Bras d'Or HE LUE ERON TThe Bras B d’Or Stewardship H Society P.O. Box 158, , B0E 1B0 St y ew iet ardship Soc

VOLUME VIII JULY 2005 NO. 2 everal issues have been brought responsibility and engage in local Sto the Society’s attention since issues. This local level commitment January 2005. One curiously interesting will have long-term global impact. NOTICE criticism that has been recently directed The process of globalization now to the Society is that there are too has become almost a mantra of sorts THE SEMI-ANNUAL many ‘organizations’ involved in the as world economics become more MEETING OF THE SOCIETY integrated and the need for natural present and future stewardship of the WILL BE HELD AT THE Bras d’Or Lakes and its watershed. resources grow excessively to fuel This perception does not seem the rapacious global economy. BADDECK COMMUNITY to embrace the notion, the more the The fact that there are a number HALL ON AUGUST 13, 2005 merrier. Society Chairman Pat Bates of agencies and volunteer groups AT 2:00 PM. addresses this conundrum in his article working on the behalf of protecting entitled “Good Stewardship: A Love and conserving the Bras d’Or Lakes ALL MEMBERS ARE INVITED Affair With The Bras d’0r.” and its watershed should be positively TO ATTEND AS WELL AS Many years ago a publication known viewed as a veritable ‘personifi cation’ INTERESTED CITIZENS WHO of the notion of ‘the politics of place’ at as The Whole Earth Quarterly, an ARE CONCERNED WITH THE eclectic journalistic endeavor that work at the local level. The key is to evolved from Stewart Brand’s Whole act locally, but think globally. The more FUTURE STEWARDSHIP OF Earth Catalogue, printed an article people do this, the greater will be the THE BRAS D’OR LAKES. entitled “THE POLITICS OF PLACE”. enhancement of knowledge leading to The theme being that if one desires to a better understanding of the challenge make an impact on the global picture, of the politics of place as it pertains it together, common causes, and a person must be willing fi rst to ‘act’ to the responsible stewardship of the enlightened self-interest. The politics of locally and ‘think’ globally. Bras d’Or and creating a dedicated place has to do it concretively, getting The “politics of place” embrace the conservation constituency. neighbors interested in something, obvious principle that the individual In this edition of the Blue Heron, working together to do it, letting fi rst must have the will to take local the overriding theme is, indeed, the other neighbors see the work, make ‘politics of place’. Combine Catherine judgments, and perhaps join the next Godwin’s article, Pat Bates’s step, the next work.” In This Issue contribution and Bruce Hatcher’s piece Page on the reconstitution of the Bras d’Or Institute together and the message The Whole Earth Quarterly News Items 2 & 4 is none other than that described in Summer 1981 the following paragraph by Karl Hess Good Stewardship 3 in his article ‘The Politics of Place” published in the summer 1981 Whole Maintaining Your Onsite Sewage Earth Quarterly: Disposal System 4 “The politics of place has one thing in Water Accessibility & common with any other kind of politics or, indeed, any other social endeavor. “Our goal is to Management Around the Bras It involves constituency. Put it another d’Or 5 way it involves friends and envisioning protect, conserve neighborly relations. Conventional and restore the Global Water Concerns Reflected politics does it rhetorically, as in Bras d’Or Lakes” in The Arm of Gold 7 merchandising, using the lingo pulling

www.baddeck.com/bss and Labor and Natural Resources enhance its marina capacity. The met with a group of concerned community wharf has undergone NEWS ITEMS: citizens to discuss the closure plan. major improvements that will be an ANNUAL GENERAL It was decided that monitoring of the asset to recreational boaters and closure of the site be overseen by a tourists. The wharf will provide MEETING: selected third party entity to avoid sewage pump out services to boat The Annual General Meeting of any doubts regarding partisanship. owners, a first for Whycocomagh the Society was held on March 22, A summary of the meeting has been Bay. The Whycocomagh waterfront 2005 at the provided in a report entitled, “Report also has a new resort facility with Museum. Close to 35 individuals on the Community Consultation on the capability of providing seminar turned out. There was both lively and the Closure of the Crowdis Mountain and conference facilities as well as provocative discussion regarding the Septage Disposal Site”. high quality tourist accommodations. proposed strip mining on Boularderie Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation Island. MLA Gerald Sampson spoke MACKINNON’S has provided funds for this project regarding his support of the promoting HARBOR SURVIVAL with a proposed cost of good stewardship of the Bras d’Or ASSOCIATION: $250,000.00 as well as assisted the Lakes. MLA Sampson also reiterated new Keltic Key Resort. his stance against strip mining. At the May board meeting of the Society held at the Highland Village in Iona CANADA SCHOOL OF BRAS D’OR INSTITUTE representatives of the MacKinnon’s PUBLIC SERVICE: RECONSTITUTED: Harbor Survival Association made a presentation regarding changes June 20-23, 2005 - by Lynn Cape Breton University has elected to in the dredging regulations for the Baechler fund and staff The Bras d’Or Institute, entrance to MacKinnon’s Harbor. As in the past, a representative from an entity that once held an important The Nova Scotian Department of the Bras d’Or Stewardship Society role in studying island wide issues. Natural Resources will no longer was invited to speak to public service Bruce Hatcher, the new director, has allow dredging spoils to be deposited managers, attending a Leadership summarized this welcomed turn of in the present location. The entrance Development Module located in events in this newsletter. (See Bras to MacKinnon’s Harbor was opened Sydney, Cape Breton. d’Or Institute Revitalized) several years ago to allow boats The format was a dialogue session, to enter. The society has written a where our Board member presented SOCIETY PROVIDES letter to the association supporting the challenges and successes we have SCHOLARSHIP: their efforts to continue to dredge the experienced as a non-governmental entrance to McKinnon’s Harbor On June 22, 2005 a board member of organization (NGO) working in the the Society presented Alex MacAulay ROSS’S FERRY environmental sector in the Bras d’Or with a fi ve hundred dollar cheque as a Lakes watershed. stipend for continuing his education. MARINE PARK: Alex was chosen as the winner of The Ross’s Ferry Stewardship 2005 MEMBERSHIP the first scholarship provided by Society applied for and received CAMPAIGN: the society to a graduating high a substantial amount of funds to This year’s membership campaign school student who resides in the upgrade the old ferry wharf. Funds is a head of the total funds raised in Bras d’ or Lakes watershed. Alex totaling $250,000.00 dollars are being 2004, but our number of contributors essay was selected as the winning provided by Enterprise Cape Breton is down. Each year the society entry. His essay is reproduced in the Corporation and the Municipality of requires support through membership current newsletter. (See article by Victoria to carry our the upgrades contributions. We hope that you will Jim 0’Brien) which will provide a pump out station, continue to contribute and support the a wharf for boats to tie along side as Society’s efforts. CLOSURE OF CROWDIS well as a concrete ramp to launch MT. SEWAGE LAGOON: boats. 2005 SEMI-ANNUAL On April 14, 205 a meeting was held at the Middle River Community Hall WHYCOCOMAGH MEETING: to discuss the close out plan of the WHARF This meeting will be held on August sewage lagoon on Crowdis Mountain. IMPROVEMENTS: 13, 2005. No speaker has been Representatives from the Nova scheduled for this date. The board Scotia Department of Environment The SS Marion Society is undertaking a community wharf upgrade to Contʼd on page 4 Page 2 www.baddeck.com/bss two categories of participating the center of many initiatives and Good Stewardship: groups with mandates to function planning activity, all resourced at with the Bras d’Or Watershed. their respective offi ces in Eskasoni. A Love Affair with One is the cluster of Municipal- The Collaborative Environmental The Bras d’Or Provincial-Federal authorities that Planning Initiative (CEPI) is the have legitimate function under mechanism though which all By Pat Bates law that they are entitled and we interested groups may participate in haracteristically, we Canadians expect to enforce. Over the past the work of planning for the long-term Care perceived as a rather placid four years a measure of order has protection of the Bras d’Or Lakes. people who are not readily disposed been established under the title of We all share an open forum. We also to displaying emotion or our feelings Sustainable Community Initiatives share, as a volunteer organization on any subject. Yet, there is evidence (SCI) enabling all agencies to better a desire to create consensus on that we are starting to change from coordinate their work related to the problem solving that will lead to this style of conduct at last in a manner watershed. An allied component of responsible and accountable action in which our appreciation for the Bras this cluster is a relatively new form on all issues. d’Or Lakes is concerned. The notion whereby the Mayors, Wardens and that we take things for granted, First Nations Chiefs or their delegates especially care of such a great come together in a coordinating group resource and natural phenomena as called the Pitu’paq Committee. These the Bras d’Or, is disappearing. Some actions represent a consolidation of us are convinced that improved and unifi cation of the work of various “A View From communication built on the lever of administrative and legal authorities. education and elements of public This is a huge improvement over the My Deck” awareness is hopefully turning past practices of dispersal of best By Mabel MacEachern, our attention to the importance efforts. Board Member of preserving and protecting the Critical to the work of protecting the ave you ever been awakened by Bras d’Or Lakes. The reasonable Bras d’Or Lakes is the existence of the haunting sound of a loon? question to be asked, I believe, is H (and growing) number of community Have you ever watched the beauty who is minding the store?” economic development organizations of an eagle soaring so near that you A strange observation has been made around the Lakes. These entities know you saw it blink? Or perhaps you to me on a number of occasions. represent a growing interest by just sat & watched as a continuous It goes something like this, “I think citizens in promoting the economic stream of hummingbirds spent their there are too many organizations and social well being of their small day feasting on the sweet solution in involved on the Bras d’Or. Why can’t communities. the feeder. Sound too tranquil to be they come together into one?” true? Well, these are just a few of This marshalling of community the pleasures that I experience on my I am not sure what prompts this interest extends to all activities on or deck each & every summer, being a comment because people who near the Lakeshore. are responsible offer it; they are resident of Irishvale, located on the A few examples of such initiatives concerned about the health of Bras d’Or Lake. I am lucky enough to would include the Ben Eoin/East the Lakes. Sometimes we do not witness nature in its truest form, and Bay Development Association, the communicate as well as we should it is a gift that I treasure, and hope to Ben Eoin Camp Site, the Lions Club and unfortunately, although we for many years to come. Marina at St. Peter’s, the Marble have good media venues on Cape I have witnessed many changes in Mountain Wharf and Waterfront Breton, we have not managed to the landscape over the years I have Association, the Orangedale establish a single media format that resided there. When I spent my fi rst Community Group including Denys can provide coverage of all news summer there, the “Million Dollar Pond, the Whycocomagh Wharf items and public notices that have Stretch” of highway winding through and Community Association, the relevance and application to each Irish Cove was not there. Nor was the Ross’s Ferry Stewardship Society, and every community bordering the limestone quarry, although for many the MacKinnon’s Harbor Survival Bras d’Or Lakes. I believe it was Dr. years, the evidence was visible that Association, the Baddeck Harbor Teresa Mac Neil who said on one one existed; a complete eyesore to Development Commission and the occasion that the Bras D’Or is not the community, but thankfully, it has MacNeil’s Cove Mooring Group. yet a community of communities. been replaced by a beautiful green The Unimaki Institute of Natural Back to the point, ‘too many space. Resources and the Eskasoni Fish groups’. I beg to differ! There are and Wildlife Commission are at Contʼd on page 5 www.baddeck.com/bss Page 3 News Items Contʼd has decided to engage a facilitator to Maintaining Your Onsite discuss in an open forum topics that concern all who are interested in the Sewage Disposal System future stewardship of the Bras d’Or By Kelly Morrison Lakes and its watershed. Sharon Carter SILTATION IN WEST BAY: Concern has been registered regarding ver wonder where the stuff we for bacterial action to re-establish the level of siltation from run off into Eflush or pour down the drain itself. the Bras d’Or in the West Bay area. goes? Well, if you live in a rural area One thought to keep in mind is that Speculation is that the discoloration it most likely goes to your own onsite planting trees and shrubs (especially of the water along the shoreline and sewage disposal system (OSSDS). willows or poplars) near the disposal in a barrachois area is a product On site sewage disposal systems fi eld is risky because their roots travel of land excavation, which includes treat and dispose of your everyday signifi cant distances to seek water ditching, land preparation and general household sewage. An on-site system and can plug or damage the pipes. run off. Siltation can lead to habitat includes a septic tank and a disposal Also never water the grass over the degradation and affect water quality. field that work hand in hand to 5000 HECTARES treat wastewater. SPRAYED TO COMBAT Every time you BUDWORM: flush, shower or On July 5, 2005 spraying was completed pour something over 5000 hectares of forest in the Cape down the drain Breton Highlands to combat the black- the septic system headed spruce budworm infestation. receives and treats The control product known ad BTK it. (bacillus thuringienis kurstaki) was An onsite system is used to combat the infestation. a recycling system This budworm infestation covers that uses natural 114,000 hectares of balsam fi r forest. p r o c e s s e s t o As always, there is concern about treat and dispose watershed contamination from the of ‘sewage’ or chemical spray. wastewater from normal activities in PROVINCE ORDERS your home. ENVIRONMENTAL There are several ways to ensure your system is STUDIES: field. Watering interferes with the maintained and can effectively treat The proposed controversial strip soil’s ability to absorb liquids and wastewater from your home for many mining of coal from sites on break down wastes. Boularderie Island has been a years. lightening rod of controversy. The One of the main ways you can prolong provincial government has ordered the life of your septic system is to that appropriate environmental studies have it pumped regularly. On average be carried out prior to any mining the tank should be pumped every 3 activity. The Society has written years, or when required, depending appropriate officials stating that on the amount of use and the type of Bras d'Or necessary environmental studies materials that enter the system. must be carried out to assess potential Septic tanks also work better at adverse effects to ground water, fl ora warmer temperatures so it is a and fauna as well as the impact of good idea to pump your tank during S any mining operations on property summer or fall. This will leave time tew ety ard Soci values and the local fi shery adjacent before winter for the tank to refi ll and ship to mining sites.

Page 4 www.baddeck.com/bss A View From My Deck Contʼd Inaugural Bras d’Or Stewardship The fi eld at Hector’s Point, as it turns green is spectacular to witness. Society Scholarship. Evidence of a property lovingly cared or a number of years the Society has considered funding an annual for, but without residency now, is a Fscholarship for high school students. In the early part of 2004 the huge big empty field, overlooking Board of Directors of the Society decided to make concrete plans for such a the Bras d’Or. As I turn my head scholarship, the fi rst of which was to be offered for the 2004- 2005 academic further down the lake, I witness the year. To do this in September 2004 Board appointed a scholarship sub growing community of Eskasoni. committee consisting of Dr. Chris Milburn, Lynn Baechler and Jim O’Brien. The beautiful big building sitting so majestically on the hill reminds me of The Committee considered a number of the Society are invited to comment, a keeper overlooking the community, of options before bringing forward a criticize and make suggestions with and a great area of the watershed. short questionnaire to be voted on, regard to the current format with a As I continue to watch, I see the wind item by item, by the Board members view to making changes for future turbine that has been built; on a calm at the regular monthly meeting of the years. day, it sits imposing on the landscape Board in November 2004. The fi nal The Directors and the members of until the winds seemingly convince it to form of the scholarship was decided the Society wish to congratulate Alex put on a show, as it spins, it sparkles, by the outcome of these votes. MacDonald of and it glistens in the sunlight. The result was as follows. The Board the winner of this, the Society’s As I turn my head slightly in direction decided the Scholarship was to be inaugural Scholarship. His winning on the lake, I can see the exquisite a single annual one of $500.00. It essay appears in this issue of the white shore line of Marble Mountain as was to be open to all Grade 12 High Blue Heron. the sun starts its late afternoon journey School Students, irrespective of Jim O’Brien towards sunset, the marble shines the school they attended, who had and sparkles like a white jeweled already been accepted for further area. Looking slightly to the right, I education and who lived within the see the beautiful little white church Bras d’Or Lakes Watershed. The that was moved from Malagawash award was to be given to the writer of Water Accessibility to Iona’s Highland Village. I was not the best essay of approximately 500 privileged to see it fl oating down the words addressing a subject chosen and Management lake on its way to a new resting spot, by the Board. From a number of but I am privileged to enjoy and value suggestions the subject chosen for Around the its splendor on the hill. the essay for this the initial year was; Bras d’Or - “Water – Accessibility, Quality and / Many changes have taken place By Alex Macaulay around the Bras d’Or since I spent or Management but does not have to my fi rst summer in Irishvale. One of be limited to these areas.” ccessing the Bras d’Or Lakes the biggest changes I am witness The Secretary of the Board Lynn Ahas been getting harder and to is the continuous construction of Baechler did the detailed work harder for the general public the both summer homes, and permanent necessary to make the existence of past number of years due to private residences. the scholarship known to the various land ownership. This has been an increasing problem because people A bit of erosion of the beach line, in high school administrations around have been buying up acres of land the area where I reside, has taken Cape Breton Island and to have the for their own private use instead of place over the years, but it’s not been conditions and application forms land being open to use by the people drastic, and it is a natural process. available for students. of the area. When the land is being Given this is, comparatively speaking, What I have been, and continue to be sold, there are no restrictions put on a quite generous scholarship Board witness to is the peace, beauty, and how much land can be purchased by members were somewhat disappointed serenity of the Bras d’Or. one person. by the number if entrants (5) but this As we promote our island as a beautiful was the initial year. In the future when The fact that there are no restrictions place to live and raise our children, students become more aware of the means that a person could buy up may we always remember we are the existence of the scholarship we hope 1,000 acres of water front property keepers of the land, and in doing so, there will be more interest shown and and make it inaccessible to the people may we always enjoy, and work to of the area. Public water access in preserve the awesome beauty of the more entrants. The embers are also Great Bras d’Or. aware that this was a fi rst effort and may benefi t from changes. Members Contʼd on page 6 www.baddeck.com/bss Page 5 Water Accessibility & Management..Contʼd found to have pumped out effl uent into biologists, ecologists, planners, the water. This has been a positive managers, administrators, First Baddeck consists of Kidston Island step to make our waters clean again. Nations, industry, consultants and and the board walks. Everything else Tourists and residents should fi nd the government, to discuss local and is private land or business waterfront shorefront more inviting. regional water and watershed such as the marinas. To combat this issues. problem the government of Nova Houses have been a major culprit Scotia should put regulations on how with regards to sewage contamination The goals of CWRA include stimulating much land can be purchased by one in the area. The former Baddeck public awareness and understanding person and also designate land for treatment plant was not big enough of Canada’s water resources, public use so everyone can enjoy our to handle the number of dwellings encouraging public recognition of beautiful “inland sea”. using it. This meant that sewage was the high priority of water as a valued pumped into the lake. This was not a resource and providing a forum for As far as management of the lakes good thing. Since the new Baddeck the exchange of information and goes, the strong fi sheries that use wastewater treatment plant has been opinions relating to the management to exist in the lakes are no more due built, all of the sewage from the village of Canada’s water resources. to poor management of the aquatic of Baddeck is now properly treated. resources. For example, the once One of our Board members recently strong lobster fi shery has been in Living near the lakes being able attended the National CWRA decline because of over fi shing and to enjoy them is great. We have to conference in Banff Alberta. This poor management. focus on keeping this “inland sea” was a highly successful event with accessible for everyone from this area respect to participants, speakers To get the fishery back to where and our visitors in the future. and location! The common theme it should be, we must take it upon throughout the conference was, “water ourselves to make sure that strict (This essay was awarded the fi rst is an ecosystem linkage and must be guidelines are followed with Society scholarship offered in 2005 by managed within its watershed”. regards to catch sizes. We should The Bras d’Or Stewardship Society.) make sure the lobsters are of legal Various watershed management size and combat the use of illegal models were described. Papers were traps. If the rules are followed and Canadian Water presented on water governance in the stocks monitored the lobsters Canada, water from the First nations will reach reproductive stage and the Resources perspective, public participation, population. water scarcity and water conservation, nutrient loading to watercourses, low Sewage has been a big problem for Association (CWRA) impact development techniques, the Bras d’Or Lakes in the past. Boats by Lynn Baechler source protection, and water and homes pumped raw sewage into ndividuals and organizations allocation. the lakes for years. Boats could empty Icommitted to the effective their bilges without consequence management of Canada’s water In her welcoming remarks, which on the Bras d’Or hurting the natural resources formed CWRA in 1947. refl ected the theme of the conference, habitat and aquatic life. Now, rules put Members come from diverse Beverly Yee, Assistant Deputy Minister, in place and supposedly enforced by backgrounds, engineers, hydro Alberta Environment, stated, “The government agencies outlaw this. Stiff geologists, surface water hydro future will be an age of stewardship penalties may be levied on any boats geologists, agriculturalists, foresters, Contʼd on page 7

The Bras d’Or Stewardship Society is interested in contributions from our members. If you have something to contribute to the Newsletter or would like to work with the society’s board, please let us know. The society is an all volunteer organization that welcomes input from individuals interested in promoting the conservation, protection and restoration of the Bras d’Or Lakes and its watershed.

Page 6 www.baddeck.com/bss Canadian Water Resources Assoc... Contʼd there been so much knowledge make a tremendous difference. related to the environment and never and shared responsibility. There will One Final Thought: Thomas Berry, has there been such easy access to noted environmentalist, cautions be a shift from water management to it. The challenge for each of us is watershed management (a natural us: “An absence of the sense of the to internalize that knowledge and sacred is the basic fl aw in many efforts unit rather than a political unit), translate it into actions that refl ect including conservation and wise use, at ecologically and environmentally a healthy and respectful attitude adjusting our human presence to the source protection, information and toward the Lake. knowledge, transparency and access natural world. It has been said `We to information.” Ever mindful of the fragility of the will not save what we do not love.’ It Lake, we might also consider local is also true that we will neither love The conference summation panel, and global concerns regarding safe nor save what we do not experience refl ected on governance, and the fact drinking water. The fi nite amount as sacred. Eventually only our sense central government is downloading of potable water on our earth is of the sacred will save us.” responsibilities for management threatened daily by pollution and Web Sites are a great source of without contributing financial contamination from many sources. resources. A common theme was information. The following sites In a news release on World Water have been recommended as worth that most jurisdictions employ crisis Day, March 22, 2005, the United management, and that there is no exploring: Nations stated: “UNEP (United www.un.org/waterforlifedecade, political will to make information Nations Environmental Program) based decisions, using watershed www.omrn.ca, accords high priority in its activities www.davidsuzuki.org, knowledge, watershed issues and to the protection, conservation and watershed needs. www.unep.org.themes/water, effi cient use of global water resources www.devp.org, Across the country, the main issues in response to the growing water- www.thewaterpage.com, blocking successful watershed related environmental problems www.united-church.ca/ecology/water, management are: lack of fi nancial worldwide The world’s water www.livingbywater.ca, support, lack of technical support, resources are our lifeline for survival, www.cccb.ca/Files/pastoralenvironment, lack of support for local decisions, and for sustainable development in www.cfore.ca lack of commitment to monitoring the twenty-fi rst century and regulating, and a lack of Because freshwater does not integrated surface and groundwater stop flowing at river mouths, but management. flows right into coastal waters. UNEP has pioneered addressing integrated coastal area and river basin management in a holistic and Global Water integrated approach.” The United Concerns Nations has declared 2005 - 2015 an Reflected in International Decade for Action with the Arm of Gold the theme `Water for Life’. By Catherine Godwin Many national and international rotect, conserve, restore. These organizations have developed Paction words, adopted by the Bras programs and resource material to d’Or Stewardship Society in 1997, heighten awareness of the need to truly refl ect the many projects and protect and conserve our freshwater efforts of the Society to improve the sources, the oceans, and the global quality of water in that scenic inland environment that we all share. So sea that brings so much pleasure, joy, much good material is available. Let’s and beauty to our lives, regardless take the ideas to heart, make them part of the season. My ancestral roots of our daily activities, and share them are deeply embedded in land around with family, friends, and colleagues. the Lake and I am proud to support Let’s be pro active in our social the work of the Society. The Bras milieu, our church organizations, d’Or is a treasure, a precious asset, and community groups by providing a fragile body of water the health leadership and encouragement to of which is dependent upon our explore the many water issues in the attitudes and actions. Never has world today. Each of us together can www.baddeck.com/bss Page 7 The Bras d’Or Stewardship Society Addresses and telephone numbers of the Board of Directors

Pat Bates, Mabel MacEachern Timothy Lambert Walter MacNeil Chairman 93 Rigby Street Lower Ship Harbour 41 Grove St. 27 Wyndale Cresent Sydney, NS B1P 4T5 RR#1, Sydney, N.S. Sydney, N.S. (902) 562-6138 Lake Charlotte #752 B1P 3M7 B1S 3L4 Nova Scotia (902) 562-5434 (902) 567-0827 Henry W. Fuller, B0J 1Y0 Treasurer (902) 845-2189 Chris Milburn Rosemary Burns, RR#2 #1065 Big Harbour 43 Rigby Road Vice Chair Baddeck, N.S. David L. Gunn Sydney, N.S. 3042 West Bay Highway B0E 1B0 2792 RR#2 B1P 4T4 St. George’s Channel (902) 295-2664 West Bay, N.S. (902) 539-6852 RR #2 West Bay, N.S. B0E 3K0 B0E 3K0 Dr. James V. O’Brien (902) 345-2263 James M. Crawford (902) 345-2896 RR#2 #1180 Big Harbour #894 Ainslie Glen Baddeck, N.S. P.O. Box 277 Lynn Baechler, B0E 1B0 Whycocomagh, N.S. Secretary (902) 295-2664 B0E 3M0 92 Crestdale Drive (902) 756-3264 Sydney, N.S B1L 1A1 (902) 564-9303 Bras d’Or Watch to report any observed acts, incidents and violations that threaten the integrity of Bras d’Or Lakes please call: 1 800 565 1633

Our Email: [email protected]

2005 BRAS DʼOR STEWARDSHIP SOCIETY MEMBER $15.00 Yes, I am in favour of conserving and restoring the FAMILY $25.00 Bras d’Or Lake and watershed through responsible stewardship. CONTRIBUTOR $50.00 SUPPORTER $100.00 Name LIFETIME MEMBER $500.00 Address Mail check or money order along with your name and address to: Bras d’Or Stewardship Society Phone e-mail P.O. Box 158 Baddeck, Nova Scotia, B0E 1B0 Fax

Page 8 www.baddeck.com/bss THE BRAS D’OR builds itself. support to initiatives in ecosystem-based Much has changed at the University and management, and augments on-going and INSTITUTE FOR in Cape Breton since the original Institute planned programs of ecosystem science ECOSYSTEM RESEARCH closed in 1994. Many of the research and integrated management. activities initiated under the Bras d’Or The Institute maintains and disseminates REVITALIZED. Institute are now undertaken by other data products, information and reference By Bruce Hatcher, Director agencies and institutions: there is a clear materials pertinent to the aquatic, marine need to focus the work of the new Institute. and terrestrial ecosystems of Cape Breton. ecognizing the importance of both A public consultation on the mission and This includes the support of acquisitions Rsurrounding and inland sea to the objectives of the Bras d’Or Institute was and web-access to the database of the Bras viability of Cape Breton Society, President held on 4 February 2005, and the process d’Or Collection, held at the Cape Breton John Harker and the University’s Board of defi ning the role of the Institute is on- University Library. of Governors have allocated resources going. for the re-establishment of the Bras d’Or The Institute establishes and sustains Institute, which was founded over 30 years Vision: True sustenance of the Cape Breton liaisons, communications and collaborations ago. The vision is the true sustenance of ecosystem, including its people. with other institutions, agencies and interest the Cape Breton ecosystem, including its Mission: Bring the resources of the groups studying and governing in the people, and the mission is to bring the University to bear on the problems of the ecosystems of Cape Breton, as well as in resources of the University to bear on community. environments and situations elsewhere that are relevant to the local domain. solving the problems of the community. Statement of Purpose: The Bras d’Or The Bras d’Or Institute was founded in 1972 Institute for Ecosystem Research facilitates The Institute applies for, secures, disburses at Xavier Jnr. College as the university’s an effective application of the resources of and accounts for external funds necessary second research institute (after the Beaton Cape Breton University to the challenges to support the mandated research activities Inst.). Over a 22-year history it grew in facing the human communities and and projects, and the effective delivery several directions, spinning off other ecosystems of Cape Breton as they strive of their outputs to empowered, decision- institutes, and culminating in the formation for ecological, economic and cultural making and community entities. of the Offi ce of Research and Academic sustainability. Governance: The Director of the Institute is Institutes at UCCB. The broad, overarching The Institute serves as a stable, two-way responsible for all aspects of the operation purpose of the original Institute was to window for communities of residence, of the Institute, and is accountable to the stimulate research, development and vocation and interest within and beyond Vice-President Academic and Research of enquiry relevant to Cape Breton. the University seeking to define and Cape Breton University. The Institute’s and Following brief leadership from two, operationalize ecosystem-based the Director’s performance are reviewed at part-time directors, Dr. Donald Arseneau management of natural resources and 5 year intervals. (Professor of Chemistry) was appointed human activity within the island of Cape A voluntary Advisory Board consisting of no as the full-time Director in 1975. Under Breton and its external and internal seas. more than six (6) members, four of whom his leadership over the next 20 years the Off-campus researchers are provided are drawn from outside the University Institute developed and completed hundreds predictable access to the diversity of community, will meet no less than three of research initiatives and projects within six knowledge, skills and resources maintained (3) times per year and provide guidance to program areas: Agriculture, Aquaculture, by the University, and faculty members are the Director on all aspects of the Institute’s Coal-Coke-Steel, Environment, Innovation given entrée to the diversity of expertise and policies and operations. & Invention, and Social Health & opportunity afforded by the ecosystems of Resources: The Bras d’Or Institute for Development. Approximately 20% of Cape Breton and their people. Ecosystem Research will start with a the research and project work focused The Institute contributes to the achievement base allocation of 20% of the professional on aquaculture, fi sheries and integrated of societal ambitions for health and prosperity time (i.e. 1 day per week) of the Chair of coastal zone management. The typical, by fostering holistic, participatory, multi and Marine Ecosystem Research, the part- annual, external budget was approximately interdisciplinary scientific research for time services of a voluntary Research $166k/y, reaching a peak of $664k in 1994. management decision support aimed Fellow, an offi ce with standard secretarial These external funds were primed and at maintaining the diversity, quality and and communications services, a meeting augmented by internal University funding magnitude of ecosystem goods and room, a dedicated library with professional of approximately $90k/y. services provided to the humans and maintenance, a professionally designed The institute was closed in 1994 with the other components of Cape Breton’s and maintained web-site, and an internal retirement of Dr. Arseneau and imposition ecosystems. operating budget of $5.k per annum. of campus-wide funding constraints. As Mandate: The Institute acquires supports For further information: Contact Bruce part of a campus-wide strengthening of and co-ordinates human resources, Hatcher, Director, Cape Breton University, research capacity, the Bras d’Or Institute for research tools and facilities within and PO Box 5300, 1250 Grand Lake Road, Ecosystem Research was re-established on beyond the University for the purpose Sydney, NS B1P 6L2. Tel: 901-563-1988. th the 17 of March 2005 under the directorship of realizing the Vision and achieving the Fax: 902-563-1880. of Dr. Bruce G. Hatcher, recently appointed Mission. as the Chair of Marine Ecosystem Research Email: [email protected] at Cape Breton University. At that time, Dr. The Institute fosters and conducts research Don Arseneau was appointed as the fi rst on all aspects of ecosystem-based Honorary Research Fellow of the Institute. management. This arrangement will foster continuity of The Institute gives priority to collaborative purpose and process as the institute re- research that provides timely decision- LET’S TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BRAS D’OR How Do We Affect Water Quality? How Does Water Quality Affect Us? Shellfi sh closures are the fi rst indication of deteriorating water quality. There (A) Health: Bacterial contamination of water can cause skin rashes, eye are already over 30 shellfi sh closures in the Bras d’Or Lakes. DID YOU and ear infections or, if ingested, can make one ill. Because of threats of KNOW? The human waste from one person, in one day, can contaminate one human health, a number of beaches around the Bras d’Or have been closed acre of water and force shellfi sh closures. YOU CONTAMINATE THE WATER for swimming. (B) Economy: Economic development in the Bras d’Or area IF YOU: A) Flush waste into an overloaded sewage system, and most sewage depends upon a clean environment. If water quality in the Bras d’Or declines, treatment facilities in the Bras d’Or are overloaded. B) Have an on-site septic the aquaculture, commercial fi shing industry, and tourism could be seriously system that is leaking and not properly maintained. C) Are boaters fl ushing impacted. (C) Recreation: If water quality is not ensured, recreational fi shing, human waste directly into the lake. boating and swimming in the Bras d’Or Lakes could become things of the What Can We Do? past. CONSERVE WATER: Did you know that every time we fl ush, we use up to 22 liters of clean water? Using less water ensures less pressure on village sewage systems and on your septic system. II PRACTICE THE 3 R’S OF WATER CONSERVATION: (a) REDUCE: Use water saving devices such as shower savers and toilet dams. (b) REPAIR: One small leak can waste thousands of liters of water per year. (c) RETROFIT: Choose water effi cient fi xtures and appliances when replacement is needed. III TAKE CARE OF YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM: A malfunctioning septic system can contaminate ground water and effl uents will leak into the Bras d’Or. Eventually, this will reduce your property value. Make sure your septic system is working, and have it pumped every 3-5 years. You can contact your local Department of Environment for information on septic systems maintenance. The less water you fl ush into your septic system, the more completely treated each liter of waste will be. Do not feed your septic system any oils or garborated foods. This slows the effectiveness of your system and causes it to malfunction. IV TAKE CARE OF YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM: Stop fl ushing raw sewage into the lake. Deteriorating water quality will affect the enjoyment you get out of boating around the Bras d’Or Lakes. Have a holding tank installed and pumped regularly. Pumping stations around the Bras d’Or are located in: Baddeck, Dundee and St. Peter’s. Raising Awareness: There are community groups around the Bras d’Or concerned with water quality issues. Consider joining your local community group. Ensure that the Bras d’Or does not face further contamination. Raise your water quality and environmental concerns with the appropriate responsible authority. Water Quality Issues Who Can Be Contacted? Environment Canada (902) 426-7231 s d Septic Tank Maintenance N.S. Department of Environment Bra 'Or N.S. Department of Environment Baddeck: (902) 295-2159 Sydney: (902) 563-2100 Baddeck: (902) 295-2159 Sydney: (902) 563-2100 Enforcement & Monitoring of Shellfi sh Closures Sewage Treatment Department of Fisheries & Oceans St y Baddeck: (902) 295-2557 Sydney: (902) 564-7708 ew iet Municipal Council: (902) 295-3231 ardship Soc Village Commission: (902) 295-3666 Community Groups Bras d’Or Stewardship Society: (902) 756-3264 Eskasoni Wildlife Association: (902) 379-2024 TO JOIN THE BRAS D’OR STEWARDSHIP SOCIETY: BRAS D’OR STEWARDSHIP SOCIETY MEMBER FEES Write: P.O. Box 158, Baddeck, Nova Scotia B0E 1B0 INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP: $15.00 Phone: 756-3264 FAMILY MEMBERSHIP: $25.00 or visit Website: www.capebretonet.com/baddeck/bss CLEAN WATER I N THE BRAS D’OR LAKES...OUR COMMON GOAL, OUR COMMON FUTURE!