the haul net method, and the other report attached herein used the eDNA method. The results were negative, however, it cannot be overemphasized that a negative result is NOT a guarantee that zebra mussels, spiny waterflea and other invading species do not exist in the lake. Proper precautions should always be taken in order to prevent the potential spread of invading aquatic species.

b. The MPOA enrolls in the same IsampleON Invasive Species Awareness and Monitoring Program, offered by the Federation of Ontario Cottagers Association when its available. Target species in 2022 included invasive mussels and spiny waterflea and target species in 2023 included European water chestnut (Trapa natans), and Water soldier (Stratiotes aloides). Lab testing of samples collected have thus far been negative.