BulletinNewsletter- June 2013 MCI

A lake to protect President’s Word

This year, MCI has the good fortune to be able As well, Dr Jacob Kalff, Limnologist and the lake, carried out by our team of patrollers. to count on two exceptional contributions. Professor Emeritus at McGill University, will Our close contact with the municipal Mr. Yves Fortier, lakeside resident, lawyer, give a conference on Lake Memphremagog inspectors allows us to ensure the rapid and ex-Canadian Ambassador to the United at our annual General Meeting this coming correction of reported problems. Another Nations, has agreed to chair a fundraising July 6th at the Austin Town Hall. Dr. Kalff has priority for us is our water quality tracking campaign that will help us, we hope, to been carrying out research on the lake for protocol, carried out in collaboration with increase the number of MCI members in the many years. We hope to see many of you the Ministry of Sustainable Development, region. This activity will allow us to spread there to hear this remarkable speaker. Environment, Parks and Wildlife (MDDEFP), the word to a wider audience of our vision and ongoing since 1996, allowing us to track for the protection of the lake, as well as raise It is with much enthusiasm that the MCI team water quality over time. Our patrollers are additional funds, so indispensable to the continues to pursue its mission of protecting already at work, so don’t hesitate to contact achievement of our objectives. Lake Memphremagog. MCI’s most concrete them with any questions you might have action is, without a doubt, the monitoring of regarding the lake.

› See page 2

We are pleased to inform you that during study of Lake Memphremagog. Dr. Kalff Saturday, July 6th the general assembly of July 6th, McGill played a key role in the establishment and 2013, 9:30 AM University Emeritus Professor and the first operation of the Limnological Research Austin Town Hall Limnologist in Quebec, Dr. Jacob Kalff, BSA, Station on Lake Memphremagog over the 21, Millington road MSA, PhD, will give a talk on his experiences past 25 years. Austin as a limnologist, and his many years of

Mr Yves Fortier, lawyer, former ambassador «In order to preserve our lake, the quality of Help us out! to the United Nations, has agreed to chair a life of its residents and this precious resource, Talk up MCI to large membership drive for MCI. I invite you to support the efforts of MCI by your friends and becoming a member and/or providing the neighbours! essential financial support required for the pursuit of the efforts of these volunteers.» › From page 1 Our fight to reduce phosphorus loading in the lake is ongoing, and we continue our lobbying efforts. As well, this year, in collaboration with the Lake Lovering Protection Association, we will be carrying out a study of the impact of boat traffic on the lakes’ shorelines. This study will be carried out by Professor Prairie of UQAM.

We are proud of the results of our efforts at increasing awareness of the importance of protecting natural landscapes. By taking preventive action, we will ensure, for the long term, the protection of the lake’s water quality. To that end, we meet privately with property owners and municipalities, and urge our elected officials to incorporate fragile landscapes that must be preserved Renaud Beaucher-Perras, Nicolas Vachon and Catherine Roy, patrollers in their urban plans. The reception we have received so far has been positive and the results are encouraging. 2013 Patrol The lake is facing a number of threats: Expansion of the Coventry landfill site A new season begins with the return of In addition to collecting pertinent information in Vermont, illegal cutting of trees in the Catherine Roy, a graduate of the University of to help in the preservation of our beautiful lakeside buffer zones, construction of Sherbrooke in molecular and cellular biology. lake, our young scientists will be working large structures on the shoreline or even She will be acting as patrol coordinator hard promoting reductions in the amount of in the lake. We expect the utmost respect with two new patrollers: Nicholas Vachon, phosphorus (the principal agent contributing for the rules from all, and especially from Bachelor level student in environment at to increases in cyanobacteria) entering those living on the shores of the lake, as the University of Sherbrooke, and Renaud the lake, giving away trees for shoreline their actions have the most immediate and Beaucher-Perras, Masters level student renaturalization, as well as looking out for direct impact on water quality. in environment also at the University of environmental infractions, such as tree Sherbrooke. cutting or construction in the shoreline buffer You would like to help us out! Become a zone. As in previous years, the patrollers member of our network of sentinels and As in the past, the patrol will monitor the will maintain close communications with the send us your cyanobacteria observations, state of the lake, and meet and interact with municipal inspectors, and will invite them along with photos. You can forward to us shoreline residents. Our young patrollers will on the lake in the MCI patrol boat in order any and all environmental complaints or also carry out a diverse range of activities, to inspect the state of their territory and problems of any kind involving the lake, its such as the water sampling program for shoreline. shoreline and tributaries. the MDDEFP, as part of their voluntary lake surveillance program, as well as for the The patrollers’ efforts are also concentrated Thank you for your help and support! State of Vermont as part of their phosphorus on the follow up of cyanobacteria and modeling initiative. As well, they participate in swimmer’s itch reports. Even though most the MRC’s sampling program for the lake’s cyanobacteria blooms occur in the fall, it is tributaries. Fishermen will be pleased to important to note each and every bloom. note that we continue to monitor dissolved Contact us if you are interested in joining our oxygen at various depths. Our patrollers, network of cyanobacteria sentinels. enthusiastic about working in an area so rich in biodiversity, will surely come up with Feel free to contact our patrollers at any time new projects to follow up Operation Healthy via telephone, text or email: 819 620-3939, Lake. They will also be watching water quality [email protected]. indicators in the tributaries that flow into the lake, using benthic organisms, as well as Robert Benoit collaborating on the study regarding the Patrol Supervisor impact of boat traffic on the shoreline.

Having a get-together at the lake? Invite us! We will come to your dock to promote MCI and offer our shirts and hats for sale. This is another way of financing our activities.

2 Memphremagog Conservation Inc. - Newsletter 2013 TOTAL PHOSPHORUS Pt  2009 and 2011 analysis data  MCI Proposition (in Québec)  Water Quality Standards (in Vermont) Magog North  11-13 μg/l  10 μg/l On Lake Memphremagog, 2 municipal samples Sherbrooke and Magog phosporus must be more 2 public beaches Magog tightly controlled!

At the present time, phosphorus concentrations in the 3 Canadian Central sectors of the lake are above MCI’s target threshold. We must  14-15 μg/l  10 μg/l therefore continue to reduce the amount entering the lake and Deep section prevent the release of additional amounts into the lake. 2 municipal samples François Bélanger, eng. and MCI Technical Consultant Potton and St-Benoit Abbey We can be inspired by British Columbia

British Columbia’s targets for phosphorus and chlorophyll a: South (QC) For potable water sources and for recreational activities, maximum load is  14-18 μg/l 10 ug/l total phosphorus  12 μg/l Water Use Phosphorous μg/L (total) Chlorophyll a mg/m2 Drinking Water - lakes 10 μg/L (maximum) None proposed

Québec Canada Aquatic Life - streams None proposed 100 mg/m2 (maximum)

Vermont U.S.A. Aquatic Life - lakes (Salmonids are the 5 to 15 μg/L (inclusive) None proposed predominant fish species South (VT)  14 μg/l Recreation - streams None proposed 50 mg/m2 (maximum) Recreation - lakes 10 μg/L (maximum) None proposed

Water Quality Criteria for Nutrients and Algae. Newport Bay Overview Report. Newport R.N. Nordin Ph.D. Resource Quality Section Water Management Branch. Ministry of Environment. Government of British Columbia. 1985. Updated 2001. www.env.gov.bc.ca/wat/wq/BCguidelines/nutrients/nutrients.html South Bay  25 μg/l To avoid the proliferation of algae and aquatic plants, phosphorus levels in Lake Memphremagog must be reduced. Our Quebec legislators should take inspiration from  10-12 μg/l Phosphorus MAXIMUM British Columbia! In the Québec portion of the lake

Heritage Circle Members Bannerman, Family Foundation Davidson, Howard and Guylaine Marcon, Loretta In addition to the above, one donor Beaudinet, Jean-Claude Davis IV, Michael M. Milne, Catherine A. has requested anonymity. Belmer, Michael H. Delange, Andrew J. Nadeau, Michel Benoit, Robert Dumont, Jean and Suzanne Nadeau, Real and Monique Benoit We would like to thank the Bombardier, J.R. André Eakin, Gael Palplus inc. municipalities of Austin, Magog, Caron, Trevor H. Fisher Arbuckle, Alison Poulin, Bernard Stanstead Township, Ogden and Carswell, Lois Gestion Exagon Saint-Pierre, Guy and Francine Potton for their financial contribution. Colas, Bernard Fondation Howick Spencer, Norman A huge thank you as well to the Club de golf Memphremagog Ivory, Joan F. Talon, Jean-Denis Benoit Family Foundation and Coughlin, Peter F. and Elizabeth Lacasse Benoit, Gisèle Wilson Janet and Micheal Quigley the Howick Foundation for their Couture, Martin Landry, Jean-Luc exceptional donations. Cyr, Joanne and Marc Giasson Lynch Staunton, Juliana

Memphremagog Conservation Inc. - Newsletter 2013 3 Photo : Photohélico

Conservation of natural landscapes in the Lake Memphremagog watershed 2012-2013 Positive results for conservation

In order to accomplish conservation in the Lake Memphremagog With the aim of sensitizing property owners and MCI members watershed, MCI prefers to work collaboratively with private property to conservation issues, a number of communication efforts have owners who participate, in a concrete way, in the conservation of been carried out, including 2 conferences on conservation, several the natural landscapes found on their properties. This approach is infoletters, conservation factsheets, as well as meetings with generating more and more interest, as the results discussed below property owners. indicate. To meet our conservation objectives, MCI is also working In addition to the protection in pertetuity of 590 hectares achieved collaboratively with the municipalities and cities that are within thanks to Nature Conservancy Canada, in the past year, as in previous the watershed. MCI has undertaken, in partnership with the City years, a number of communications and meetings with property of Magog, the first step in a project aiming to create ecological owners have taken place. A certain number of owners who have met links between the forests of Mount Orford and the lake (see inset). with MCI have indicated their interest in undertaking a conservation Preliminary results of this project are very encouraging and we process, and already, at this hour, we anticipate obtaining further anticipate the project continuing over the coming years. commitments over the course of the coming year. These owners are very keen to get more information and to understand the ways in Finally, in order to ensure the achievement of these numerous which they can participate in the protection of their natural heritage. projects, much effort has been put into obtaining funds from our During these meetings, the various conservation options, such various partners. We would like to take this opportunity to thank as donation of the land for ecological purposes, conservation the following organisations who have contributed generously servitudes, private nature reserves, as well as the sale of the land for to our conservation program : MDDEFP, Partners for nature; conservation purposes are presented in detail, as are the financial Environment Canada, EcoAction program; the City of Magog; as and fiscal incentives associated with these various options. well as many private donors who have taken the preservation of the Memphremagog watershed, and the water quality of the lake, Ecological inventories have been carried out by the the Appalachian to heart. Corridor’s biologists on two properties. For owners that we hope will eventually commit to undertaking the conservation process, this Francine Hone, Biologist work identifies the flora and fauna to be preserved, as well as any areas of ecological interest.

MCI can support you!

If you value the natural areas on your property and would like to protect them, many legal options are open to you to ensure their protection. Our conservation experts will be happy to answer any of your questions. Our goal is to help you reach your conservation and financial objectives by building a working scenario tailored to your individual needs. Should you choose to proceed, MCI will guide you, step by step and confidentially, throughout the conservation process. For any questions pertaining to the protection of your property please contact MCI at [email protected]

4 Memphremagog Conservation Inc. - Newsletter 2013 such as waterways and their associated shorelines, and wetlands and their Nature Conservancy biodiversity. At the watershed level, the preservation of the ecological functions associated with these natural areas will have a beneficial impact on the water quality of Photo : Photohélico Canada creates the first Lake Memphremagog. forestry conservation A forest conservation servitude binds a conservation organization and a private landowner in perpetuity. Maintaining his title servitude in Quebec to property, the latter can continue to conduct forestry activities according to the mutually- agreed-upon terms, while ensuring the long- 500 hectares of forest preserved term protection of the property’s natural, ecological and landscape characteristics. on Mount Chagnon The forest conservation servitude will remain effective indefinitely and any subsequent new owner will also have to respect the A little less than one year ago, Nature which had begun a number of years ago, rights and uses established by the present Conservancy Canada (NCC) finalized highlighted the common objectives of agreement. an agreement creating the first forestry both the landowner and the conservation conservation servitude in Quebec on a organization : maintaining the forest cover property of 500 hectares. This result was while preserving the attributes and benefits made possible thanks to a partnership of the forest for the community. with Memphremagog Conservation Inc., Appalachian Corridor and the forestry This property constitutes a critical link company Bois Champigny Inc. in the preservation of a natural corridor connecting the Green Mountain Nature The property in question is situated on mount Reserve and Mount Orford National Park. Chagnon, in the municipalities of Bolton-Est As an integral part of a more global North and Austin. It will be bound by a servitude American conservation perspective, this that will perpetually ensure sustainable property represents an important link at forestry activities, preserve the forest cover, the Appalachian scale in the creation of a and maintain natural corridors essential for continuous trans-border forested corridor safeguarding protected natural areas. For Memphremagog Conservation, the This agreement was signed with a private protection of this property, especially that landowner, the forestry company who also portion in the Memphremagog watershed, donated a part of the property (10 hectares) will ensure the maintenance of the forest for ecological purposes. The process, cover, the preservation of sensitive areas

The forest conservation servitude

The forest conservation servitude was inspired by a common US but with specific restrictions. The servitude prohibits, in perpetuity, legal practice, notably used in the New England States. Known the fragmentation of the land, banning all residential and infras- there as the Working Forest Conservation Easement, this type of tructure development (such as roads). As well, the modification of conservation practice is the result of a collaboration between Non- waterways, bodies of water, shorelines and wetlands is prohibited, Governmental Organizations (NGO) and logging companies, that allowing for the protection of those species at risk found therein. allows them to maintain forestry activities on thousands of hectares Certain specific restrictions on cutting in ecologically sensitive of land while at the same time protecting natural habitats and spe- zones also ensure the protection of species at risk and their habitat. cies at risk. An eloquent example is the Adirondack Park in the state of New York. Furthermore, the owner has decided to voluntarily limit the company’s forestry activities by obtaining the independent Forest Stewardship This type of servitude aims to reconcile forestry activities with the Council (FSC) certification, which requires an independent audit to protection of natural landscapes. Forestry activities generate signi- which it must conform. It is important to recognize the crucial role ficant economic benefits for the region and the forest conservation of private property owners who voluntarily decide to participate in servitude now offers the possibility of maintaining these activities the conservation of healthy ecosystems in this large natural corridor. within the larger long term perspective of sustainable development. They are making a gesture in favour of conservation while at the The servitude on the Bois Champigny Inc. property allows logging, same time innovating in the area of sustainable development.

Memphremagog Conservation Inc. - Newsletter 2013 5 An essential ecological

link for wildlife Photo : Photohélico and for our community :

For many years now, MCI has been considering the establishment of an ecological link between Mount Orford and Lake Memphremagog, a link which seems these corridors help avoid isolating animal by limiting the risk of increased contaminants to MCI to be normal and natural. This year, a and plant populations, reduce the chances and sediments that result from increasing first step has been taken in the establishment of their disappearance without the possibility development pressures along Castle Brook of such a corridor. Given that this territory of recolonization, and ensure good genetic and Cherry River. covers a large surface area, including the mixing among sub-populations. These watersheds of Castle Brook and Cherry natural corridors, used by wildlife for millenia, Along with their ecological vocation, such River, MCI has undertaken mapping out have been slowly eroded by developments corridors would also add an ecotourism the characteristics of that portion within the that border them, or actually cut them element, favoring links between three areas limits of the city of Magog. This first step into sections – Autoroute 10 being a good of interest to visitors (i.e. Mount Orford was done with the collaboration of the City example. There is no question of moving the National Park, the Cherry River wetlands of Magog and the support of the consulting autoroute, but rather of properly managing and Lake Memphremagog). firm GENIVAR. the natural landscapes still in place in order to conserve a minimum space within which Although this project of MCI’s is only in From a strictly ecological perspective, wildlife can freely move between Mount its infancy, the preliminary results have according to MCI, protection of such Orford Park, the Cherry River wetlands, Lake been very promising, and its future seems corridors could ensure the long term Memphremagog and the large forested assured for the next few years. maintenance of the connection between blocks of the Appalachians. the important natural areas of Mount Orford Marc Gauthier, biologist. National Park, the Cherry River wetlands and Properly defined and managed, these Lake Memphremagog. By ensuring the free corridors will also contribute to maintaining movement of aquatic and terrestrial fauna, the water quality in Lake Memphremagog,

Corridors for the preservation of biodiversity

Wildlife corridors are areas that promote Fragmentation is most often due to a change predators. Wildlife communities can also the movement of wildlife, allowing free in the usage of a territory due to human be destroyed indirectly by changing the circulation between different habitats that development. However, natural causes, balance of species within the territory. For they favour. such as forest fires and insect infestations example, a reduction in the number of can also be contributing factors. Real estate predators can lead to an explosion in the Along with the creation of protected areas, development is a good example of a change population of herbivores. These can then such as national parks, ecological reserves, in the usage of a territory. It reduces the size overexploit the flora and lead to its decline, private nature reserves and other protection of the original natural landscape and breaks and even the disappearance of certain plant measures on private land, the identification it up into islands where wildlife and forest species. and protection of wildlife corridors is one of a flora can become isolated. number of tools proposed for the protection The project to protect the wildlife corridor of biodiversity. Essentially, they aim to reduce This partitioning of the landscape leads to along Castle Brook and Cherry River aims or put a stop to the fragmentation of wildlife the degradation or even the disappearance to preserve regional biodiversity by ensuring habitat, which is one of the largest current of specific habitats and may lead to multiple the free movement of terrestrial and aquatic threats to the maintenance of biodiversity. negative effects on the ecosystem and on wildlife. We all understand that these natural Fragmentation is generally defined as the the wildlife contained therein. Among these landscapes contribute in great measure conversion of a large unbroken landscape effects we see a reduction in the size of to the signature reputation of the Magog- into smaller blocks or islands of habitat of wildlife and plant populations. This reduction Orford region. It is up to us to preserve it by variable size and shape, separated by areas can lead directly to the disappearance of an enlightened management of the territory that are often hostile to wildlife. certain species, notably those with large home ranges, such as moose and large Marc Gauthier, biologist.

6 Memphremagog Conservation Inc. - Newsletter 2013 A part of Mount Owl’s Head protected forever! Photo : Photohélico

Owners for many generations of a Thanks to the support of Memphremagog to be found on the property. In this case, magnificent 94 hectare property on Conservation, the Appalachian Corridor logging and real estate development have Mount Owl’s Head, the Worthen family and Nature Conservancy Canada, all the been restricted. was interested in protecting it, but were steps necessary to ensure protection reluctant to give up ownership. After much of the property in perpetuity have been Furthermore, the conservation servitude reflection within the family, they finally opted completed. In fact, a number of steps are allows the owners to carry out other activities to establish a conservation servitude with required before this type of agreement can on their land, as long as these activities Nature Conservancy Canada. be finalized (ecological evaluation of the respect the conservation objectives. The property, determination of its fair market servitude is linked to the property title, and is «For over 90 years, our family has had a close value, title search, etc.). These steps are thus transferred to the heirs or other eventual connection to Lake Memphremagog and its planned and supervised by a specialist in owners of the land. The servitude can be unique environment, especially around Owl’s conservation, who supports and guides the sold or donated. When it is donated for Head. Several years ago three generations owners throughout the process. ecological purposes, it provides the owners gathered to discuss the future, recognizing with the right to certain fiscal benefits. the need to take steps to be good stewards of The owners chose a conservation servitude, what we all cherished. After researching and a legal agreement between the parties, analyzing possible options, we realized that, negotiated case by case, detailing the because of the uniqueness of the mountain’s elements to be protected on the property. ecosystem and our overall family goals, In return, they must restrict or forswear a conservation servitude with the Nature certain activities which could be harmful Conservancy of Canada best aligned with to the environment, in order to ensure the our long-term vision. Through the servitude, protection of the natural attractions we are also able to honor the memory of Mary and Thacher Worthen and the deep respect and love of the environment that they instilled in all of us directly, or through their children, and which we hope to pass onto future generations. »

Margaret W. Hall, on behalf of the descendants of Mary and Thacher Worthen Photo : MCI

Join our network of sentinels

MCI keeps track of all cyanobacteria blooms. Take photos and send them to us, with the precise time, location and extent of the bloom. You can also make other environmental complaints if you have been witness to environmental infractions or other work which could have a negative impact on the quality of the lake. We send all the information to the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment, Wildlife and Parks, as well as to the affected municipality. Together we can monitor our precious lake!

Memphremagog Conservation Inc. - Newsletter 2013 7 MCI Board Members Memphremagog 2012-2013 Gisèle Lacasse Tom Kovacs, Benoit, President Quebec and Vermont Watershed Austin 819 868-1369 Magog 819 843-3945 Pat Trudel, Jean-Philippe Joyal, Vice-President and Legal Advisor Treasurer Magog 819 993-5303 Association’s Mansonville 450 292-3550 Peter Lépine, Translator Claude Bernier, Ogden 819 876-2838 Summer Season Vice-President Quebec and Vermont Eric Smith-Peter, Magog 819 847-0845 Plans are almost complete for MWA’s sum- Wetlands Ecologist for the VT DEC. MWA Scientific Advisor Sherbrooke mer season, with a few dates and sites left to also plans to publish and distribute a map Madeleine Saint- Pierre, Secretary 819 810-3524 be determined. The theme for the summer indicating wetlands in the watershed and hi- Austin 819 843-6063 season’s events is a Focus on Wetlands. ghlighting areas with public access. Lastly, Susan Watson, Johanne Lavoie, MWA Relations The primary goal of the Focus on Wetlands MWA is helping to support an educational General Manager Newport 802 334-5173 Austin 450 292-0864 is to reinforce the extent and importance of program for elementary students on wet- Partners : wetlands in the Memphremagog Watershed lands that will be offered by NorthWoods Robert Benoit, François Bélanger, eng. and the efforts that can be made to protect Stewardship Center. Patrol Supervisor Donald Fisher, Ex-President Austin 819 868-1369 Liz Goodwin and restore them. Emphasized topics will be Anne Boswall, Francine Hone, Biologist the ability of wetlands to filter nutrients from In August, MWA will be hosting a Watershed Ogden 819 876-2838 Terri Monahan, lakes, provide wildlife habitats, and insure Workshop. The keynote speaker will be Amy Conservation Specialist flood resiliency. That focus will start with a Picotte of VT DEC. She will be presenting VT Jean-Claude Duff, Austin 819 843-2131 guided field trip, by kayak or canoe, explo- DEC’s new LakeWise Program. LakeWise is ring the wetlands at the Eagle Point Wildlife a program that recognizes good shoreland Management Area. The tentative date for management practices by property owners. Useful Resources the field trip is June 19th. The guide will be It is modeled after a very successful pro- Paul Hamelin of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife gram in Maine. Representatives and guests MCI Lake Patrol: 819 620-3939 Department. If low water precludes a field from all the Memphremagog watershed lake MRC Memphremagog Lake Patrol: trip, the back up site will be the lower Barton associations will be invited. It will be a one 819 620-7669 / 819 821-0435 River. MWA is also planning a second wet- day event with workshops in the morning lands field trip with a site to be determined. followed by food and socializing in the after- Ministère de l’environnement Lastly, MWA will be helping to support and noon. de l’Estrie: promote an annual Willoughby Bog Walk 819 820-3882 Emergency: Yvan Tremblay, ext. 248 hosted by the Westmore Association. MWA will keep MCI updated regarding dates Environment Emergency 24h. 1-866 694-5454 and locations as plans are completed. Wildlife Emergency 1-800 463-2191 At the annual meeting in June, as we conti- nue the focus on wetlands, the keynote Donald Hendrich, President speaker will be Shannon Morrison, District

Distribution of Trees P.O. Box 70, Magog (Québec) J1X 3W7 Tel. : 819 340-8721 www.memphremagog.org Once again this year, MCI distributed 3,000 email : [email protected] trees in three different towns. In collaboration with the respective municipalities, May th st Editorial commitee 26 in Austin and in Magog and June 1 in Francine Hone Stanstead Township. François Bélanger Plant trees! Gisèle Lacasse Benoit Johanne Lavoie Collaborators Robert Benoit Catherine Roy Membership renewal Erich Smith-Peter Editing Have you renewed your MCI membership Our mutual love of our beautiful lake Claude Bernier for 2013? means that we must continue in our efforts Johanne Lavoie to protect its health. We ask you to renew Madeleine Saint-Pierre Since 1967, the MCI has been dedicated to your membership for 2013 if you have not Translation the preservation and conservation of Lake already done so, using the membership Peter Lépine Memphremagog and its surrounding coun- form that is included with this newsletter. Terri Monahan try. While the success of this organisation is If you wish, you may renew your member- Graphic design largely due to the work of its many volunteers, ship on line by using the MCI web site at www.comma.ca its success very much depends on the con- www.memphremagog.org. Printing tinuing financial support from its membership. Imprimerie Debesco, Granby This newsletter contains 100% post-consumer fiber paper. 8 Memphremagog Conservation Inc. - Newsletter 2013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Attention Publicity directors Illegal tree cutting: another assault against the lake! Austin, May 13, 2013: A photo which occurring in the future. This cutting will of the rules: cutting trees, many of speaks for itself and gives witness cost the owner of the property $ 7,550 which were old cedars, within the 10 to to a complete lack of respect for our while his property is worth several 15 metre shoreline buffer zone is not precious environment: the illegal cutting million dollars! The message being sent permitted. This act harms the quality of more than 75 trees in the shoreline is beyond understanding! For his part, of the lake’s water. In fact, shoreline buffer zone in Sargent’s Bay, Lake the contractor who actually cut down the buffer zones play a critical role at many Memphremagog, in the municipality of trees received a fine of $ 6,850. levels: they contribute to the prevention Austin! Memphremagog Conservation or the reduction of contamination of the Inc. (MCI) condemns this senseless “MCI is asking all the municipalities water by acting as a barrier to the flow of and inexcusable act and demands the which border the lake to adopt severe sediments and by minimizing shoreline imposition of the severest penalties penalties for those who violate the soil erosion (sanitation function), they possible. rules, since current fines are in no way protect aquatic and shoreline habitats representative of the severity of the acts (ecological function), preserve natural According to the MCI’s volunteer committed. Those who wish to break the landscapes (aesthetic function), serve president, Gisèle Lacasse Benoit, “Such rules would think twice before commit- as a screen against excessive heating of acts have been prohibited by the “Policy ting such acts!” the lake’s water, regulate the hydrological on the protection of shorelines, littorals cycle, as well as ensuring the aesthetic and floodplains” for more than 35 years! Mrs. Lacasse Benoit adds: “We deplore qualities of the landscape.” It is important that fines severe enough to the fact that there are still citizens without dissuade such behaviours be imposed scruples who act in this way. The owner in order to prevent such situations from of this property acted with full knowledge

Sargent’s Bay, Austin FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Attention Publicity directors Shoreline Construction: Outrageous in 2013!

Memphremagog Conservation Inc. this boat elevator measures 1000 the area have to modify their legislation, is strongly opposed to the granting sq. ft (one thousand square feet)! A so that no permanent structure of this of permits for any installation on the second installation is underway in the kind is permitted along the shores of the shores of the lake. Expressing in municipality of the Canton of Stanstead. lake.” the strongest terms its outrage that permission has been given to erect MCI’s volunteer president Gisèle Madame Lacasse Benoît concludes, what are clearly boathouses, whatever Lacasse Benoît is scandalized by the “This kind of activity is no more and they pretend to be, the organization situation: “We cannot understand how it no less than an overriding of the public points out that such buildings have is possible that permits could have been good for the sake of individual profit, been banned for at least the past issued for such a monstrous structure, not to mention its impact on the natural 30 years under government policy which clearly violates the spirit of the landscape and the disturbance to those protecting banks and shorelines. Politique de protection des rives. If there living nearby.” are loopholes in municipal bylaws, The enormous edifice currently they have to be closed immediately. under construction is situated in the We at MCI reiterate our plea to local The MCI team. municipality of Magog. Its platform municipalities, which we made last July measures 35’ along the lakefront by after cement posts were poured in the 30’ in depth, and the passageway to lake to hold up this gigantic structure. reach it is surely at least 20’ in length. Austin is the only municipality to have In other words, the surface area of changed its bylaw. All municipalities in

Magog

Stanstead Township