Fwd: FOCA April Elert - Lake Partner Program update and more

[Michael M (Plane Sights)]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations <communi...@foca.on.ca>
Date: Fri, Apr 27, 2012 at 5:04 PM
Subject: FOCA April Elert - Lake Partner Program update and more
To: plane...@gmail.com

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Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations FOCA - Elert April 2012 In This Issue Lake Partner Program announcement Cold Water Boating Changes to Mining Exploration Rules Make Your Lake Great contest Muskoka Stewardship Conference Look Before You Leave! Milfoil Solution Canadian Water Attitudes Fire Safety Campaign OTHER NEWS Support FOCA Quick Links  FOCA Programs Read past FOCA Elerts The Benefits of FOCA Memembership Lake Partner Program image courtesy D.E.S.C.   We are glad to announce that FOCA and the Ministry of the Environment have successfully renewed their partnership in the Lake Partner Program. Please share the good news! Read the press release... Note: Last year's results for Total Phosphorus and Water Clarity (Secchi Disk) are now available. Access them from the FOCA website by clicking here. Cold Water Boating safety     FOCA reminds our Lake Stewards who may be doing Spring sampling - as well as everyone on the water at this time of year - to take cold water boating precautions. Read tips from FOCA and watch dramatic videos at SmartBoater.ca (search: cold water). Changes to Mining Exploration Rules: Comment NOW!      As part of FOCA's ongoing interest and involvement with a modernized approach to mining and exploration in Ontario, FOCA has submitted comments to the public consultation posting on the Environmental Bill of Rights.     Please see these comments, and submit your own remarks.    NOTE: the deadline to submit is May 1, 2012! clickinghe    Win $$$ to Make Your Lake Great     FOCA is pleased to announce a new contest arranged in partnership with Cottage Life: the "Make Your Lake Great" contest runs until July 15, 2012. Your lake association could win $5,000 towards any physical lake improvement. (Prizing provided by BOATsmart! Canada.) Where would you direct the prize money? To:   recreation (beach/park upgrades...)   safety improvements (rock markers, signs...)   environmental (shoreline restoration...)   docking or boat launching   other? Enter online today:  www.cottagelife.com/greatlake  Don't miss the...  Muskoka Stewardship Conference   in Bracebridge this Saturday, April 28th    Concurrent sessions will address Land, Water and Species at Risk. FOCA's Terry Rees is a featured speaker.    Get information and register online by clicking the "Live with Nature" conference logo to the left. clicking here..  Look Before You Leave!   Anyone preparing for spring trips to the lake could unknowingly be carrying invasive "hitchhikers" with them to their destination. These uninvited travelers, known as invasive species, can threaten the health of Ontario's forests and lakes. image courtesy O.I.P.C. An invasive species is a plant or animal that has been accidentally or deliberately introduced to an area outside of its normal range. Without natural controls such as predators, they spread rapidly and can cause negative impacts to ecosystems, and the economy.   Cottagers can follow these steps to prevent the spread of invasive species: *    Inspect and clean boats and motors *    Dispose of bait properly *    Groom pets after hiking *    Buy firewood where it will be burned *    Garden with native plants *    Clean mud, seeds and plant parts from equipment Get more tips from FOCA and the Ontario Invasive Plant Council (OIPC). Introducing: Milfoil Solution FOCA welcomes Milfoil Solution, our newest corporate sponsor.  Milfoil Solution offers a natural and effective management tool for Eurasian watermilfoil (milfoil), a wide-spread invasive aquatic plant in Canada and across the northern United States.   The technique utilizes the native milfoil weevil as a long-term, sustainable biological control. In offering a natural, eco-friendly solution, the company's mission is to reduce large-scale herbicide-use and mechanical harvesting in order to maintain the health of our environment. Science North, a hands-on education centre in Sudbury (where Milfoil Solution has their summer field station and weevil culturing facility), created a milfoil weevil exhibit last year to highlight the technique. Click the image at right to see the "Cool Science" series video on the subject. Visit Milfoil Solution online for more information. Canadian Water Attitudes      RBC recently released the results from their fifth annual Canadian Water Attitudes Study to FOCA and other interested organizations. The report is now posted in its entirety (access the link on the Environment page of FOCA's website), in the hopes we can contribute to a healthy conversation about the value and vulnerability of water in Canada. While the study identified water as Canada's most valuable natural resource, the results show a disconnect: we highly value water, but do not prioritize water infrastructure and have not yet internalized several behavioural changes that could improve water conservation. What's your take? Add your comments on the FOCA Facebook page. Peace of Mind for your Piece of Heaven    image courtesy A.F.F.E.S. Association Members:   Are you enrolled yet for the 2012 "Peace of Mind for Your Piece of Heaven" fire and carbon monoxide safety campaign? Thank you to those who already signed up at the FOCA A.G.M., representing 13,000+ families across Ontario!     Click here to see the list of participating Associations. If yours is missing, please enroll today and help us to spread the word about fire safety, indoors and out.     Watch for more campaign details, coming soon!   In Other News:    ~ Water Canada magazine: watch for the upcoming edition with a special focus on small and rural water systems, including an article by Terry Rees of FOCA. ~ FOCA is a partner with Living Lakes Canada; plan to attend the Living Lakes Canada Gathering in Winnipeg (May 22-24, 2012) to inspire change for one of the most eutrophic large lakes in the world. Click here for the agenda and to register... ~ FOCA is pleased to support Cottage Dreams. We encourage our members, and everyone who is able, to assist families of cancer survivors through this innovative program. Donate a "cottage week" this summer, and get a tax return while you're at it. Details.. Visit FOCA's great CORPORATE SPONSORS online:               FOCA encourages everyone to join their local Association.   In turn, we encourage those groups to be members of FOCA.   How can you help? Become a member or make a one-time donation to support our work to protect Ontario's waterfront.       Your lake.  Your lifestyle.  Your legacy. Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations   in...@foca.on.ca     (705) 749-3622     www.foca.on.ca

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