Lake Health

Trémolo du huard à collier

Periphyton: Report 2015 

Periphyton in Lake Saint-François-Xavier: Surveys of 16-17 August 2015 (report)*
The measurement of the thickness of the film/carpet of periphyton on submerged rocks of the shore is the task of the plunger of the team; Dave Clark has fulfilled this crucial responsibility.
His statements on the 11 sites selected since 2013 indicate that the average thickness of this film/carpet, on the 10 rocks of each site, varies between 2 and 4 mm from one site to the other.
Figures for the 3 years show a general thickening of less than 1% between 2013 and 2014; but more than 1% between 2014 and 2015.
While Felix and Adrian Hausermann had seen the color of this film of brown dominance in the previous years, Dave has described it as being brownish green and sometimes light green at the side of a rock.
For now, we see that this layer of microorganisms and other material is present on all the rocks of the Lake and that it covers them fully. The layer is less thick at 30 cm below the surface of the water than lower. Dave has also noticed that the layer of periphyton was generally thicker on Southeast side (approximate direction).
The thicker layers were found at site 10, flanked by the section of the Aerobic Corridor closed to general traffic (but we do not have the explanation).
As in previous years, the presence of periphyton in the form of filaments was noted on a few rare rocks.
Conclusions:
It is not our responsibility to draw conclusions from these observations.
The continual increase in the layer of periphyton through three years though seems very real. We have however no idea of the meaning of the order of magnitude of this growth. Would the fact that the operation of 2015 took place two weeks later than the previous ones explain the greater thickness of the periphyton this year?
It is said that the presence and thickness of the periphyton in a lake may vary over the years; this would therefore require a mechanism for vanishing and regeneration, as for aquatic plants. According to Ms. Mélissa Laniel, from CRE-Laurentides, we would be able to see the evolution of the presence of periphyton at the Lake by comparing the data taken in 2013 to 2014 and 2015 on sites of sampling, and then at a resumed sequence in five years for example.
Summary recommendations:
The work of the diver is long, exhausting and chilling. He needs to have a certain ease in water and preferably equipment: snorkeling, diving sweater and, preferably, a weighted belt. Training followed by the members of the team, in 2013, should have proved to be useful.
Calm water and not too cold, with plenty of brightness, are preferred. Two divers could accomplish the job in two times less time and therefore be able to complete it easily in a single day at Lake Saint-François-Xavier.
The motor boat was preferred to the pontoon boat because of its manoeuvrability; but to throw oneself into the water and get back into the boat is difficult and perilous. 
      By Carl Chapdelaine, August 20, 2015
* A comparison of data on the three years is visible on the map "Periphyton, vulnerability, water" under the heading «Lake Health" in Files, on our website. Map: periphyton, vulnerability, water  

Operation periphyton 2015

You may have an opportunity to see, on August 16 and 17, Dave Clark fussing around a dozen sites with submerged rocks in the lake, diving and shouting codes to Felix Hausermann and the undersigned. Don’t be chocked; we do not intend to withdraw any of these rocks off the lake ... It is simply to measure the thickness and to describe the coverage of detritus and microorganisms forming this greenish layer which sticks to objects immersed in a lake. This is what is referred to by periphyton.
These charming colonies greatly appreciate that we pay them attention, especially by presenting them phosphorus and other treats they crave for. They seek also to show us, during this operation, if they appreciate the reasonable accommodation to which they are subject, in answering their desire to ensure the best future for their descendants.
The team must visit the dozen sites chosen by John Wilson and Felix across the lake in August 2013, certainly bringing together the most beautiful rocks.
The operation is so taking place for the third year; after which it could be suspended for some time. It is hoping that RSVL authorities have meanwhile found what conclusions must be drawn from this Protocol of monitoring the periphyton.
If you are interested in possibly take over the team, you may wish to ask to register for the training day of RSVL at Lake Croche, which takes place in summer. Have preferably endurance and ease in water if you want to participate as a diver; the task can prove be daunting.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Carl Chapdelaine

Road salts and the Lake

"The natural presence of chloride varies from 7 milligrams per liter of water (mg/l) in undisturbed lakes of the Canadian Shield to 20 000 mg/l in the sea." «An urban stream in winter contains more than 1 000 mg/l; runoff water from a highway, over 18 000 mg/l*.» The concentration of chloride was stabilized at 45 mg/l at the small Lac à la Truite, on the edge of the highway 15, following the replacement of salt, on 7 km, with an abrasive/salt mixture.
In 1995, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, began a comprehensive scientific study to assess the impact of the use of salt on the environment. «The assessment report, published on December 1, 2001 concluded that high releases of road salts were having an adverse effect on freshwater ecosystems, soil, vegetation and wildlife. The publication of this report initiated the risk management process to address the risks posed to the environment by road salts.»
In 2013, the Ministry of transport of Quebec published a " Guide de gestion des zones vulnérables aux sels de voirie - Une démarche à l’intention des municipalités (Guide of management of areas vulnerable to road salts - An approach addressed to the municipalities"). One can read that "the introduction of a large amount of salt in the water can result in a complete change of the aquatic ecosystem and in a biodiversity loss. In addition, high concentrations of sodium chloride can alter the density of the water, induce the development of a haline stratification, have an impact on the vertical mixing of the water and harm the redistribution of oxygen and nutrients, two elements essential to the survival of the species living both in depth and in surface."
Quebec has taken the approach of Ottawa and, with municipal and transport organizations, proposes strategies to tackle the problem. One of these strategies is to invite municipalities and any concerned administration to develop "a plan of environmental management of road salts (plan de gestion environnementale des sels de voirie: PGESV) which is based on the best practices in this field and which takes into account the environmental impacts of road salts-related activities".
One can likened this approach to the use of the VLMP’s protocols by associations for the protection of lakes. Municipalities who enrol must follow a process and report to the Department which can thus draw conclusions and suggest improvements. However, to do this, municipalities must rely on the assistance and expertise of the MRC and Government agencies.
Unfortunately, our surveys of the quality of the water of Lake St. François-Xavier don’t give us information on its chloride concentration. Furthermore, we did not choose any sampling site precisely on the targeted area, downstream from the bridge of Montfort, where the impact of salt used on the big hill of the rue Principale most likely settles. At first glance, it seems that the measure on a regular basis and at appropriate dates of this concentration upstream as downstream the channel is essential for the assessment of the situation.
Carl Chapdelaine
*~One tablespoon per litre
Sources: 1.http://ec.gc.ca/sels-salts/default.asp?lang=En&n=F37B47CE-1
2.Plan ministériel de gestion environnementale des sels de voirie 2011-2014
3. Guide_gestion_zones_vulnerables-2Mai_HQ.pdf

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2014 VLMP's results

Under the Volunteer Lake-Monitoring Program (VLMP)’s protocol and for a second year, in summer 2014, water samples collected by Colleen Horan and Felix Hausermann, in the deepest part of the Lake, were analyzed in the MDDELCC’s laboratories. According to the analysis results that have just been transmitted to the Association, from the three physicochemical variables, total phosphorus, chlorophyll a and organic carbon, only the first shows a significant negative change from 2013, from a concentration index of 3.4 μg/l to 5 μg/l. However, this concentration remains very low, and judging from the trophic classification scale (oligotrophic <-> mesotrophic <- > eutrophic), this variable as to the limit that of chlorophyll a, is classified as oligotrophic since 2008. The tiny yellow squares in the graph, position the Lake on the scale in question for 2014.
For their part, therefore, all physicochemical variables indicate the Lake shows few signs of eutrophication. The first operation of this type, with the VLMP, was thus in summer 2008. Following an amendment to the protocol in 2010, it is now necessary to conduct the sampling on two, or even three consecutive years. The VLMP’s recommendation to the Association, in this case, is to go for a third year, which "will increase the accuracy of mean values”. The LSFX would however have to find again close to $300; it is to be hoped that the Municipality would then renew this year its offer to pay 50 per cent of such expenses.
At the same time, annual measures of transparency of the water, assessed with the use of the Secchi disk by Felix, indicate again slightly turbid water for 2014, as for 2013. The Lake remains here in a less comfortable position, i.e. mesotrophic. The graph of Lake St. François-Xavier’s water transparency over several years shows a sequence of highs and lows since 2008, the first year of application of this protocol. Variations are of a meter and the visibility of the disk for these 7 years averages 4.2 meters deep. Although already noted in 2009, the situation has so deteriorated over the past two years.
Conclusion of the VLMP authorities: In view of the results obtained, it is possible that Lake St. François-Xavier shows some signs of eutrophication*. For us to see! Furthermore, as we pay for only a portion of what we receive from these analyses, it seems that there is benefit, to the extent possible, of taking advantage of it.

*When adding the measure of the transparency of the water to the concentration of phosphorus and chlorophyll a (an indicator of algae abundance) on the trophic classification scale, one gets the overall position of the Lake, which passes from oligotrophic to mesotrophic, or more precisely oligo-mesotrophic, on this scale. Thus, 40% of 537 resort lakes of southern Québec were oligo-mesotrophic in 2008; 30 per cent had a better ranking and 30% worse. This scale is a reference tool for estimating the degree of eutrophication of the lakes by the VLMP. http://www.mddelcc.gouv.qc.ca/eau/portrait/eaux-surface1999-2008/chap3.pdf

Note: The VLMP has not yet created hyperlinks to its interactive tables; we will add them as soon as available.

Carl Chapdelaine

2013 VLMP's results

Lake St. François-Xavier (307) - quality of water: 2008-2014 follow-up

The Lake’s portrait gets clearer

December 18, 2014

The web Atlas of the Laurentians’ Lakes (
Lake Atlas), from the Conseil régional de l'environnement des Laurentides (CRE), is a very recent tool and still in the making. Its carrying out took advantage of financial and human input from the Conférence Régionale des Élus (CRÉ), recently victim of the financial cuts imposed by the provincial government.

You also know of the RSVL’s reports on surveys done at Lake St. François-Xavier under various protocols, such as the degree of transparency and the quality of the water or, during the last two summer seasons, on its chemical composition. You've also seen the bathymetric charts made Dr. Richard Carignan’s team and the Université de Montréal at the Lake, and which tell us about its morphometry (depth, area, terrain, volume, etc.). The area of its watershed was also estimated.  You have to know that these data can be combined to determine other variables to describe and thus to characterize the state of health and equilibrium of the Lake. Thus, by combining transparency and bathymetry, hypsometric cards specific to Lake Saint-François-Xavier could be made which allow "… to visualize the proportions of the volume of the Lake or the sediment surface that can support the growth of aquatic vegetation..."

Dr. Carignan believes that the determination of the bathymetric variables and characteristics of the watershed is a prerequisite to the study of a lake. So his team could, with these data and, without doubt, using software, evaluate the rate of replacement of all its water, which is called 'the time of renewal' 1, and its 'drainage ratio' (area of the watershed / lake area). These two data have just been added to those of the bathymetric maps of the Lake, the one on the Western Basin (Newaygo) and the one on the Eastern basin (Montfort), since Dr. Carignan told us consider that it is for him, in fact, two lakes.  You will so now find that new information on the web Atlas of the Laurentians’ Lakes, by typing the name of the lake in its search tool; Saint-François-Xavier (ouest):
http://www.crelaurentides.org/dossiers/eau-lacs/atlasdeslacs?lac=12151 ; and (est) : http://www.crelaurentides.org/dossiers/eau-lacs/atlasdeslacs?lac=12150.

Renewal time is thus of 0.83 year for the Newaygo basin and 0.37 for the Montfort basin. The drainage ratio of the first would be 11.29 against 29.42 for the Montfort’s one. Amongst the consequences of these differences, we can point out that phosphorus would thus tend to settle more at the bottom in the Newaygo basin than in the Montfort’s one and that its concentration in the water is therefore normally lower.2  You will notice by the way that even if it is in the East basin that is found the greatest depth, its volume of water represents only 80% of that of the Western Basin and its area equals it by only 64%.

We don’t know what order of magnitude can be the compliance of these assessments with the actual situation. Many variables, not to mention the habitat and forest cover, should be added to these physical characteristics to refute their accuracy. However, it is still adequate to remember that Lake Saint-François-Xavier’s Newaygo and Montfort basins are not identical twins.

1. This is 'the ratio between the volume of the Lake and the amount of water it receives annually from its catchment and rainfall reaching directly the Lake'... 'In a lake where the water residence time is very long, the concentration of phosphorus will be low because most of the phosphorus will have time to settle.’
http://www.saint-hippolyte.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/%C3%89tude-Carignan-%C3%89tats-des-lacs-2003.pdf, p. 18.

2. "Also, lakes with a high drainage ratio and so a large basin watershed compared to the area of the Lake, will usually have a shorter renewal time and will be more colorful.''
http://www.aplaweb.ca/nouvelles/pdf/PDlac-de-Achigan-final-17dec2012.pdf, p.19.
                                                                                                                                                                                Carl Chapdelaine

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Report on the periphyton (2014)

Our 2014 report, containing the location of the eleven monitoring sites retained and the description of the periphyton at Lake St. François-Xavier, on Excel file, has been sent to the authorities of the VLMP (RSVL) in Quebec.  As no data processing tool would yet exist, our report will feed a data-bank and will thus contribute to development of more specific standards for the widespread use of this protocol in Quebec. Analysis of our data by experts of the Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MDDELCC) and the conclusions for Lake St. François-Xavier could therefore be defined only after some years of application of the protocol at the specified geographic scale.
It is said that the presence and thickness of the periphyton in a lake may vary over the years; this would therefore require a mechanism for vanishing and regeneration, as for aquatic plants. According to Ms. Mélissa Laniel, from CRE-Laurentides, we would be able to see the evolution of the presence of periphyton at the Lake by comparing the data taken in 2013 to 2014 and the next year on sites of sampling, and then at a resumed sequence in five years for example.
For now, we see that this layer of microorganisms and other material is present on all the rocks of the Lake and that it covers them fully, with a thickness of about 1 mm in 2013, rarely more, but that seems sometimes increased by a second millimeter in 2014. The only conclusion that we can conclude for now, would be that any increase in its thickness would indicate an accelerated eutrophication, mainly caused then by an increased phosphorus contribution; the latter being closely linked to the presence of periphyton. 
The color of this carpet of periphyton, uniformly greenish brown, perhaps could give us other indications. Similarly, the small thickness differences according to the selected sites are probably carrying information specific to these sites but which require interpretation. The almost absolute absence of periphyton in filamentous form must also have a meaning.
Thirteen pages of the report may be a little repetitive; however, if you want copy, we will forward it to you by e-mail.
                                                                                                                C.C.  September 2014
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Increase in periphyton

September 24, 2014,                                           Carl Chapdelaine

See: Map of "Periphyton, vulnerability, water" at the top of the topic.

Phosphorus and aquatic plants 

On August 9, Ms. Melissa Laniel, from CRE-Laurentides and in charge of project Bleu Laurentides, was invited by the Agence des bassins versants de Sainte-Anne-des-Lacs (ABVLacs) for a presentation at Lake Ouimet. Entitled "aquatic plants and algae", she would be showing special emphasis on the Eurasian Watermilfoil, the exotic invasive aquatic plant actually seen as the most feared threat today for the Laurentian lakes.

Having always been concerned by the challenges that the access to the Lake poses, the delegation of the Executive of the Lake Saint-François-Xavier Association was going to learn multiple lessons from this presentation and intends to enrich the actual development of our policy in this regard.

But first, the speaker wished to explain the link between the contribution of phosphorus in a lake and the development of aquatic plants. In addition to telling us why these plants seem increasingly invading our lakes, her demonstration would help us understand the reasons and results of the implementation of the Voluntary Lake Monitoring Program (RSVL/VLMP) protocols.

Phosphorus is an element naturally little present in a wilderness lake. The first manifestation of its increased presence, due in particular to the human settlement on its shore and its watershed, will be on the coast, where the low depth enables to most aquatic plants to take root and take advantage of the light key to their development. It is precisely the proliferation of these plants, enough easily verifiable, that tells us that something is amiss. The particularity of invasive alien plants often allows them to take even more advantage of the presence of phosphorus. The cyanobacteria will also benefit.

At this time, samples of phosphorus that we collect in the pit of the lake, says the presenter, cannot yet reflect a recent intake of this substance. Data of this testing protocol will therefore not know to worry us. It is only when, somehow, aquatic plants of the coast will be saturated with phosphorus that it may be found in water samples so collected.

Survey of the thickness of the periphyton, which we recently conducted for the second year, will however be a quicker index of the potential increase of phosphorus in the Lake, since this layer of plant microorganisms and sediment also grows from a phosphorus intake.  4mm thick of periphyton on the rocks of the shore would be the critical limit; from our surveys, we are fortunately not yet there.

The shape and depth of a lake, its geomorphology in other words, and variables such as the speed of the renewal of its mass of water, make lakes uneven in face of increased phosphorus intake and the development of aquatic plants. A shallow lake, with a low rate of renewal of its mass of water, will promote the accumulation of phosphorus and the consequent proliferation of aquatic plants. This development will contribute to eutrophication of the lake, its premature aging. Through the work of the team of the University of Montréal, under the direction of Prof. Richard Carignan, and other researchers, these data and these rates have been established for several lakes in the Laurentian and are available on the new Atlas Web des lacs des Laurentides (2014), from CRE http://www.crelaurentides.org/dossiers/eau-lacs/atlasdeslacs?view=adl.

Forty of our lakes would be already affected by Eurasian Watermilfoil, this invasive exotic plant from Eurasia. When it is introduced into a lake by any kind of boat, by a duck or other from infested lake, or by a stream which it is dependent, the plant will seek to settle into her new home. With a good contribution in phosphorus and of nautical practices that promote its dispersion, it may then invade sections of a lake or whole, causing a nightmare to all its residents and visitors. Nothing can easily be done to get rid of it, despite bees’ work of eradication and sometimes enormous expenditure which we know several examples.

Motor boats, as well as canoes, kayaks, etc., may be carrying a fragment of Eurasian Watermilfoil. Madam Laniel confirms that the threat is considered as real, even adding that Eurasian Watermilfoil may well rehydrate after having been dried. It takes several days in the sun to be able to guarantee the safety of certain types of craft coming from an infested lake, if this is the chosen method. 

Boat washing, away from the shore, and its thorough inspection, as well as that of all equipment, before launching in the water or when leaving an infested lake are among the essential measures for the prevention of the spread of invasive plants. But awareness, with panels and other means are perhaps a prerequisite for any prevention campaign.

A protocol of detection and monitoring of invasive exotic aquatic plants for resort lakes in Quebec, the PAEE, adapted from Maine VLMP, is being prepared and should have bene available in 2014, said the speaker.       

Carl Chapdelaine

Melissa Laniel's presentation

PAPA: Up date

The Big Hill sediment trap 

November 30th, 2013
Jean Pierre Corbeil is in a good position to see what goes down from the Big Hill on Rue Principale; but, since nearly two weeks, what he sees and harass with questions are employees of Transport Quebec surveying at the foot of this hill. He learned that the sand net, installed earlier, will be replaced by a trap or alike permanent structure intended to collect sand which unfailingly lands in a narrow channel of the Lake.
This channel passes under the Rue Principale’s bridge; due to accumulated sand, its depth now allows one to walk through with only fishermen boots. A former resident said that there were four to six feet of water at this location before the construction of this road climbing the coast in a straight line. But for what is to eventually dredge accumulated sand, mystery... These sediments are also probably spread downstream the channel. By decreasing the depth of the water thereby increasing the action of the sun, they certainly contributed to the invasion by aquatic plants.
One must also think that the gradual increase of the threshold has gradually produced a greater accumulation of sediments ending at the bottom of all the Lake upstream, exactly like the trap in sight could retain the sand of the Big Hill by imposing a threshold on the water collected. The impact had to be major and will continue as long as the bottom will not get back to its original level. In this account however, it is not only the channel which must be dredged, because all the surrounding bottom had to go up as well.
Land surveyors and other specialists have taken plenty of measures all around, walking in 30 cm of snow already covering the ground. Fortunately, it is not the new blackout that could have been of inconvenience to them. They surely have had to seek to determine the level of the high waters of the Lake, the morphology of the terrain, the degree of slope, the flow in the water collector, etc. Normally, a sand trap should not be built in a watercourse; but here the space is sorely lacking, unless considering using the entrance road to the houses bordering the Lake North of the bridge.
The case is on an emergency list at the Department and the data collected will be analyzed by engineers to determine more precisely the characteristics of the proposed permanent work. Transport Quebec has already experimental studies and criteria to make the appropriate choice. The preliminary plans of the work would also be already sketched. But these sand traps are generally not designed to filter the finest elements, as silts, and even less the melter or other chemical components that could be used for road de-icing and which would continue to pour out in the Lake. 
Budget issues have also probably been taken into account; for example, a barrier consisting of rocks, straw bales or alike certainly doesn’t induce the same expenditures as the construction of a concrete pit.
What will this new element of the landscape look like and when will it emerge? Jean Pierre will certainly keep us aware of what will happen on the ground. In any case it will be a huge relief to see over or at least seriously undermined a very negative environmental situation for Lake Saint-François-Xavier. Still, do not applaud too soon. It is a bit like to bring zero budget deficits; the environmental situation of a lake can begin to improve only when it stops at least to deteriorate. But the means to see to the follow-up of the state of health of Lake Saint-François-Xavier do not allow us to know where we stand in this regard. Our Committee on Lake Health has already implemented the project to identify and assess vulnerability zones of the Lake. Trying finding solutions will have to follow.
As our president has said, everyone has his role to play in monitoring the environment, and we are counting on each of you.

          Carl C.

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Water quality 2013 RSVL (VLMP)


In summer 2013, samples of water collected for the ALSFX, by Colleen and Felix Hausermann, in one of the deepest sector of the Lake, have been analysed to assess three physico chemical variables: total phosphorus, chlorophyll a and organic carbon. The first operation of this kind under the VLMP program was in summer 2008. It will be renewed in 2014, since it is now evaluated necessary to proceed on two, or even three consecutive years. 
This operation was added to the annual water transparency evaluation assessed using the Secchi disk, now skillfully handled by Felix. These readings are taken for more than two decades. They were formerly carried out by the Inter-Lacs firm, then by FAPEL. In 1999, Eric Kristensen made the current disk, which allowed the Association to carry out the readings by itself. A decade later, André Soucy reshaped and put a new rope to the instrument he was in charge of. The idea to add a crown of submersible lights was dropped... In 1998 and 99, the transparency measure reached more than 6 m in the pit of the Montfort basin.
The evaluation of transparency gives slightly cloudy water for 2013.
The set of physico chemical variables indicate that the Lake has few, if any, signs of eutrophication.
The tiny yellow squares, in the last graph, position the Lake on the trophic level classification scale. (To the left of the scale, it is paradise; right, hell.)
Note: Hyperlinks for the VLMP tables are not yet available; meanwhile, you will find here only extracts.

Transparence et physicochimie

Transparency 2013


     Average summer transparency (Secchi disk depth in metres)

Classification of trophic level (summer 2013)

Water quality: a guide

September 7th, 2013

MDDEFP has just published a new guide answering Lake associations interrogations concerning lake water analysis, in its bacteriological segment: http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/eau/rsvl/Guide-eval-bacteriologique-eau-lac.pdf . It may contain information for review of our programs. It seems that our Géostar analysis is in the line of what is recommended.
However, one might not find really new things in this guide and might not find a clear answer on what is the appropriate frequency of sampling or the appropriate number of sites in relation to the importance (surface, volume, etc.) of a lake. There is a word on «composite samples» rather than punctual ones that might be of some evaluation in our case. There is a section on looking at the tributary waterways as well.
Let us mention some lessons. For one, the bacteriological state of a lake is normally not an indication or a cause of its aging; and so, one would conclude that we should not consider that working on the first brings much on the latter. Fighting water bacteriological pollution for example doesn’t change much as far as lake aging is concerned. A few other myths are also demystified.
It is also written that WLMP (RSVL) is interested in getting copy of results of bacterial water analysis done by lake associations. This might induce a comparison between lakes and help develop norms.
Reading the guide might give us a clearer view of where we stand in the knowledge of that topic in a more formal and detailed presentation that each one individually may have in mind.
                                      C. C.

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Water quality (Geostar tests)

Color, pH, turbidity, by sampling site, 2013

Lake Health: survey

The 2007-2017 governmental plan of intervention on blue-green algae has been added a component to finance development of intervention tools projects dealing with the blue-green algae and eutrophication threat on our lakes. The choice of projects to be funded is the responsibility of a representative working committee. 
The task of inventory and assessment of current or in development tools was given to the Regroupement des organismes de bassins versants du Québec  (ROBVQ), which now wants to reach all other groups involved in this process through a survey.
Following a few questions looking for preferred approaches by respondents, the first part of the survey deals with the perception of these respondents facing current tools such as «La trousse des lacs», «Fiches sur l’aménagement et l’entretien des propriétés résidentielles», «Guide d’identification des cyanobactéries», «Le guide technique de gestion environnementale des fossés», «le Guide de renaturalisation de rives», from RAPPEL, the book guide «Aménagement et techniques de restauration des bandes riveraines», the CRE’s book guide on septic installations, «le Guide de gestion des eaux pluviales» and «Les algues bleu-vert dans nos plans d’eau». It also looks for their possible need for new tools.
The second part focuses on the assessment, by those who use them, of the nine major tools and book guides mentioned above.
We have until February 13 to respond to the survey and we invite those who would like to do so to contact us to get the coordinates.

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Report on the periphyton

Our report, containing the location of the twelve monitoring sites and the description of the periphyton at Lake St. François-Xavier, on Excel file, has been sent to the authorities of the VLMP (RSVL).  As no data processing tool would yet exist, our report will feed a data-bank and will thus contribute to development of more specific standards for the widespread use of this protocol in Quebec. Analysis of our data by experts of the MDDEFP and the conclusions for Lake St. François-Xavier could therefore be defined only after some years of application of the protocol at the specified geographic scale.
It is said that the presence and thickness of the periphyton in a lake may vary over the years; this would therefore require a mechanism for vanishing and regeneration, as for aquatic plants. According to Ms. Mélissa Laniel, from CRE-Laurentides, we would be able to see the evolution of the presence of periphyton at the Lake by comparing data to those that we should pick up over the next two years on sites of monitoring, and then at a resumed sequence in five years for example. 
For now, we see that this layer of microorganisms and other material is present on all the rocks of the Lake and that it covers them fully, with a thickness of about 1 mm, rarely more. The only conclusion that we can draw for now, would be that any increase in its thickness would indicate an accelerated eutrophication, mainly caused then by an increased phosphorus contribution; the latter being closely linked to the presence of periphyton. 
The color of this carpet of periphyton, uniformly greenish brown, perhaps could give us other indications. Similarly, the small thickness differences according to the selected sites are probably carrying information specific to these sites but which require interpretation. The almost absolute absence of periphyton in filamentous form must also have a meaning.
Thirteen pages of the report may be a little repetitive; however, if you want copy, we will forward it to you by e-mail. Obviously, you would not be prevented from doing your own analysis of your shoreline rocks surface, located between thirty and one hundred centimeters below water level, during the required period, and to provide us your comments. You are also welcome with your underwater camera at the next opportunity...
                                                                                                                C.C. September 7th, 2013

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Periphyton: Felix dives!

On August 5, by a beautiful day, Colleen Horan, Felix and I visited and analysed rocks of the coastline of the Newaygo Section of the Lake. Felix Hausermann easily locates the sites determined the previous week with John Wilson. He also had well recorded Ms. Mélissa Laniel’s, from CRE-Laurentides, guidelines at the Lake Croche training session. Encrypted codes, 1 to 4 for each of the different variables, come out of his mouth repeatedly. It is 6 data for each of the 10 rocks of a site. In two hours the periphyton is measured, identified and classified at the six selected sites. The next day, the same precision is applied, but, at the end, Felix can go as far as communicating us the data for 3 rocks at a time! I have hard time at sharpening my pencil, which peels of wood and mine will unfortunately join the trunks at the bottom of the Lake...
Not a lot of varieties in the results; the thickness of the periphyton is often limited to 1 mm; it sometimes climbs at 2 and, occasionally 3 mm (section 3 of Newaygo Sector, i.e. the Bay where I have my cottage, and section 11 of the Montfort Sector, in the 'Church Lake', beyond the last houses of the village, to the East of the bridge, on the northwest shore). At site 3, in front of my property, the slightest movement of Felix on the bottom of the lake is stirring the thick layer of silt making it difficult taking measures. The case will happen again in a shallow site of the Montfort Sector.
The covering of the rocks is almost always more than 75% (code 4) and invariably of brown color, with one exception in green. Felix attributes it to the presence of all the dead wood accumulated at the bottom when wood floating was going on.
Nowhere has he noted the presence of periphyton in the form of filaments rather than the traditional carpet.
Only the size of rocks visited by Felix will vary from 10 to more than 100cm; however, on August 6th, at site 7 of the Montfort Sector, between the marina and the mouth of the stream tributary of Lake Miroir, he will find only a single rock, surely the one visible on John’s sketch. We just lost a site. The round trip will be completed in a little over two hours, as the day before and again with beautiful weather. But the water was not very hot and without its diving suit, Felix would have perhaps suffered from it.
Carl

Periphyton: Localisation of sites

August, 3rd, 2013
On 30 and 31 July, John Wilson and Felix Hausermann patrolled all the littoral zone of the Lake to find the most beautiful rocks... In fact they had to determine twelve sites of ten to twenty meters width which will be the subject of analysis of periphyton before mid-August...  They have brought a gallery of photos of beautiful rocks; but we need to keep you going for now.
A team will return to visit all these sites. Equipped with a tuba, goggles and a ruler they need to measure and describe the layer of periphyton to 30 points on all of the rocks, 3 points for 10 rocks; in all 360 records not to be misplaced! Everything will be translated in figures or letters, even the observed colors. The member of the team remained in the boat will record data which will be communicated to him with a pencil, hoping not to see his compilation slide in the water.  Don't be so surprised to see circulate our team and especially surprise them to look at your rocks... 
Of course, the Committee on Lake Health will make a film in IMAX, with surround sound and articulated seats, to communicate the results of its research, once they are studied by the authorities of the VLMP (RSVL). Generous donors welcome.

Training on the periphyton

We much enjoyed our day at the biological station of the Université de Montreal, at Lac Croche, St. Hyppolyte*. 
Finally, it was a nice day to be outside. Ms. Mélissa Laniel, CRE-Laurentides, gave the theoretical course in the morning; while the 46 participants, mainly from multiple Lake Associations, gathered into seven groups for the work on the ground in the afternoon.
There are multiple elements in the approach to measure and evaluate the layer of periphyton (algae, microorganisms, etc.) on the coastal rocks. The equipment is also important and one was floundering a bit before finding the right vein and especially the good method. Once in place, the work gets done yet safely and at good pace.
Analysis of periphyton would be the fastest index among those offered by the RSVL, to evaluate the evolution of harmful intake of phosphorus in a lake.
In addition, improvised business cards were exchanged and promises of cooperation between associations also were.
Now, what’s left is to apply the testing protocol to Lake Saint-François-Xavier, between mid-July and mid-August and resume it two years away. Zones of analysis will have to be determined to give a good representation of the body of water if not the whole Lake, so that the results can reflect the evolution of the whole body. 
These results will remain experimental pending the conclusions that specialists will take on the preliminary application of this new protocol for analysis of the health of our lakes. The RSVL should add them to those that they communicate and make public each year. Photos of the team really at work should reach us later. Dave and Felix really got wet...
                                                                                                                                                                                               
Carl
*In the middle of the first body of the lake, there is a small cabin on a raft. It is packed with scientific instruments for analysis of water, direction of wind, etc. "This is not a toilet" had replied the young lady at the commands of our craft, to whom I had asked to come alongside for a few moments...

Water samples for the VLMP

Samplings and analyses for trace of total phosphorus, chlorophyll a and dissolved organic carbon, are one of the indicators chosen by the VLMP (RSVL) to evaluate the quality and the state of health of a lake. Ours goes back to 2008. As recommended we are repeating these samplings this year, as well as in 2014.
Mrs. Colleen Horan, of our Executive, has received the equipment necessary for this collection from the VLMP authorities and will start sampling this weekend. There will be three levies during the season, on the dates specified by the VLMP, in June, July and August. They are taken at the deepest point of the Lake, over the eastern pit (16.9 m) http://www.crelaurentides.org/bleu/images/bathymetrie-web/HQSFX_E_bathy.jpg . 

A bottle, securely attached to a stick is pushed down to a meter in water above this pit, the bottleneck upward; it must come out full of water. Its’ content is distributed in three appropriate sampling bottles, of which two contain different levels of acid. All three sample bottles are kept in a cooler on dry ice, and are sent to the government lab via DICOM. The cooler and ice packs will then be returned to Colleen for the next collection.

Source: http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/eau/rsvl/protocole-echantill-qualite.pdf

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VLMP: looking for volunteers

This summer we intend to join a new RSVL protocol aimed at better understanding the nature of Periphyton close to the shoreline, i.e. increased growth of “slime” on submerged rocks & structures. http://www.mddefp.gouv.qc.ca/eau/rsvl/protocole-periphyton.pdf. (Document in French; however, contains images that describe many of the protocol components). From US EPA: http://water.epa.gov/scitech/monitoring/rsl/bioassessment/ch06main.cfm

LVolunteers will follow a short training given by the authorities of the program. With their boots of fisherman, tubas, etc., they could be assigned to explore some sites near the lake shore or to compile the results.
Mrs. Marie-Cécile Tarissants, biologist, from l'Association des résidants propriétaires du lac La Salle, at Val-Morin, came to meet members of our Lake Health Committee, on May 18, to make them share her experience in analysis of the periphyton at their lake.
The Committee is also looking for volunteers on another initiative for the study of the lake that will soon be unveiled to you.
Get in touch with John Wilson for more details or with the Association.
Note: Mrs. Manon Ouelet(te), of Min.DDEFP, informs us that no cost is attributed to the associations for the analysis, by the authorities of the RSVL program, of the data collected by the volunteers. Associations are free to use their equipment or buy tools or other that they intend to use.

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VLMP (RSVL): results for water transparency 

April 19, 2013
The Volunteer Lake-Monitoring Program (VLMP/RSVL) group has just published on its website graphics of the results of that operation for 2012 it had already sent us*.

In 2008, Lake Saint-François-Xavier Association conducted the analysis of samples and the measure of the transparency of the water of the lake, with the RSVL program, and has carried on with this last measure since then. The water transparency (the depth to which the Secchi disk is always visible) is one of the operations of the monitoring of the quality of water by the RSVL.

"The transparency measures are carried out at a point that is usually located in the deepest area of the lake."(http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/eau/rsvl/rsvl_localisation.asp?no_lac_rsv=307) Here, this site has a 17 meters depth.

"The measure of the transparency of the water using the Secchi disk must be done every two weeks, from early June to early October and each year.».
"It is a variable which is useful to highlight the long-term change in the quality of the water and the state of the lac» and easy to measure."

Apart from mineral materials in suspension in the water, such as sand, silt, etc. and other physical factors that affect the transparency of the water of a lake, it can be said that it "decreases with the increase in the amount of algae (and other organisms) in the water of the lake." "There is a link between the transparency of the water of a lake and its trophic status (aging)."

Since 2008, our lake has always got a good note with this index, as shown in the chart titled «Transparence estivale moyenne» you will find on the RSVL website (look there for: Lac Saint-François-Xavier, Sommaire). In 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, the average annual depth of visibility of the Secchi disk was of 4.8, 3.8, 4.5, 4.4 and 4.7 meters for a global average of 4.4 meters, which characterizes an oligo-mesotrophic state and clear water. The perfect situation would be "ultra-oligotrophic" and the worst: "hyper-eutrophic", with a visibility less than one meter.

Many thanks to the Hausermann who have taken the measures with the Secchi disk for 2012.

*The wording is in French.

Carl Chapdelaine

RSVL(VLMP): transparency results

VLMP (RSVL) analysis: municipal grant

While reading preceding paragraph, you would have noticed that measures and analysis for the trace of total phosphorus, chlorophyll a and dissolved organic carbon date back to 2008. It is recommended to repeat the sampling in 2013 and 2014.
A new commitment of our elected officials should, however, help the Association to deal with the part of costs associated with laboratory analyses carried out in Quebec. The reading of the minutes of the regular meeting of the municipal Council of March 11, 2013 tells us that the Council has accepted a proposal from Councilor André Payette to reimburse, up to 50%, laboratory water analysis fees charged to lake associations by the authorities of the RSVL, when these are required.

Click on the images to zoom

VLMP: Water quality follow up

  Table sent to the Association by the RSVL group, on February 20, 2013.

Index of transparency scale

Water quality

We have our analyses with Géostar,  and now, perhaps , with the RSVL(VLMP) program*. It is the health of the lake that is at stake. The Association has been involved in testing for a long time. A global internal evaluation of our actions is presently underway by the Executive and will be presented at the next AGM.  Your involvement in the Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program will be welcome.
* http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/eau/rsvl/index.htm

Erosion control in slopes

To intercept and collect runoff in middle of a slope, one has developped a kind of channel sink, paired here with a collecting basin on the low side of the bike-way. We are here in the Île-de-la-Visitation nature park ,within 100 meters from Rivière-des-Prairies, in Montreal.

An elongated depression on down-hill side of the runway will retain water run-off.

Erosion Control

The sedimentation input in our inhabited lakes caused by natural and especially human erosion (construction and road maintenance, sanding, etc.) is an alarming factor of degradation of these. Siltation and the accelerated eutriphication of our lakes is the main consequence and probably the worst of the threats facing them.
A bed of small rocks has been landed in the ditch while rue Principale, in Montfort, was repaved. Those rocks will slow down the water carrying sand, gravel, etc. Now, it should be collected and picked up...
Watch for our article, «Save our Lake from sedimentation» and for our Health of the Lake evaluation projects, in our spring edition of the Newsletter.

http://www.lespaysdenhaut.com/130-MRC-Services-Lacs_et_cours_d_eau-Controle_de_l_erosion.html
http://www.lespaysdenhaut.com/DATA/DOCUMENT/Rapport_SADL_suivi2009_low.pdf

Rocks in the ditch, one year later!

Main sewer full of sand

Erosion & Sedimentation

Invasive species

Note: Sorry for the English version; your help is needed for translation. 

Giant hogweed
                We indeed had one of that Giant Hogweed at Montfort doorstep, just before arriving to the Val Lisbourg by getting from Lake Chevreuil. One of our members had not made a false analyse there. The gigantic plant, of an invasive species, was on a private property. Some would make it even a decorative plant.
                The governmental authorities in Quebec recommend to get rid of it while taking care not to hurt one self (to cover one self from head to foot, because its sap can cause serious hurts, fever, etc.) We are even suggested to watch for its presence in spring, before it can spread its pollen or possibly its seeds. But it is also necessary to discuss with the owner of the property in any case. It is more imperative when it represents an immediate threat for children.               
                The Giant Hogweed must not be taken for the cow parsnip (heracleum maximum) also known as Indian celery or pushki, the only North America’s native hogweed.    
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cow_Parsnip
http://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/sujets/santepub/environnement/index.php?gberce-du-caucase-en

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Shore protection

Renaturalisation de la rive 18 juillet 2011
Aujourd'hui débutaient les travaux de renaturalisation de la rive du lac, en bordure du Pavillon (église), à Montfort; un point nodal sur le corridor aérobique. La MRC avait annoncé plus tôt ce projet modèle; une pancarte décrit l'opération et les buts visés. «Modèle», par son côté vert flamboyant! Et j'y passais justement par hasard.

Le constat sur ce lieu était très négatif; tout au contraire de la nature : les matériaux, la dégradation de la végétation, un espace de stationnement et de circulation automobile fortement sollicité et juste en bordure de lac. Et pourtant, la MRC promet de faire de ce site, fréquenté par les cyclistes, les promeneurs et autres, une aire d'accueil écologique, avec tables, passerelles, quais, végétaux, etc., un modèle à suivre.

Sous l'œil des spécialistes, les travaux comprennent l'enlèvement minutieux des traverses de chemin de fer qui consolidaient la rive, mais qui sentent toujours la créosote. La petite pelle mécanique qui procède à l'excavation requise fonctionne aux huiles et graisses végétales.

Un rideau, comme l'on en voit lors de déversements d'hydrocarbures, a été aligné au large de la rive, lesté par une chaîne dans son ourlet inférieur et tenu au niveau de l'eau par des «spaghettis» glissés dans son ourlet supérieur, m'explique monsieur le maire. On peut voir sous l'eau que les sédiments remués ne traversent pas ce rideau.
De la matière absorbante est disponible, je ne sais plus exactement à quelles fins. De la paille sera étendue sur le remblaiement de terre en attendant, pour qu'elle ne soit pas lessivée par la pluie.

J'oubliais; le plus beau, c'est que l'on sollicite vos bras, le jeudi 28 juillet, pour la plantation de végétaux… Il faut s'inscrire auprès de la municipalité, au 450 226-2416. C'est bien vrai; l'ALSFX et ses membres ont pour mission de voir à l'environnement de notre lac!

Carl

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Key agencies involved in the environment of our lakes in Quebec 

Nous entendons souvent parler du MDDEFP, du RSVL, du CRE, etc., sans bien pouvoir déchiffrer ces sigles et acronymes ou situer ces organismes dans l'administration des programmes sur l'environnement de nos lacs. Connaître leur rôle et leur interaction n'est guère plus simple. En regardant la définition ou les fonctions qu'ils s'attribuent eux-mêmes, nous pouvons toutefois y voir un peu plus clair. Voici les noms, le classement et le champ d'activité des principaux organismes qui nous intéressent, par niveau d'administration :

Gouvernement fédéral :
Environnement Canada : Réglementation, recherche, technologie, normes; 5 régions, dont le Québec. http://www.ec.gc.ca/
•RHC (Relevés Hydrologiques du Canada) : La surveillance de la qualité de l'eau, en partenariat avec les provinces et les territoires, grâce à 2500 stations actives d'observation hydrométrique; expertise technologique reconnue. http://www.ec.gc.ca/rhc-wsc/default.asp?lang=Fr&n=4EED50F1-1
Transports Canada (et Ministère de la Justice) : Réglementation sur l'utilisation des embarcations. http://www.tc.gc.ca/fra/securitemaritime/menu.htm
Pêches et Océans Canada : Protection de l'habitat du poisson. http://www.qc.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/habitat-habitat/index-fra.asp

Gouvernement provincial :
MDDEFP (Min. du Développement durable, de l'Environnement, de la Faune et des Parcs) http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/index_en.asp
http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/ministere/rejoindr/repertoire.htm – Section Rivières et lacs : Rivières et bassins-versants, lacs (RSVL, bandes riveraines, etc.), algues bleu-vert; faune depuis sept. 2012 : espèces et habitat fauniques, pêche, ensemencement. http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/eau/flrivlac/riv-lac.htm
•RSVL (Réseau de surveillance volontaire des lacs), en collaboration avec les organismes (CRE et Bleu-Laurentides, associations de lac) : «Établir le niveau trophique (vieillissement) d'un grand nombre de lacs et suivre leur évolution … Éduquer, soutenir et informer les associations et les autres participants»; etc. http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/eau/rsvl/index.htm
•CEAEQ (Centre d'Expertise en Analyse Environnementale du Québec) : C'est un laboratoire; on y analyse, entre autres, les échantillons d'eau pour le RSVL. http://www.ceaeq.gouv.qc.ca/index.asp
•CCEQ (Centre de Contrôle Environnemental du Québec) : Respect de la législation et de la conformité environnementale. Tél. : 418 521-3861 http://www.mddefp.gouv.qc.ca/regions/#cceq
•La Direction générale de l'analyse et de l'expertise régionales : Autorisations et expertises environnementales en région. http://www.mddefp.gouv.qc.ca/regions/#dgaer
•CEHQ (Centre d'expertise hydrique du Québec) : barrages, régime hydrique et domaine hydrique de l'État. http://www.cehq.gouv.qc.ca/index.asp
MRC (Municipalités Régionales de Comté); (Palier de gouvernement supra municipal réaménagé en 1979 et relevant du Ministère des Affaires municipales, des Régions et de l'Occupation du territoire. Son Conseil est composé des maires qui peuvent désigner le préfet parmi l'un des leurs) > MRC des Pays-d'en-Haut http://www.lespaysdenhaut.com/MRC.html (Depuis 2001, son préfet a plutôt été élu au suffrage universel. Il est membre, avec les sept autres préfets de la région, du CRÉ-Laurentides, la Conférence Régionale des Élus des Laurentides, principalement impliquée dans le développement régional. http://www.crelaurentides.qc.ca/)
•Section Lacs et cours d'eau : Protection, gestion des cours d'eau, schémas d'aménagement, mesures législatives, etc. http://www.lespaysdenhaut.com/29-MRC-Services-Lacs_et_cours_d_eau.html

•Municipalité de Wentworth-Nord http://www.wentworth-nord.ca/
=Services :
< Service de l'environnement : Lacs et cours d'eau, bandes riveraines, gestion des eaux usées et installations sanitaires, etc.
< Service de l'urbanisme : Plan d'urbanisme, règlements de zonage [ex. interdiction de (re)construction, renaturalisation de la rive, quais, murs de soutènement, droits d'accès aux lacs], etc.
=Comités : http://www.wentworth-nord.ca/index.php/conseilmunicipal/comites
<Le CCU (Comité Consultatif d'Urbanisme) : Il est formé de 6 citoyens nommés par le Conseil et qui lui font des recommandations (ex. dérogations au zonage).
<Comité sur l'Environnement : L'un d'une dizaine de comités consultatifs dévolu à un conseiller municipal ou supervisé par lui.
<Comité sur les Terrains orphelins : Voir à la vocation de ces lots au lac St-François-Xavier.
•Le Parc régional des Pays-d'en-Haut : «Un regroupement d'espaces voués à la récréation en plein air …, sous la responsabilité de la MRC.») http://www.lespaysdenhaut.com/121-MRC-Services-Infrastructures_recreatives-Parc_regional.html


Organismes à but non lucratifs (OBNL) ou paragouvernementaux
CRE-Laurentides (Conseil régional de l'environnement des Laurentides)* : Promouvoir le développement durable, sensibiliser les décideurs locaux à protéger et valoriser l'environnement. Huit postes, i.e. la majorité, de son conseil d'administration sont réservés aux organismes environnementaux, cinq postes à toute catégorie. De nombreuses associations de lac en sont membres. http://www.crelaurentides.org/

•Bleu-Laurentides (pour les lacs) : Applique le programme de protection et du suivi de la santé des lacs du CRE-Laurentides (Accompagnement et formation aux protocoles du RSVL pour les associations de lacs; offre de soutien technique. http://www.crelaurentides.org/bleu/ Association du CRE à l'Université de Montréal et à la Station de biologie des Laurentides, via le Dr R. Carignan, pour la réalisation de cartes bathymétriques de lacs. Appui scientifique et technique du CRE aux municipalités et MRC.)

•Éco-Corridors laurentiens : Favoriser la création d'éco-corridors de conservation. http://www.ecocorridorslaurentiens.org/

Abrinord (Agence de bassin versant de la Rivière du Nord)* : Coordination de la gestion de l'eau à l'échelle du bassin versant de la Rivière du Nord, par concertation, planification, plan directeur de l'eau, etc. Ces organismes de bassin versant (OBV) sont les interlocuteurs privilégiés du MDDEFP, relativement aux questions environnementales, et offrent leurs services aux municipalités et autres organisations. http://www.abrinord.qc.ca/

RAPPEL (Regroupement des Associations Pour la Protection de l'Environnement des Lacs et cours d'eau de l'Estrie…) : «Privilégier l'action-solution et l'éducation environnementale…»; offre de services aux riverains et organismes. http://www.rappel.qc.ca/

Fondation Hydro-Québec pour l'environnement : Elle se définit comme un OBNL ayant pour mission d'aider les collectivités québécoises à s'approprier leur environnement. Elle subventionne des projets qui «prévoient des interventions concrètes sur des sites clairement définis … et dont les retombées environnementales … sont mesurables».
http://www.hydroquebec.com/fondation-environnement/index.html

Fédération canadienne de la faune : Projet «Love your lake» en Ontario, avec Shell Canada. http://www.cwf-fcf.org/fr/

Conservation de la nature Canada (CNC) : http://support.natureconservancy.ca/site/PageServer?pagename=qc_cnc_work

Regroupements et associations de lac : Associations de propriétaires ou résidents pour la protection de l'environnement des lacs, la représentation de leurs membres, etc. Elles commandent des analyses d'eau; participent aux programmes offerts par les organismes gouvernementaux, surveillent la santé du lac et sensibilisent ses riverains, etc. Elles sont des OBNL autonomes, financées par leurs membres. > Ass. du Lac St-François-Xavier http://alsfx.comule.com/ , Ass. des propriétaires du Lac St-Victor, Ass. des résidents du Lac Farmer, ABVLACS (L'agence des bassins versants de Sainte-Anne-des-Lacs) : Regroupement des associations de lacs pour la concertation (municipalités, commerçants, citoyens) pour améliorer la santé de leurs lacs et cours d'eau; etc. http://abvlacs.org/

Conservation Ontario: Un regroupement de 36 autorités de conservation et d'organisations de protection de l'environnement regroupés en bassins-versants http://www.conservation-ontario.on.ca/index.html (quelques liens en français).

SOPRÉ (Société du Parc régional des Pays-d'en-Haut) : «Un organisme de consultation dont la mission consiste à participer étroitement à la planification et au développement du Parc régional, en collaboration avec la MRC.) http://www.lespaysdenhaut.com/127-MRCServices_Infrastructures_recreatives_Parc_regional_Societe_du_parc_regional_des_Pays-den-HautSOPRE_.html
Centre for Sustainable Watersheds (CSW): http://www.watersheds.ca/

*Conseils d'administration autonomes mais subventions de fonctionnement du MDDEFP.

Universités et autres

Station biologique des Laurentides (Univ. de Mtl; reliée au Dr Richard Carignan) : laboratoire, centre de recherche; production de cartes bathymétriques; autres. http://www.sbl.umontreal.ca/

GRIL (Groupe de Recherche Interuniversitaire en Limnologie et environnement aquatique), Univ. du Québec à Trois-Rivières : regroupe la recherche en limnologie de huit universités du Québec. https://oraprdnt.uqtr.uquebec.ca/pls/public/gscw031?owa_no_site=1423

Gouvernement de l'Ontario
Ministère de l'environnement – Eau : réglementation, surveillance et protection, etc. http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/environment/fr/category/water/index.htm

Gouvernement des É.U.__
USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) – Water: Eau potable et souterraine, lacs et cours d'eau, bassins-versants, terrains humides, eaux usées et ruissellement. http://www.epa.gov/gateway/science/water.html

Par Carl Chapdelaine, ALSFX

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