I am writing this message on Family Day in Ontario, an appropriate day to be thinking of Bruce Beach family traditions and visits, and to be thankful for the special community our families have built over many generations. But no community is an island unto itself. We, individually, and collectively as an Association, are increasingly connected to the larger world around us-neighbouring beaches and towns, Huron Kinloss Township, Bruce County, and provincial and federal legislative bodies responsible for the environment. - in which we have particular interest. More specifically, we are but one part of the extensive shoreline in Huron Kinloss Township that extends from Boiler Beach almost to Amberley.
A compelling example of this need to connect and work with others is the appearance of large amounts of Cladophora algae along our shoreline this past year. Until 2007 we had been spared this invasion that other shorelines across most of the Great Lakes had experienced, likely because the phosphorous flowing into the water was dissipated into the main body of the lake. Today, low lake levels, the presence of a rocky lake bed, and large concentrations of zebra and quagga mussels (they filter and purify the water so more sunlight can reach the rocky beds, and they ingest and excrete phosphates into the shallow waters) all combine in a complex process to grow large crops of algae between April and July. These flora break away from the rocky bed during late summer and fall storms and are deposited on the beach. If left on the beach the algae blooms rot and eventually ebb back into the water where - in large concentrations - they create a mud-like substance on the lake bottom (as experienced at Pt Clark and Lurgan Beach last summer). This rotting Cladophora is absorbed by the mussels; then bottom-feeding goby fish eat the toxic mussels, and later, water fowl eat the infected gobies-a cycle that is thought to lead to the increasing death rates of water fowl along the shoreline due to the consumption of toxic E botulism. As individuals we can not control the epidemic growth of the mussel and goby populations, nor the rapidly declining lake level, but we can use phosphate-free fertilizers, dishwasher and laundry detergents. And, we can lobby for legislation to reduce phosphate flow from farms and encourage the construction of storm water runoff ponds and filtering devices for the creeks and rivers that flow into the lake, and urge local politicians to make budget decisions that will help to cleanup the lake and beaches.
During the past two years the BBCA - in concert with the Pt. Clark and Lurgan Beach Associations - has initiated meetings to communicate our concerns to Township elected officials and staff , and to encourage appropriate action . Some examples include: the publication of a Beach Stewardship Guide (available on theTownship web site); the Township assuming responsibility for the beaches from the Ministry of the Environment (who were absentee landlords!); regular meetings with the Mayor; the Township consulting with BBCA about impending decisions that affect shoreline residents (the septic inspection program; a parking plan for visitors to the beach at the 8th Concession to enhance safety for both visitors and local residents, and to enable emergency vehicles to reach cottages and the beach, if necessary); the ongoing Township program to eradicate and control the Phragmites Australis invasive weed along the entire Township shoreline; and, the plan to assist us in removing future large deposits of algae from Township beaches by investing in equipment and manpower.
But, these local efforts are not sufficient. We need to expand our efforts to the County and Provincial level. Bruce County is far behind Huron County in the level of investment in programs to improve the environment along the shoreline. We also need to encourage our Township to work more closely with Kincardine Township. No one seems to question what the Penetangore River, other rivers, creeks, water treatment discharge pipes, and storm water discharge sites to the north of us might be dumping into the lake - all of which are likely to flow south to Huron Kinloss beaches. And, the MP and MPP for Huron/Bruce must be lobbied so they will argue for funds to improve the quality of our near shore waters and beaches. So, in this my last message, I implore future BBCA Executives to continue working with others in the broader communities to ensure that our grandchildren and great grandchildren will enjoy a safe, clean beach environment; and that our property investment continues to retain its value.
It has been a privilege and an enriching experience to serve as President; and I encourage anyone who is asked to serve in the future to seriously consider the opportunity to assume a leadership role for a few years. I would be remiss if I did not extend my sincere thanks to all members of the Executive and the Area Councillors for their support and assistance over the past two years. I especially wish to thank Ross Klopp, Bob Cunningham and Peter Newson for their wise counsel and continuing efforts on behalf of the Association; Karen Gaudino for her support of the Executive semi-annual meeting and the annual BBQ; and, my fellow beach Presidents Don Thorpe (Pt Clark) and Doug Brown(Lurgan Beach and Blairs Grove) for their co-operation and strong leadership as we opened communication lines and forged constructive links with the Township.
Barry McPherson, President