Volume 14 Issue 1 January 2022 Photo: Diana Leshuk |
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Happy New Year Kahshe Lakers!
At the November budget meeting, our Board was planning ahead to make this coming season a fun success by bringing back more of our annual events, such as the Nagaya Beach Regatta. Given the current situation, we were being optimistic and that is how we will continue to move forward, with guarded optimism for better days ahead. Stay tuned for updates regarding KLRA events. |
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In this issue, you can read about the results of the Water Quality Lake study that Ron Pearson and the Conservation Committee spearheaded. The KLRA
made a significant investment in this study which shows how much our members care about lake water quality. We will share the results with the District and other Lake Associations so we can all learn more about what is happening in our lakes and what we can do to protect them. This winter, Leslie Pinard is busy planning the KLRA boutique and she will be adding new products to the line. Last year, many items sold out, so don't forget to check out the Boutique on the KLRA website once the new products are launched. There are so many positive reasons to be a member of your Lake Association. An effective way to increase membership is by word of mouth so please remind your family and friends to renew or join the KLRA in 2022. A three-year membership for only $99.00 supports our Board's efforts and keeps you in the loop of what's happening on Kahshe Lake. If you are one of the many cottagers who spend time at the lake in the winter or live here full time, send us your pics and we will happily post them on social media with a photo credit. Better yet, enter them in the Photo Contest (click here for details) and hopefully win goodies from the Kahshe Boutique. There is so much beauty to share and it reminds us all how fortunate we are to have a special place like Kahshe Lake to call Home. Lastly, I would like to thank our Board members, committee members and all the many volunteers for all their hard work last year. Cheers to 2022! April Drane President KLRA
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Lake Health Update - Winter 2022 (The following is a summary of an extensive report prepared by our Lake Steward, Ron Pearson. The full report will shortly be posted on the KLRA website for those who would like to know more. Ed.)
It was a very busy spring and summer for lake health investigations in 2021 and write-ups on these projects are nearing completion for some, but for others, we must wait until the District Municipality of Muskoka (DMM) and the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) complete and post the analysis results for their sampling programs. However, the findings from the KLRA-funded Conservation Committee project titled: Near-Shore Water Sampling Project, are available and are in the process of being reviewed internally prior to being posted on the Lake Health portal of the KLRA website. A brief summary of the findings follows.
Near-Shore Sampling Summary
Background:
Both Kahshe and Bass Lakes have been classed as 'Vulnerable' by the DMM, Bass Lake because of a total phosphorus level greater than 20 parts per billion (ppb) and Kahshe because of the confirmed harmful algal bloom (HAB) in November 2020. The DMM plans to initiate ‘Causation Studies’ on 12 lakes with confirmed blooms in 2020 and/or total phosphorus levels exceeding 20 ppb, five of these in 2021, and the others after the completion of the first five. The data from our deep, mid-lake locations provide an excellent base upon which to evaluate long term trends in lake water chemistry; however, they may not be providing us with a representative measure of water chemistry and nutrient loading in the shoreline areas, particularly in the most heavily developed areas of Kahshe, and given the Town of Gravenhurst’s Septic Re-Inspection Program has not taken place since 2009 for water access properties and since 2013 for road access properties. The KLRA’s Conservation Committee, therefore, developed a pilot Near-Shore Water Sampling Program to study the water chemistry and how it changes as the season progresses. This temporal aspect is considered important, as the DMM and MECP conduct their mid-lake sampling and analysis for algal friendly nutrients only in May. The Near-Shore project volunteers took samples in May, late-July and late-September and focussed on the most heavily developed areas of the lake along Oak Road and the north shores, as well as parts of the east end of the lake because of the known input from Bass Lake.
After a review of the relevant literature and discussion with the KLRA, six goals were developed as shown below:
- Are algal friendly nutrient levels from traditional spring sampling of mid-lake sites which have remained fairly low and stable over the past 35-40 years representative of water quality in the near-shore environment where algal blooms typically appear?
- Are algal friendly nutrients in the near-shore environment where blue-green algal blooms have been confirmed in 2020 and 2021, increasing as the season progresses, resulting in a further disconnect with the historical data which are based on spring sampling of mid-lake sites?
- Are near-shore waters being impacted by fecal contamination at levels of concern for recreational use and as a source of drinking water?
- Do these findings shed any light on why Kahshe Lake is now vulnerable to late season blue-green algal blooms?
- Do these findings provide any insight into a possible causal role or association with any of the typical shoreline sources of algal friendly nutrients that could be further investigated in the DMM-funded Causation Study? Typical shoreline sources include:
- Migration of septic system effluents.
- Contamination from waterfowl and other types of animals.
- Nutrient leaching/runoff from lawns and beaches.
- Soil erosion/runoff from disturbed shorelines.
- Based on the findings of this program, is there anything the KLRA can do to educate and/or inform stakeholders on actions that could improve water quality and reduce the likelihood of continued late season algal blooms?
Summary of Findings to Date
There simply isn’t enough space in the Krier to post all of the analytical findings generated by this investigation. For those who wish to see more detail, the Near-Shore findings will be posted on the Lake Health portal under the Water Quality tab shortly. Some of the key findings for each of the six goals have been captured below.
- The near-shore analysis results for total phosphorus (TP) in the heavily developed Oak Road and North shore areas in mid-May were in line with the mid-lake TP levels. However, this was not the case In the East end of the lake, where TP levels were well above those from mid-lake locations.
- Based on the near-shore water quality data, there is compelling evidence that the historical sampling by the DMM and MECP of mid-lake locations in the spring of the year is not providing a fully representative assessment of water quality in the near-shore environment as the season progresses. As such, the sensitivity of Kahshe Lake to late-season HABs cannot be reliably determined via mid-lake nutrient concentrations that comprise the historical database.
- Another important finding of this project is that the water quality data generated by the mid-lake sampling sites of the DMM and MECP programs likely under-report nutrient levels in the East end of the lake where elevated nutrient loads enter Kahshe Lake from Bass Lake via the Kahshe River. This is due to the absence of any DMM or MECP mid-lake sampling sites in the East end of the lake.
- As none of the fecal coliform levels exceeded the Canadian Recreational Water Quality Guideline for a single sample of 400 CFU/100mL, there should not be any concern regarding the use of shoreline waters for swimming and other recreational activities.
- However, as the Ontario Drinking Water Standard for fecal coliforms is ‘Not Detected’, all reported levels from mid-May through late-September do exceed the safe drinking water standard and as such, property owners using surface water from Kahshe Lake as a potable supply need to ensure that their treatment system is effectively removing this contamination prior to its use as drinking water.
The evaluation of near-shore water chemistry in relation to HAB development was rendered even more realistic in 2021 as HABs developed in the immediate vicinity of several near-shore sampling sites the day following our September 30 sampling. Based on this, the investigation revealed that:
- The HABs in the west end of the lake along the Oak Road shoreline developed in the presence of typical TP concentrations of around 10 parts per billion (ppb), while the HABs at near-shore sites in the East end of the lake developed in waters that had more than twice the levels of TP (23-26 ppb).
- However, the near-shore sites in both the West and East areas of the lake that developed HABs immediately following our September 30th sampling all had elevated ammonium-N levels, suggesting a causal role for this form of nitrogen.
As phosphorus is recognized as the principal nutrient driver of algal bloom development, there are a number of possible reasons for the appearance of the bloom in the Oak Road area where TP levels immediately prior to bloom development were in a normal range, and these are discussed in the report.
The near-shore sampling program was not designed to identify a property-specific source of algal friendly nutrients. However, by selecting a number of different shoreline types and including sites with no development, the investigation findings were evaluated to explore possible/plausible linkage with known sources of algal friendly nutrients. This was undertaken by:
- examining the environmental mobility and biological availability of phosphorus and nitrogen,
- assessing the chemical composition of septic effluents, bird feces and leaching/runoff from managed lawns,
- determining if any of the over 35 different chemicals that were analyzed could be used as tracers of the above sources based on published studies where these types of relationships have been explored, and,
- evaluating the role of climatic variables that have been identified as outcomes of climate change to see if there were any plausible reasons to explain why Kahshe Lake is now vulnerable to late-season HABs.
Based on the characteristics of the above four potential shoreline sources, the most likely origin of the nutrients found in the near-shore water was a combination of septic system effluents and waterfowl feces, as both phosphorus and the ammonium form of nitrogen are characteristic of these sources. The fact that ammonium-N levels were not detected in May, prior to occupation by most property owners and before Canada geese become heavy grazers of lush lawn areas adds further support to these sources being involved in the late-season HABs.
The leaching and/or runoff of from lawns and beaches typically involves the more water soluble nitrate-N which was elevated in the mid-May sampling but decreased as the season progressed. However, as managed lawn areas located in close proximity to the shoreline attract Canada geese and other waterfowl, they cannot be ruled out as contributing sources of algal friendly nutrients. And finally, the contribution from soil erosion/runoff from disturbed shorelines was considered a minor contributor.
So, why has Kahshe Lake suddenly become susceptible to late season HABs - i.e. what has changed?
Some of the published studies in recent years attribute the trend toward increasing numbers of late season algal blooms to one or more components of a changing climate. While the Near-Shore program was not designed to comprehensively evaluate the impact of climatic variables, the one climatic factor that does appear to be changing is the severity/intensity of rainfall events.
As shown in the chart below, monthly rainfall in both 2020 and 2021 significantly exceeded the 30 year normal and in 2021 resulted in an elevation of the lake by over 30 cm in July, resulting in many shallow shorelines and beach areas being submerged for several days. |
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In addition to the release of algal friendly nutrients sourced from coarse-textured sands with low nutrient adsorption capacities and waterfowl feces being submerged during these high water periods, the atypical rainfall received also is likely to have accelerated the leaching of phosphorus and nitrogen nutrients sourced from septic effluents and from near-shore lawns and manicured/disturbed waterfronts.
Now that we know more about how and why the quality of our water is changing, the Conservation Committee will be developing a science-based action plan that can be deployed by shoreline property owners and/or the agencies with responsibility for ensuring that septic systems are properly maintained and replaced if failing.
Ron Pearson, M.Sc.
Kahshe and Bass Lake Steward
Conservation Committee |
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Preserving natural shoreline and wild areas by Allyn Abbott
The blue-green algal blooms in Kahshe Lake over the last couple of years have reinforced the need to keep as much shoreline as possible in its natural state and to maintain natural wetlands.
If you own a large lot, a lot with a wetland area, and/or extensive natural shoreline, the Muskoka Conservancy may be able to help you to preserve the property that you love for future generations and to give you a tax break at the same time.
One of the options is to donate land to the Muskoka Conservancy. Another less drastic option is to donate a conservation easement agreement, whereby you maintain ownership of the land, but agree to limit the development on a portion of your land.
What are the tax benefits of donating land or a conservation easement?
The Ecological Gifts Program allows donors of qualifying land or conservation easements to receive significant tax benefits:
- A charitable receipt for the full market value of the qualified land can be applied against an individual’s net annual taxable income.
- A 10-year period to apply the receipt to income
- No tax on capital gains for capital gifts
- No limit on total value eligible for deduction / credit in any 1 year
We look for properties that are at least 50 acres, or at least 10 acres if adjacent to a protected area, such as a Conservation Reserve. In addition, if your property has at least 600 feet of shoreline, or has a wetland area, we would be interested in looking at it. Each property and owner is unique but if you have any interest in learning more about the options for preserving your property, contact Allyn Abbott at allyn.abbott@sympatico.ca or the Muskoka Conservancy office at info@muskokaconservancy.org |
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Board Members
President April Drane Vice-President Michele Phillippe Past President Margaret Taylor Secretary Marlene Clune Treasurer Greig Holder Boating Safety Committee Chair
Rick Glatt
COM-Committee Chair
Cathy Dunphy
Conservation Committee Chair
Bob Reyburn
FOCA Rep Sandra Moad
Nagaya Beach Committee Chair
Alison Smithers-RyanNewsletter Editor Keith Price Rock Marker Committee Chair Marnie Cryderman Water Access Committee Chair Henry Kowalewski Members-at-Large: Jocelyne DeRomana Steve Wild
Non-Board Member Support Team
Kahshe Boutique Manager Leslie Pinard Lake Steward Ron Pearson Social Media (FB, Instagram, Twitter) Paisley Pinard Webmaster Clare Henderson To contact any of these people, please email us at info@kahshelake.ca
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The Kahshe Cottage Cookbook edited by Alison Smithers-Ryan |
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Ingredients
2 slices of your favourite bread
1 avocado, halved and pitted
½ large vine tomato, thinly sliced
2 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked
Salt and Pepper, for seasoning
Cooking Utensils
Paring Knife
Serrated Knife
Fork |
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Instructions
1. Toast the bread to your preference.
2. Scoop avocado flesh into a small bowl.
3. Using a fork, mash avocado flesh into a rustic texture.
4. Season with salt and pepper, the set aside.
5. With a serrated knife, thinly slice the tomato.
6. Roughly chop bacon strips into small pieces.
7. Spread mashed avocado onto each slice of toast.
8. Top with the tomato slices.
9. Sprinkle with bacon pieces.
Enjoy for breakfast, for lunch or as a quick and easy anytime snack. |
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What's On On Kahshe This Year At the time of writing, the KLRA's plans for the summer are very much up in the air: There will be an AGM, either in person or virtual again, early in July; A third Kahshe Quest will be happening in July and/or August; The Kermit Long Kids' Fishing Derby will be run by Erin Swirla and Luke Miller again, date to be determined; There will be another 5K Run for Charity organized by Megan Davies, date to be determined; There may be a Regatta; There may be a Picnic; There may be a Craft Show. More information about these events (or non-events, as the case may be) will appear in the May issue of the Krier and in e-blasts, as necessary, sent out to all members. |
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The 2022 Photo Contest
is already underway, so grab your cameras and go find that perfect Kahshe winter shot.
Remember there are 5 categories:
Kahshe Nature - Landscape
Kahshe Nature - Wild Life: Fauna and Flora
Life on Kahshe
Kids on Kahshe (pictures of kids)
Kid's Eye View (pictures BY kids 12 and under)
Each entrant can submit up to 3 photos. (One each in 3 different categories), all in one category or any 1-2 combination).
To submit photos, attach them in jpeg format to an e-mail and send them to photocontest@kahshelake.ca . Include the full name of the photographer and his or her age if 12 or under, and a telephone number for notification of special prizes. Make the category of each photo clear. Note: Photos not in jpeg format will be disqualified. To see the full contest rules click Rules. Below are the 2021 winners from each category.
Please note that the video category that we were hoping to introduce this year has been cancelled because of technical difficulties. |
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Kelly Hagan 1st - Wildlife |
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Jesse Mirlocca 1st - Kids on Kahshe |
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Nancy Cronin 1st - Landscape |
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Kerry Gale 1st - Life on Kahshe ------------- There were no Kid's-Eye View entries in 2021, so, kids, get those cameras out and do your best! |
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It has been another long, stressful winter thanks to the unrelenting pressure of the ongoing Covid crisis currently fuelled by the fast-spreading Omicron strain. Will this be the final variant? We hope so. Will summer 2022 see a return to more normal activities? We hope so. Will KLRA activities resume? We hope so, but probably not, unless the situation improves drastically in the next 3 months. Will there be another Kahshe Quest? YES, there will! Watch for details of the Kahshe "What 3 Words" Quest 2022 in the May Krier. It would be a good idea for you to download and familiarize yourselves with the What 3 Words app before the Quest begins. The app is free and very easy to use. Will there be a Kids' Fishing Derby? YES, there will! Watch for details in the May Krier. Will there be a 5K Run for Charity? YES, there will! Watch for details in the May Krier. If the situation has improved enough for other KLRA events to resume, the Housey's Rapids Picnic will be looking for a new organizer/facilitator. Anyone interested in taking on the Picnic, please contact me at keithonkahshe@bell.net. I wish you all an enjoyable remainder of the winter, and look forward to a better summer than we had in 2021. Keith Price
Editor |
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Copyright © 2020 Kahshe Lake Ratepayers' Association 1994 Inc. All rights reserved.
Postal mail: KLRA, PO Box 1318, Gravenhurst, ON, P1P 1V5
 
This email was sent to {Contact_Email}. You can change your email preferences here{Member_Profile_URL} |
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