DRIFTWORDS SERVING THE RIDEAU SINCE 1911 ¥ POONAMALIE TO NARROWS LOCK

Celebrating Driftword’s 22nd Year Summer/Fall 2002 Big Rideau Lake Association P.O. Box 93 Portland-on-the-Rideau Ontario Two Outstanding Board Members Retire Canada K0G 1V0 by Tracey Alf Dry Dock Phone 613-272-3629 or At the August 3, 2002 Annual employee, Kathy Rankine. Following 613-272-0299 General Meeting, BRLA President his presidency, Mr. Peart continued to Fax 613-272-0243 Richard Bradley announced the give the Board his thoughtful counsel Email: [email protected] “retirement” of Board Directors John in his new role as Secretary, a position Website: www.brla.on.ca he held through August RLEIC Tollfree 1-877-774-3328 3rd. In his speech he said Centre for Sustainable it had been an honour to Watersheds 613-272-5136 have served on the Board and extended warm Rideau Lakes Welcome Centre thanks to BRLA mem- 613-272-3300 bers for their support Inside this issue: over the past 10 years. In 1989, Mr. Graham President’s Pen 2 Mowat answered an ad Social & Recreation 3 asking for volunteers to Support conduct water testing for Shoreline Study 4 Peart and Graham Mowat. Each was eight weeks for the BRLA. He was presented with a plaque in appreciation most surprised to soon find himself on Loon Monitoring 5 of their years of volunteer service with the Environment Committee despite Shoreline Water Quality 6 the Board. Osprey Monitoring 7 Mr. John Peart, BRLA President Fireworks 2002 8 from 1996-1999, is recognized for his overall direction and consistent sup- Bass Tournament Study 9 port of the Association’s development. Environmental Tech. Fair 11 During his term as President, among other notable accomplishments, BRLA Volunteer Recognition 12 purchased 30 Colborne Street and hired its first full time year-round

Publisher: his big plans for a full summer of fish- ing with his new post-retirement boat. Big Rideau Lake Association Seemingly, he had learned nothing Board of Directors Retirement story continued on page 7 Layout & Design: Shawn Barnes President’s Pen by Richard Bradley The Annual General Meeting was activities. I spoke against the motion motion would have made it easier to made unexpectedly interesting by a because we currently allocate twenty plan for the added financial obliga- motion put forward by Peter Cowan on percent of our membership revenue to tions. I am delighted that the Rideau behalf of the Rideau Lakes Club and fireworks and the balance is substan- Lakes Club put forward three directors carried by the membership. The tially committed to the Dry Dock mort- to assist with the program, budget and motion calls for the BRLA to devote a gage, utilities, Driftwords, shoal mark- fundraising challenges. Welcome significant portion of its annual mem- ers, insurance, boat maintenance and aboard to Nancy Watters, Rosemary bership dues to recreational and social accounting fees. Advance notice of the McCarney and Henry Copestake !

Rideau Ferry Day a SUCCESS! by Stacy McLean On Saturday, July 27th, 2002, aspects of water quality. Additionally, BRLA hosted Rideau Ferry Day to information on this summer’s recre- encourage residents from the area to ation and interpretive programs, fish- discover for themselves how active eries studies, healthy shoreline home BRLA is in this part of the lake. visits, septic systems, composting toi- lets along with many other educational pamphlets were available for visitors to browse and take home. We would like to thank Rideau Hearth and Home for the use of its BBQ and the propri- etors of Shipwreck Restaurant for the space at their main dock and front lawn. BRLA is pleased with the great turn-out and hopes that Rideau Ferry Day becomes an annual event.

Throughout the day residents enjoyed a BBQ, kids face painting, bug collect- ing and crafts. The water quality test- ing unit and pontoon boat were also on site to demonstrate how this hi-tech equipment gives instant read outs for 6

LANDFILL / RECYCLING – WINTER HOURS Portland Site (Oct 16-May 14) Bathurst Ward (Year Round) Wednesday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Tuesday & Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Burgess Ward (Oct 15-May20) Wednesday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Sherbrooke Ward (Oct 15-May 20) Saturday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Wednesday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. North Elmsley / Drummond (Year Round) Monday, Tuesday & Friday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. NOTES 1. The Portland site only accepts garbage in CLEAR bags that are labeled with township stickers. 2. For more information contact: Twp of Rideau Lakes 928-2250 Twp of Drummond / North Elmsley 267-6500 Tay Valley Twp (formerly BBS) 267-5353 2 Social and Recreation Support and Membership Revenues

The Motion Summary and Other Core One motion, passed at the Annual Expenditures General Meeting August 3, 2002, The effective BRLA share of support expressed the need to devote a signifi- for social, recreation and fireworks this cant portion of membership dues in year totals $10,850, or 47% of mem- support of social and recreational activ- bership dues. ities for children, youth and fireworks at Cow Island. It is fair to say that the Given other essential expenditures for motion was prompted by supporters of shoal markers, facilities, communica- the Rideau Lakes Club who are also Current BRLA Membership tions, administration and other insur- BRLA members. Expenditures on Social and ance - and subtracting credits for over- Recreation Programs head expenses from external funding Club Agreement to Use Cow Island Looking at the breakdown of actual for environmental programs - there The Rideau Lakes Club is now in its expenditures, based on anticipated remains a significant shortfall from third year of directing children’s and membership revenue of $23,000, here membership revenues. Thus, the neces- teen’s programs on Cow Island. An is the Association’s current measure of sity to scramble for other revenue Agreement with BRLA gives the Club support in this area: sources. It must be noted that no non-exclusive rights to use the island in membership revenues are spent on exchange for property maintenance and 1. Cow Island expenses, including staff salaries. facilities’ improvements. It mandates taxes and all applicable insurance an effective joint working committee to charges - $3,600.00 or 16% of dues oversee the island and includes the 2. Fireworks, including materials, expectation that Club members will labour and insurance - $4,750.00 or also become members of BRLA. 20% of dues 3. Support costs for the above, includ- The Offer ing Driftwords portion, and not count- Last winter and early spring, BRLA ing staff salaries - $2,500.00 or 11% of offered to use its ability under its job dues The Bottom Line creation program to place two staff So the only way to spend more on positions with RLC at no cost to the social and recreation programs within Club. These would have covered all the membership revenues is to increase the major labour responsibilities of the number of members! Or – finance Club’s programs as well as its obliga- the fireworks separately and free up tions under the Agreement. The Club almost $5,000. In consideration of the did not accept this offer and opted to Motion, the question for the future is, carry on as it had in the previous two what more can the Board do for social years. and recreational programs within membership revenues? Footnote: Environmental Funding External to Membership Dues All dollars for environmental staff, programs, research and overhead is covered outside membership revenues in three ways: 1. Voluntary donations through Rideau Lakes Environmental Foundation (RLEF) 2. Support from 18 other partner organizations through Rideau Lakes Environment and Information Centre (RLEIC) 3. A wide range of grants and subsidies from a variety of government and private sources, all of which are designated for specific environmental programs These programs enhance the value of the whole lake and its watershed, as well as protect the various investments of all lake users. Other Outside Support for Social and Recreational Activities Beyond membership dues and within the framework of approved externally funded programs, BRLA this year has facilitated: Staff support for necessary administration of Cow Island and the fireworks. A variety of recreational interpretation programs for all ages at eight different locations around the lake. Social and recreational components at such special events as BioBlitz; Discover Boating; Rideau Ferry Day; and Sun, Sand, Wind and Water Fair. Strict Accountability We should appreciate the necessity to follow strict accounting and accountability for all external funding. All expenditures must be con- sistent with the purpose for which they were granted. Last year, for example, all the renovations at Dry Dock, which were designed to facil- itate the implementation of environmental programs, came from the designated building reserve fund for 30 Colborne St. This fund was built up over five years from voluntary donations through RLEF. 3 Littoral (Shoreline) Inventory Update by Chris Benton July marked the end of the first tion of fish species and mapping of landowners. At this time over 60% of phase of data collection for the shore- their spawning areas. Despite these Rideau Lake’s shoreline has been line inventory (littoral) program that difficulties, valuable information was inventoried and we expect completion began in late May. Six littoral techni- collected and preparations for the con- of this phase by October. After this cians have been thoroughly mapping tinuation of fish data collection have time, data collected will be entered into and recording shoreline information already begun for 2003. and analysed in a Geographic for three different data fields: the struc- The littoral program is now in its Information System (GIS) and plan- ture of the lake’s shoreline substrate 2nd phase, surveying the lake’s aquat- ning will take place for the completion (lake bottom), spawning beds and ic vegetation community. Technicians of all phases in 2003. This information nursery areas of the lake’s fish popula- will be mapping and identifying the will complement a variety of existing tion, and the location of logs and different stands of vegetation along the and future projects including fisheries stumps along the shoreline. lake’s shore. This vegetation data will to protect spawning habitat, nursery Our unusually cool spring resulted provide important information on the and cover areas, as well as other in a slow beginning to the program for status of habitats for a variety of wildlife projects. It will also identify observing fish. In many areas of the wildlife. Protective cover, feeding areas of concern, such as erosion along lake, especially in the western half, areas, nesting and nursery areas can all the shoreline. Moreover, this informa- fish spawning began much later than be identified with this information. In tion will help in planning for sustain- usual. For example, bass below addition, during the vegetation survey, able use of lake resources. Rideau Ferry were spawning weeks invasive plant species such as Purple before those around Sheldon’s Loosestrife, European Frogbit and Bay/Kish Point and some colonies of Eurasian Milfoil will be located and sunfish were still spawning in the recorded. Portland Bay area in mid-July. The The shoreline inventory has been a spring weather and constant winds success, both in the collection of data created a challenge for the identifica- and in meeting lake users and

Project Turtle F R E E S h i m a n o R o d & R e e l ! With growing concern for the health of Ontario’s turtle popula- F R E E S h i m a n o h a t ! tions, the Centre for Sustainable Watersheds has begun a watershed- F R E E C a s h ! wide turtle project in cooperation with Dr. Michael Rankin of the Ontario Museum of Nature. This If you are a bass angler and happen to catch a bass this project is comprised of several summer with a yellow tag on its back please call the BRLA at components including a trapping 613-272-5136 or 613-272-3629. If you provide the T-tag num- and tagging program. The turtles ber and whether you kept or released the fish and in what collected will be tagged and marked, enabling us to monitor and general area the fish was caught, you will automatically document populations, movements, receive a Shimano hat ($35 value) and a monetary thank you, and species distributions. If you and your name will be entered to win a Shimano rod and reel. happen upon a trap on the lake And you will also significantly help this year’s study. If you are please do not disturb it; none of the an avid angler and would like to receive a Bass Card to fill in traps used cause harm to the turtles as you catch fish, please call one of the above numbers. and each trap is checked daily.

4 Loon Monitoring by Nelson Amaral Our annual loon monitoring pro- unidentified loon pair or newly they possess adult plumage. In any gram is about to wrap up. The biodi- hatched chicks from well-hidden event, we will continue loon monitor- nests. ing through to their migration. So This year 24 pairs of nesting enjoy their calls, and enjoy their beau- loons were identified and ty, but remember they are wild, so keep observed. Of these 24, 18 pairs your distance. successfully hatched 30 downy Thanks again to all LoonWatcher young. As of the end of August, volunteers. If you would like to 23 chicks had survived - this is become a LoonWatcher, please contact the highest number of chicks us at (613) 272-5136 or via Email at observed in the last 12 years! [email protected] There were 9 pairs of loons that did not nest. Reasons for not versity crew and LoonWatcher volun- nesting could be one of many possibil- teers have been identifying nesting ities, such as lack of adequate nesting loon pairs and taking observations habitat, water level fluctuations, the since early May. Every bay and island inability to hold a territory, human dis- in Rideau Lake was visited many times turbance, predation, or they are young in the hopes of finding a previously adults that have not yet mated though Aquatic Research by Geof Hall the Rideau Lake watershed. lake trout spawning shoals in an effort The Aquatic Research Group to identify the health and viability of has the capability to perform present spawning sites and the charac- complex aquatic surveys and teristics which may support rehabilita- studies on the biological, phys- tion. ical and chemical components The Aquatic Research Group con- of the watershed, while at the tinues to work through the fall. same time documenting all studies and projects through underwater video and photog- raphy. The Aquatic Research Group The Centre for Sustainable is undertaking several exciting proj- Watersheds has created an Aquatic ects. For example, our invasive Research Group to conduct research species research focuses on the ever- and monitoring of the many sub-aquat- increasing population of zebra mussels ic factors that can affect the health of in Rideau Lake. This project looks at densities and spatial distributions throughout the lake as important indi- cators of the population spread. In addition, the fate of native clams and mussels are a high priority, and the Group will address this issue using a variety of surveys and long-term mon- itoring. Also, fisheries related studies Native Clam encrusted with zebra mussels include assessments and surveys of 5 Shoreline Water Quality on Rideau Lake

By Erika Kiss & Barbara Robbins You may have seen the Big Rideau chemical fertilizers run Lake Association’s (BRLA) pontoon off, increasing concen- boat around your shoreline this sum- trations in the water and mer and wondered what we were up to. contributing to increased A successful fund raising cam- weed and algae growth, paign by Rideau Lakes Environmental thereby decreasing water Foundation, along with a Trillium clarity. Over the winter, grant to our Upper Rideau Lake we will be analyzing the Association partner, made possible the data to determine the purchase of a YSI multi-parameter connection between water quality-testing unit this spring. shoreline practices and This unit has enabled us to expand our chlorophyl concentra- testing sites and collect water quality tions. data along all the shoreline. To assess the health of the aquatic You can have a green, lush lawn visit through our new Healthy Lakes environment and recreational use of without the use of fertilizers and pesti- Shoreline Home Visit program. One the lake, we measure the trophic status cides. Here are some ‘Great of our staff will be happy to walk Grass…the Natural Way’ lawn tips: (the level of nutrient supply) through around your lake residence and discuss 1. Water your lawn deeply in the early determination of total phosphorus ways to protect and restore the health morning or late evening. of your property. We will work with Shallow watering may result in you to develop a site plan and provide shallow root development mak- ing the lawn very susceptible to the tools and followup information damage during dry periods. necessary to carry out the projects. 2. Mow your lawn to a height of Each property owner will also receive three inches. This height will a Pesticide-Free Naturally Kit, a low- help shade out the weeds that flow showerhead, and a sample of an prefer more sunny and open loca- ecologically responsible household tions. Taller grass also shades product. Please call Barbara Robbins soil, keeping it cool and moist. at the Centre for Sustainable 3. Sharpen your lawnmower Watersheds 613 272-5136 or email blade frequently. Dull blades tear [email protected] for and stress grass blades, thereby increasing the potential for dis- more information or to book a visit. eases and pest infestations. 4. Mulch your lawn with grass (TP), algae densities (via chlorophyll clippings for a natural lawn fertilizer. concentration), and water clarity (sec- Use a mulching mower/blade chi depth). A strong relationship exists that distributes the clippings evenly throughout the lawn. amongst these three parameters and we 5. Overseed your lawn each have noticed some interesting results spring and fall to introduce from testing chlorophyll concentra- hardy, pest-resistant species tions around the shoreline with the YSI into the lawn. unit. We have noted that some of the 6. Minimize your lawn and higher chlorophyll readings appear in plant drought tolerant front of residences with altered shore- species! lines, where native vegetation, trees, Come to Dry Dock and and shrubs have been replaced by land- pick up a Pesticide-Free scaped lawns. The maintenance of Naturally Action Kit to learn such lawns usually requires the appli- more about growing a beauti- cation of fertilizers and/or pesticides. ful garden that won’t harm the lake. Or you can book a Some of the phosphorus found in 6 Osprey Monitoring Retirement, continued from page 1 from these events, for he was soon promoted to Vice-President, By Chris Hefernan Administration. The driving force Along with the Loon and Great to help in the monitoring process, or behind the purchase of the current Blue Heron, the Osprey is one the most are interested in any additional Osprey BRLA headquarters at 30 Colborne, endearing birds on our lake. Each or bird related programs or informa- Mr. Mowat was considered the summer many of us look forward to tion, please contact Chris Heffernan by administrative glue of the Board by the return of these large raptors. email: [email protected]. its members and staff alike. In fact Osprey numbers have been increasing Please remember, though Osprey six presidents over 13 years have in the last two decades due to bans on are very tolerant of human activities, relied on his loyalty, perceptiveness harmful pesticides like DDT and the they still need their space, so please and wealth of local contacts, which use of artificial structures for nesting. respect this when approaching the were so important in developing the Fortunately, the numbers of Osprey in nesting sites of these birds. operations base in Portland. Mr. our watershed have increased to the Mowat’s heartfelt speech concluded point where it has become with thanks to the late Bob Sterling, difficult to monitor their a man with “a great deal of vision” population. We need your and a continuing inspiration to Mr. help in ensuring that our Mowat. Osprey continue to thrive BRLA wishes Mr. Mowat and and prosper. Below is a Mr. Peart the best for the future and map of all Osprey nests that hopes they continue to be involved. we are aware of. Indeed, Mr. Mowat has already men- If you know the where- tioned an interest in “special proj- abouts of any additional ects”. nesting sites, and would like Thank you both!

Call for Volunteers Of particluar interest to us are Stories and Articles for Driftwords . If you would like us to publish your story or article (200-600 words) please email it to [email protected] If you would like to volunteer for any of our programs or have any suggestions please call us at 272-3629.

7 BRLA Fireworks 2002

By Jim Sneyd

Saturday June 29th at around donations from the boaters. We 10:00 pm the annual fireworks display had people collecting in town began with its usual bang! Another from the crowd and containers in great show directed by our fireworks five different locations. Even supervisor, Mike Fraser. Mike had with the large audience, this col- some new tricks and techniques this lection force was only able to year to keep the audience sitting on the bring in around $900 of dona- edge of their seats - or their gunwales - tions. with anticipation. Using both ends of The fireworks are an impor- Cow Island, a light show, a few power- tant part of many families’ expe- ful explosions and some very large dis- rience at the Rideau. plays were all new additions to this Unfortunately the donations col- year’s show. lected do not come close to cov- We estimate around 4000 people ering the cost of putting on a watched the fireworks from land and fireworks display. This year’s water this year! The number of boats total cost was $4750.00 and is hard- you who support the fireworks through pressed to be cov- your donations. If you haven’t yet ered by membership made a donation, please drop it in at fees given the many Dry Dock or mail it, marked for ‘fire- demands on mem- works’. bership dollars. We want this tradition to continue year after year but we need a better method of financing the show. If any of our readers have any sugges- tions please contact me. Thanks go out to Mike Fraser, John around Cow Island was near 500. The Delaney and their crew for volunteer- BRLA’s Pontoon boat was anchored ing their services on set-up, firing and and four aluminum boats collected clean up. Thanks also go out to all of

Thank you to all members who sent in their surveys! The BRLA would like to thank all of the members who sent in the survey that was part of the June Driftwords. Some of the main concerns identified were development, zebra mussels, fisheries health, water quality, loon safety, and increased aquatic vegetation. These issues will influence planning for next year’s programs. One great mention - 100% of respondents enjoy reading Driftwords! Congratulations to Robert Kercher, winner of the draw for a BRLA shirt.

8 Update on 2002 Bass Live Release is NOT Enough... Survival Studies WHERE are the bass dropped? June Driftwords introduced and The Ridgway/BRLA/MNR Study Credit for this remarkable turn- explained the scope of this work and (1996-99) proved largemouth bass around rests with the indefatigable the Winter edition will report on the have a very small home range and if efforts of Stacy McLean, who has results. displaced more than 8km from their worked with tournament groups over During the first two tournaments the past 24 months to get the impor- in mid-July, staff performed 40 sur- tant release/distribution message gical implants of radio transmitters. across. Co-operation and support This enables us to monitor survival among tournament anglers is continu- and movement of a large number of ing to grow. bass dropped in one location, which In the absence of provincial regu- follows the old-style tournament lations for tournament angling, the release practice. best we can do to protect the natural Of all the bass caught at the tour- bass population distribution on a large naments, 763 were double tagged by lake like the Rideau, is to work with staff before their release back to the the tournaments to develop a strategy lake. Subsequent reporting by for widespread redistribution. anglers if any of these fish that were Intelligent practices that ensure recaptured and whether or not live-release is the important first step. released, is a crucial component of Where the bass are released is most this study. Essentially, the disappear- point of capture, will not return home. significant to maintain healthy popula- ance of tags in any given season is a In fact more than half displaced with- tion distribution. way to monitor survival. To date, in 8km do not return! Among the celebrity anglers at the more than 50 fish have been reported In the past, tournaments would big tournament, Bob Izumi expressed by anglers. drop up to 400 bass a day in one loca- special interest in the BRLA studies BRLA staff was busy during the tion. Over time this upsets the natural and will be publishing an article in his hours of the tournament weigh-ins, balance of bass distribution through- magazine, Real Fishing. because in addition to the double tag- out the lake. ging, they also weighed, measured These recently published findings fork and total lengths, took are beginning to be taken seriously by scale/spine samples for aging and tournament anglers. Tournament checked stress levels. anglers with two of the Kingston clubs BRLA would like to thank all the this year took special care afterwards tournament clubs for their participa- to distribute their own fish widely tion, Shimano Canada for their dona- around the lake. tions, John McLaughlin from Safari The 68 team Chevy-Mercury tour- Marina for letting us set up on his nament in August took the biggest sin- property, to Gary Ridout from gle step ever on this lake by dropping Harkness Laboratory of Fisheries its fish at 10 different locations, from Research, the OMNR’s Protection Portland Bay to below the Ferry and Enhancement Fund for financial bridge. Two release boats were used, assistance and to all staff who gave with a combined capability of 6 sepa- up weekends to help out in this study. rate holding tanks.

Virtual Driftwords If you would prefer to receive your Driftwords electronically please send an email to [email protected]. Please indicate your name and phone number and the email address where you would like us to send your copies. Thank you! 9 Driftwords This year it was decided to combine the summer and fall issues of Driftwords in a single issue. With the AGM delayed until early August, it meant the summer issue would not have been mailed until the week before or after Labour Day. The current publication will be in your hands well before the Thanksgiving weekend, rather than later October as is usually the case with the Fall issue.

For financial reasons, moreover, the treasury can effect a useful saving on postage and some printing costs. The core BRLA budget is under some stress this year, owing to the fact that 80 members from last year have not renewed their membership. This alone would put us in a shortfall position of some $4000 by year end.

History of Rideau Lakes Rideau Lakes Environmental Foundation Township Lecture Series presented by Encore Brockville Look for RLEF’s fall news bulletin and financial appeal to be mailed in (St. Lawrence College) in later October, somewhat earlier than in previous years. Portland at Country Roads The workings of the RLEF Board have been enhanced by the presence and Medical Centre input from the two representatives of Upper Rideau Lake Association over the past year. The Board has had a couple of extra meetings this season and mem- History of Transportation in bers have been doing more committee work with staff and BRLA, developing Rideau Lakes Township - strategies and plans to: Doug Bond Local History of the Area, 1800- - Facilitate more effective delivery of environmental programs for 1850 - Neil Patterson both lakes Slide Presentation & Walking Tour of Delta -Paul Fritz - Enable other regional lakes to help themselves finance their own pro- John By, Particular Reference to grams that will strengthen environmental protection in a wider area Jones Falls - Dwight Purdy that will help us all Social History - Sue Warren - Create an independent corporate structure that, while linked strongly The Role of the Irish in North with BRLA and RLEF, will serve the watersheds of Eastern Ontario Leeds - Borden Purcell from a base in Portland Thursdays 12th Sept. to 24th Oct., from 10 am to noon, To enrol call Doug Campbell 345- Please consider a significant donation, within your financial means, to 0660 ext 3167 or Joan Bradley at maximize your charitable tax receipt for 2002. 345-0660 ext 3561

Dry Dock and Welcome Centre Fall & Winter Hours Dry Dock Open 7 days a week through Thanksgiving Sunday: 9 am to 4 pm (except Sundays from 10 am) Weekdays (Thanksgiving to Victoria Day weekend): 9 am to 4 pm

Do your Christmas shopping early with Dry Dock Specials, Books and Gift Packages! Welcome Centre Open Friday, Saturday and Sundays through Thanksgiving Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm 10 Lots of Sun and Fun!

The 2nd annual Environmental cient housing and heating, home-made Technology Fair, otherwise known as soaps, Queen’s Solar Car and Steve Sun, Sand Wind and Water, was an Lapp with his own personal gas-elec- excellent day of ideas sharing and tric hybrid Toyota Prius! Attendance learning, as well as some old-fash- was estimated to be 300, not bad con- ioned fun. Sponsored by BRLA and sidering the competition from the the Rideau Lakes Environment and Chevy-Mercury Bass Tournament Information Centre, their huge white being held in Portland that day (see tent, as well as the Queen’s Solar Car, Page 9 for story). A Kid’s Tent enter- could be seen from Highway 15 – sure tained over 20 young fair-goers with traffic stoppers. As with last year, the crafts and face painting. There was exhibitors were top notch – with 19 also a licensed BBQ, and the toe-tap- different stations displaying environ- ping, hand-clapping tunes of Doug mental products, services and tech- Healy and Randy Orr for the enjoy- nologies including composting toilets ment of all! Hope to see you all again and septic alternatives, energy effi- next year!

11 Thank You, Thank You, One and All! As the summer draws to a close, we can sit back and reflect on the activities and successes of the past year, and realize we couldn’t have done it without the generous help of our volunteers. Thanks so much, and please, come back next year!!! Adam Schizkoske, BioBlitz, Breeding Bird Atlas, Turtle John McCluskey, Treasurer BRLA Trapping and Frog Catching. John Peart, Secretary and Chair of Government Affairs Aileen Merriam, BioBlitz Committee BRLA Alex Macklin, Director RLEF Joyce Box, Loonwatcher Andrew Inderwick, Loon Guardian June Buckingham, BioBlitz Anne Marie & Roger Sarazen, Loonwatchers/Guardians Lois Mowat Ann & Don Hutchings, Loonwatchers Lonnie Kelley, SSWW Fair Arlene & Jaffray Wilkins, Loonwatcher Mary Gordon, SSWW Fair Arlette & Fred Parkinson, Loonwatchers/Loon Guardians Mary Kilgour, Director of Membership BRLA & Loon Betty James, parking for the tournament and the Fair Guardian Bob Evans, Director of Cow Island & Regatta BRLA Mike Fraser, Canada Day Fireworks Cameron Sangster, assisted at a bass tournament Mike Wirths, Rod Wallace & Atilla Danko, Astronomy Nights David & Audrey Bethune, Green Spaces Landscaping, Site Molly Ellard, Director & Past President BRLA Development Consultation Nicola Stone, Kid’s Tent SSWW Fair David Burns, Director RLEF Noelle Caloren, Vice President and Chair of Environment David Donaldson, Director RLEF Committee BRLA David John Payne, Loonwatcher Norman Tape, Director at Large BRLA Don Burchill Pat Allport, Loonwatcher Doug Moore, Stormwater study, Wildlife Guardian Coordinator Paul Gordon, SSWW Fair Doug Watson, Loonwatcher/Loon Guardian Peggy Bond, Water Quality Dr. Francis Cook, Amphibian Researcher Phyllis Rae, Loon Guardian Dr. Mike Rankin, Reptile Researcher Richard Bradley, President BRLA/Shoal Markers Eric Beere, Loonwatcher Robert Sneyd, Executive Officer BRLA, President RLEF George Ingram, President, Upper Rideau Lake Assoc. Robin Riles, Loonwatcher Graham Mowat, Director of Administration BRLA Roger Barker, CSW development Grey Merriam, BioBlitz Ron Lumsden, Littoral Inventory Harold Nichol, Littoral Inventory Ross Walker, Treasurer RLEF Herb Weber, Promotional Photography Stacy Lauzier, Kid’s Tent SSWW Fair Ian Johnston, Rural Leeds 2000 EDC Susan Brandum, Environmental Guest Speaker Inez Winter, assisted at bass tournaments Suzanne Halpenny, Loonwatcher Jack Clements, Loon Guardian Tracy Ryan, Healthy Lakes Program Promotional Jaffray Wilkins, Director RLEF Tony Davy, Littoral Boat storage Jay Geneau, assisted at bass tournaments Tom Houston, Secretary RLEF Jim Sneyd, Director of Marketing & Special Events BRLA John Delaney, Canada Day Fireworks We apologize for any names we missed. Tip of the Hat! Bob Flynn ~ for donating a 16' albacore dinghy Mr. & Mrs. Teschke ~ for a generous donation of a Nikon digital camera Rideau Hearth and Home ~ for the use of its BBQ at the AGM and Fair Ed Heuvel from Holloway Farms ~ for native plant donations Home Hardware Brockville ~ for 5 sheets of Plywood Home Hardware Perth ~ for 3 cans of rust-proof paint Zigman Metals Brockville ~ for steel tubing Telus Mobility Calgary ~ for a laptop computer Faye Kolodey - In-Kind Canada Toronto ~ for 5 computer systems & office equipment Wills Transfer Smiths Falls ~ for free transportation of office equipment Save A Centre Brockville ~ for food at AGM M & M Meats Brockville ~ for food at AGM Portland Community Hall ~ for tables and chairs at AGM & Fair Portland United Church ~ for tables at Fair Lanark Leeds Distributors Ltd ~ discounted snowfencing t-posts Kudrinko's Freshmart ~ for food at safe boating courses and Rideau Ferry Day Rideau Docks ~ for donating the use of a floating dock