Flora
Lake Huron e-news January 2010
Submitted by Geoff.Peach on January 1, 2010 - 7:37pm
It's a Wonderful Life
This new year celebrates the International Year of Biodiversity. Over the course of 2010, e-news will include topics that are linked to biodiversity - and more specifically, coastal biodiversity.… continue reading »
Herbicides urged for beach grass
Submitted by Ross Klopp on September 29, 2009 - 12:57amBy DENIS LANGLOIS, OWEN SOUND SUN TIMES STAFF
It seems unusual for a self-described "tree hugger" to defend using a chemical herbicide, but wetland ecologist Janis Gilbert says it's the most effective method to control the invasive common reed that is threatening local shorelines and wetlands.
The Ministry of Natural Resources ecologist said the aggressive, robust grass -- which has taken over the sandy beach area and edges of streams at Owen Sound's Kelso Beach Park -- causes significant harm to native plants and ecosystems once it colonizes.
Herbicides with glyphosate -- Roundup Ultra 2 in Canada -- have proven most effective at controlling the alien species, she said. The downside: the chemical also kills native plants living among the phragmites australis.… continue reading »
Update on Beach Conditions Plan
Submitted by Ross Klopp on September 7, 2009 - 3:53pm
Date:
Wednesday, September 9, 2009 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm At the recent Bruce Beach Association meeting considerable concern was expressed by residents about the deteriorating condition of our beachfront. Access and the ability to walk unobstructed as well as weed invasion were the main issues tabled.
Your Executive has taken these concerns seriously and begun a dialogue with other stakeholders to determine how the situation can be improved while maintaining the integrity of the dune structure and native vegetation.… continue reading »
Beach Grass Misconceptions
Submitted by Ross Klopp on August 14, 2009 - 2:04pmHere is a very interesting article that negates a lot of theories concerning beach grass and its stabilization of the beach and sand erosion.
Beach Grass Letter
Submitted by Ross Klopp on August 13, 2009 - 4:00pmThe following is a letter that Gregg Buchanan received from the township. It is self explanatory but contradicts the message that Keith MacDonald received from the Huron-Kinloss council.… continue reading »
Beach Grass Removal
Submitted by Ross Klopp on August 6, 2009 - 5:59pmOn Wednesday, August 5th, Keith MacDonald, the president of the Bruce Beach Cottagers' Association, attended the Huron-Kinloss Township Council meeting. At this meeting he was asked by Mayor Mitch Twolan to address the council regarding the concerns of the Beach Association. Keith mentioned that the Bruce Beach cottagers were concerned about the over-growth of the beach and the problems with the bi-law officer concerning the removal of grass from the beach.
Keith received the direction from council that the bi-law officer would be instructed to no longer harass the cottagers found digging or pulling grass along the shoreline so that there could be a clear section along the water's edge to walk the beach but that the beach was not to be clear cut right back to the cottages, a dune area must be preserved back from the water's edge.
Hogweed Article
Submitted by Ross Klopp on July 26, 2009 - 8:32pm
Hogweed
Interesting article about the Giant Hogweed plant that is prevalent particularily in some of the gullies along Bruce Beach..
Algae Staying Away, Hogweed Creeping In
Submitted by Ross Klopp on July 25, 2009 - 9:50pmHuron Kinloss
by James Morgan
It's nothing out of National Geographic or a documentary film, but Mother Nature is doing interesting things in Huron-Kinloss.
Mayor Mitch Twolan says algae is in shallow areas of Lake Huron but it hasn't washed up on shore like it usually does during the summer.
He attributes that to the cooler than usual weather and water temperatures this summer, and adds while that's good for keeping algae away, it's not the best for swimmers wanting warmer water.
While the algae is staying away, Giant Hogweed is creeping in. …continue reading…
The Minister of Natural Resources, Donna Cansfield, made a quick, and somewhat unexpected, trip to Sauble Beach
Submitted by beachcomber on July 20, 2009 - 5:26pmWorth a moment to note the wide,pristine sandy beach that provides a home for the Piping Plover at Sauble Beach! See the article about the Minister of Natural Resources who visited the beach.… continue reading »
Recent workshop on the Invasive Common Reed grass [Phragmites australis]
Submitted by Geoff.Peach on May 3, 2009 - 11:47amThe Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation recently held a workshop on the management of Common on Lake Huron beaches on April 3, 2009 in Southampton, ON.
Presentations from the workshop can be found on the Centre's website at www.lakehuron.ca.… continue reading »
