APELL - Volume 15 Issue 2

The Association for the Protection of the Environment of Latourelle Lake "Working together for our Members" l'Association pour la protection de l'environnement du Lac Latourelle "Travaillant ensemble pour nos membres" www.apell.org    Volume 15, No. 2   August 2006

A word from your president

By David Adcock

This year the summer season brought everything from extremely high temperatures to storms, power outages and property damage.  As you can see from the photographs some cottagers were less fortunate than others; damage was extensive and affected many of us.

I found it very encouraging to see neighbours helping neighbours cutting and cleaning each other's driveways; thanks also go to the municipality for cleaning the roads so quickly, and to Hydro Québec for the professional and rapid manner in which they restored power to the entire surrounding area.

On July 08 the lake clean up went well this year; roughly 16 people showed up to clear the lake while others set about hauling and cutting up the logs.

All the work was completed by noon hour and a very enjoyable BBQ was held afterwards; soft drinks, beer and lunch were provided to all the hard workers.  Log cut up day later that month went smoothly, mainly thanks to Marc Girard and company; work was completed within an hour and refreshments were shared by all.

The annual children's fishing derby was held on July 29; unfortunately the turnout was dismal with only three children in attendance.  Many thanks go to those numerous individuals who contributed funds totalling $70.00 to help offset prizes and food purchases.  Later that day the adults' BBQ proved to be more successful with many people attending the roast pork and beans dinner.  Many thanks to Jean-Pierre Gravel for hosting both the events and also to those who provided assistance with the setup and the preparation of salads and desserts.

The karaoke night held on August 19 went well; approximately 20 people were there to demonstrate their singing talents and fun was had by all.

The next annual general meeting will be held on Saturday, 02 September 2006 at 10:30 am at the Salle des Loisirs recreation hall, Lac Long.  Some items of discussion will include next year's calendar of events and the possibility of combining several events into one.  The minutes of the May 27 general meeting have not been included in this newsletter due to its length; they have been published on the web at www.apell.org and copies will be available at the meeting.
 

Cottage for Rent

By Patrick Whelan

Do you know someone wanting to rent a cottage for a week or so during the spring, summer and fall season 2006 or next year?  If so, why not suggest they check out my property located at 252 chemin du Lac Long.  My telephone number, in Ottawa, is (613) 565-7778, or at my cottage at (819) 463-2555.  Includes deck with barbecue, color television, hot and cold water, shower facilities, full modern kitchen with microwave and dishwasher, wood stove for those cool nights, and electric base heater.  Single large bedroom with queen size bed and double sofa bed in living room for additional sleeping requirements.
 

Of Boats and Beavers

As his friends and neighbours already know, David Nairn has a great collection of stories, trivia and useful information.  Like how to take care of a septic system.  Or how to prepare for a boating safety certification course (39 nine years in the Royal Canadian Navy did the trick for David - read all about it in the December 2003 edition of Reader's Digest).

As winter approaches, busy beavers all over the lake are preparing for the cold weather.  And we're preparing to deal with the beavers!  Here's one novel idea, courtesy of David:

   Sweet Pickled Beaver

   1 beaver, skinned and cleaned
   ½ cup vinegar
   1 tablespoon salt
   2 teaspoons soda
   2 tablespoons dry mustard
   3 tablespoons mixed pickling spice
   1 teaspoon cinnamon
   ½ teaspoon ground cloves
   ½ cup brown sugar
   ½ cup dry white wine or apple juice
   1 cup pineapple juice
   Juice and rind of 1 lemon

Wash beaver thoroughly with salt water; then soak overnight in cold water to cover, adding vinegar and salt to the water.  The next day, remove the beaver from the brine, wash and cover with a solution of 2 quarts of water mixed with soda.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 mins.  Drain and rinse, then place beaver in a clean pot.  Add water to cover.  Sprinkle pickling spice on top, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 20 mins.  Drain and rinse, pat dry and place in a roaster.  Mix mustard, spices, sugar, wine and fruit juices and spread over beaver.  Cover and roast at 325 F until tender, basting frequently.
 

Water Quality Information Session

By Christine Trauttmansdorff

On July 15 APELL welcomed Patrick Henry, Coordinator of the H₂O Chelsea program, to the municipal building in Blue Sea for an information session on water quality monitoring.

H₂O Chelsea is funded by the municipal government and supported by community volunteers.  The program involves the collection and analysis of samples to monitor water quality in lakes, streams and wells.

The data collected helps establish the state of lakes and streams and the effects of human activity and natural events.  The program helps to identify and understand 'problem' areas and develops and carries out activities to promote conservation and improve water quality.

Patrick talked about the importance of caring for our lakes to avoid contaminating the groundwater that feeds our wells, to sustain fish populations and minimize the growth of algae and bacteria so we can swim safely, and to protect property values.  He also spoke about the risks of introducing exotic species of plants and animals, such as purple loosestrife and zebra mussels.

Pollution comes from many sources, including septic systems, alterations to the shoreline, runoff from agricultural activities and landscaping, recreational activities and inflow from streams.

Lake monitoring programs like the one that H₂O Chelsea offers are designed to identify changes in the ecosystem that occur over time and identify problems that can we can work to avoid or overcome.  Monitoring takes the form of various activities, including measuring water clarity, temperature, oxygen, pH levels and electrical conductivity, and sample analysis to determine the levels of nutrients, toxic elements, bacteria, particles and other elements.  By sampling in different areas, including the points where water flows into and out of the lake, problems can not only be identified but solutions can be found.

The H₂O program will be expanding next year to assist other communities to get started.  They will be offering training days for volunteers and providing information about equipment, data collection and analysis.  In the meantime, information is available from their website at www.h2ochelsea.ca under "Resources for Volunteers".  Information about protecting and improving your shoreline can be found at http://www.livingbywater.ca/main.html.
 

Water Test Results

July 2006

Water testing is carried out by the Association for information purposes only.  Due to many factors, results can be unreliable, depending on when and how the sample is taken, the weather conditions and numerous other factors.  The Association is in no way responsible for water quality or the accuracy of test results.  Nor is the Association liable for any use members or others may make of the information provided.

APELL Barbeque 2006

www.apell.org   APELL s/c 24e chemin de la Ferme, Blue Sea Lake, QC  J0X 1C0   2005-2007 Executive Committee

2005-2007 Executive Committee

Welcome to our new advertiser.  SG Printing has donated new APELL membership cards.