Here, you’ll find important information about the health and care of our beautiful lakes. As part of the Love Your Lake program, personalized property reports were created last year to help homeowners understand how they can improve and protect their shoreline and surrounding environment. These reports include practical tips on everything from dock types and shoreline buffers to septic system care and minimizing light pollution.
Whether you’ve received your customized report or are looking for the overall health assessments of our local lakes, this page provides access to valuable resources and summaries that guide our community efforts to keep Shawano’s lakes clean, healthy, and vibrant for generations to come.
Every small step helps improve our lakes! We encourage all property owners to review their reports and consider simple actions to enhance shoreline health. Together, we can protect Shawano’s lakes for today and future generations.
The Lake Stewardship Committee engaged the services of Robert Canning, who is a specialist in aquatic ecosystem monitoring and invasive plant biology and management. He spent two days surveying Dickey Lake and Lake of Islands and prepared a report on Eurasian Milfoil infestation. The report is complete with photos showing locations using GPS coordinates. If you have any questions, please contact a member of your Lake Stewardship Committee.
Last July, homeowners received an email from Watersheds containing a unique code to access a personalized survey report for their property. This report includes:
If you have not received your personalized email from Watersheds, please follow these steps:
Include the following information in your email:
Melissa will provide you with a report access code as soon as possible.
Below are the overall health reports for each of our lakes. These comprehensive reports are used by the Lake Stewardship Committee to explore future improvement options.
The MMNDNRF and Trent University conducted testing in 2022. Test results are for the fish monitoring they did on Dickey Lake and the Trent results are a synopsis of their monitoring of Dickey Lake and Lake of Islands.
Invasive species pose a serious threat to the natural beauty and ecological health of Shawano’s lakes, forests, and shorelines. From aquatic invaders like zebra mussels to aggressive terrestrial plants, these non-native species can disrupt habitats, outcompete local wildlife, and damage property. Learn how to recognize, report, and help prevent the spread of invasive species in our cottage community.
On the water, in the garden, at the cottage or on a trail, you can help stop the spread of invasive species.
Read our action plans to find out how.
Firewood may carry an invasive pest or disease that could harm our forests. Avoid transporting it across long distances. Buy and burn local firewood instead.
Before heading to or from the cottage, be sure to clean all of your gear. Make sure your watercraft, trailers, bicycles, all-terrain vehicles and boot bottoms are free of plant material and seeds, including mud that may contain seeds.
Give your pet’s coat a good brushing to remove any seeds or plant parts it might have picked up.
Never release aquarium plants or pets at the cottage or anywhere else. Some pets like goldfish are an invasive species.
Choose native or non-invasive plants for your garden to avoid introducing or spreading invasive species. Avoid relocating plants from your home to your cottage garden, and vice versa. Do not dump yard waste in nearby natural areas as this can smother natural vegetation and spread invasive plants.
Read the Ontario Invasive Plants Council’s Best Management Practice Series to learn how to safely dispose of common invasive plants and more about how to manage them.
Keep invasive species away from your cottage — they will ruin the fun for everyone. To stop the spread, make sure you and your guests know the plan.
Before transporting your boat overland, clean any mud, vegetation, algae, mussels or any other animals from your boat, motor, trailer, vehicle or equipment. Zebra and quagga mussels are happy to hang onto your hull, while aquatic plants like Eurasian water-milfoil hide on your motor, anchor and trailer.
Drain all water by pulling the plug on your transom, bilge, livewell (unless you are lawfully transporting live fish), or any other water containing devices at the boat launch and before transporting your boat overland. Never take an aquatic invasive species from one body of water to another.
Some aquatic invasive species can survive up to two weeks out of water and not every invader attached to your boat can be seen with the naked eye. To remove invaders you can’t see before travelling to a new body of water, it is recommended you either:
Avoid driving your boat through aquatic plants. Propellers can break them loose and spread invasive species.
As of January 1st, 2022, Ontario has regulated watercraft (boats, canoes, kayaks) as a carrier of invasive species under the Invasive Species Act.
Boaters are now required to take the following steps before transporting a boat or boat equipment overland:
Before reaching a launch site or placing a watercraft in any body of water in Ontario, boaters are required to ensure their boat, boating equipment, vehicles or trailers are free of all:
It is illegal to place a boat, boating equipment or any vehicle or trailer into any body of water if there are any aquatic plants, animals or algae attached to it.
These rules recognize that it may not be possible to fully remove all aquatic plants, animals or algae (for example, hidden zebra mussels or small plant fragments in hard to reach locations) when removing the watercraft from the water at the launch site. Boaters can do a more thorough cleaning of their boat, utilizing special equipment, such as pressure washers at a more suitable location, to ensure their boat is completely free of aquatic plants, animals and algae.
Note: the requirement to remove drain plugs does not apply to:
You will find In the attached file a comprehensive document prepared by the Lake Management Committee regarding the LDD Moth situation in the SRI area. The document provides you with a wide spectrum of information which will allow you to make the decision of what processes you choose to use to combat this situation based on your family situation.
Recreational boating is one of the joys of living by the water or having a cottage on a lake or river. BUT, invasive species “hitch hikers” can migrate to our lakes if vigilant precautions are not maintained by everyone.
BUT, invasive species “hitch hikers” can migrate to our lakes if vigilant precautions are not maintained by everyone. Invasive species can have a devastating effect on the environment around our waterfront properties and in our lakes. Unlike native species, alien invasive species tend to have no natural threat to their survival. They move in and can take over ecosystems through rapid reproduction, and out compete and kill native species.
Some of the invasive species trying to make their way into our waterways include fish such as round goby, Asian carp, and invertebrates including zebra mussel and spiny water flea.
Invasive aquatic plants can also become a problem. The introduction of Eurasian Watermilfoil can dramatically change the quality of boating and other water activity. These pests have the capacity to disrupt natural food webs and change the precious aquatic ecosystem, and also pose problems for swimming, boating and fishing. Zebra mussels for example can clog water intakes and make underwater surfaces dangerously sharp. Zebra mussels can also increase the growth of aquatic plants.
To prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species, the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Association recommends that every boater take precautions. Many species can cling to equipment and survive out of the water until they reach the next body of water, washing and drying your boat, trailer and related equipment is crucial when moving from a body of water to another body of water.
Drain water from the motor, live well, bilge and transom immediately after leaving the water. It is recommended that the boat and equipment be dried for five days in the sun before transporting to another body of water. Or, wash the boat, trailer and equipment with hot tap water or spray with high pressure water of at least 250psi.
Bait buckets should be emptied on land. Regulations now control bait species but again, always empty bait buckets on dry land.
If you spot invasive species or signs of invasive species in your area contact the invading species hotline at 1 800 563 7711. Or, register to use the new online mapping tool called EDDMapsOntario (Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System).Now you can contribute to tracking and monitoring aquatic invasive species in Ontario ways ways.
Source:
Not all garden favorites belong at the lake. Many common ornamental plants can become invasive and damage native ecosystems. This section highlights responsible alternatives and provides guidance on how to plant with purpose—whether at your lakeside cottage or in your home garden.
Invasive species are non-native plants, animals, or organisms that disrupt the natural balance of local ecosystems. They often spread rapidly, outcompeting native species, damaging habitats, and affecting water quality and biodiversity. Understanding how to identify and manage invasive species is vital to protecting the environment, preserving wildlife, and maintaining the natural beauty of our community.
Visit the Quinte Conservation Website for more information (Website)
This informative guide helps you choose non-invasive plants for your garden—whether at home or lakeside. Many popular garden plants like periwinkle and lily of the valley thrive in this region but are harmful to local ecosystems.
We recommend purchasing seeds and plants from native plant nurseries and becoming familiar with invasive species vs. safe alternatives.
Grow Me Instead Guide – https://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/resources/grow-me-instead/
Invasive aquatic species like Eurasian Water Milfoil pose a serious threat to our lakes by disrupting natural habitats and choking out native life. Learn how to identify, prevent, and report these invaders to help preserve our water systems for recreation, wildlife, and future generations.
Purple Loosestrife – Beautiful Plant; Destructive in Nature
Gorgeous purple stalks of flowers are enticing the bees in late June and July. But there’s a terrible drawback to this highly invasive plant. Purple loosestrife is known to severely degrade and alter ecosystems, particularly wetlands. Its an invader of wetlands, drainage ditches and roadside ditches.
In summary, purple loosestrife’s aggressive nature and ability to disrupt ecosystems make it a significant threat to biodiversity, wildlife, and human activities.
The link below takes you to an information page and important information on how to remove and dispose of the plants.
If you suspect the presence of an invasive species on your shoreline or in your lake, please report it.
Report an Invasive Species – https://www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/report-invasive-species/
Eurasian Water Milfoil is one of the most widespread invasive aquatic plants in North America. It has been identified in Shawano Lakes and poses a threat to water quality and recreation.
Healthy shorelines are the first line of defense for clean water and resilient ecosystems. This section offers tools and videos that empower lakefront property owners to understand and protect shoreline zones through natural landscaping and sustainable practices.
Shorelines play a vital role in filtering runoff, providing wildlife habitat, and protecting against erosion. This guide helps landowners understand how to maintain and enhance a resilient, natural shoreline.
Creating a Resilient Shoreline – https://watersheds.ca/shoreline/
Watch the recorded meeting with Watersheds Canada about the Love Your Lake survey and how it supports our stewardship goals.
Video: Watersheds Canada Meeting – Meeting Video
Community input and professional assessments form the foundation of effective lake stewardship. Here you’ll find detailed survey results and reports from the SRI Lake Stewardship Committee and the Love Your Lake program, shaping the future of our lake management strategies.
Click below to view the results from the SRI Lake Stewardship Committee survey.
SRI Survey Results – SRI Lake Stewardship Committee Survey Results
The Love Your Lake program offers shoreline health assessments and customized feedback for waterfront property owners.
Link: Love Your Lake Program – https://loveyourlake.ca/
From maintaining your septic system to preventing the spread of invasive species, small actions make a big impact. This section offers practical reminders and seasonal best practices every lakefront owner should know.
To prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species like Zebra Mussels, Starry Stonewort, and Water Soldier, always clean your boats, trailers, canoes, kayaks, and fishing equipment after each use.
Shawano is a proud supporter of FOCA’s CLEAN–DRAIN–DRY campaign.
Signs of a failing septic system include foul odors, dark liquid backing up from toilets or drains, or puddling near the septic area. Regular inspection by a licensed contractor is highly recommended.
How often does one check, or have a licensed septic system contractor check the cottage septic system ? Do we all know the signs of trouble ?
Dark, sticky liquid backing up from the toilets or drains, or puddling around the septic bed is a sure sign of trouble. Also, the smell of sewage especially during rain or other damp times should be a reason for concern. Other signs such as slowly flushing toilets, slowly draining sinks and slowly draining showers should red flag a potential problem with the system. Still other signs of septic problems include a contaminated well (A high level of nitrates and bacteria when the well water is tested), algae and weed build up along the shore line, spongy, bright green grass growing over the septic’s absorption field should immediately cause serious concern.
Call a septic expert before your identified small problem turns into a big expensive problem.
Looking to dive deeper? Explore specialized topics like loon-friendly practices, trout conservation, and federal guidelines for working around the water. These resources provide additional ways to connect with and care for our shared environment.
The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) harvested lake trout eggs from Dickey Lake during early October, 2014. Nets were set on spawning shoals to collect spawn eggs and milt for the MNR lake trout rehabilitation project.
100 lake trout were caught including 20 female. 9000 eggs were collected and all fish were released back into the lake unharmed. The eggs and milt were taken to the North Hastings Community Fish Hatchery at 200 Hysert Road, Bancroft where they will be raised to yearling stage (18 months) and then stocked into natural lake trout lakes in the area in need of rehabilitation.
For the past 6 years egg collection has taken place on Weslemkoon Lake as part of the project but this year the harvesting was moved to Dickey Lake to give Weslemkoon Lake a “break”. Lakes are chosen based on factors such as healthy lake trout population and native genetic strain.
For more information on the fish rehabilitation project go to the web site: www.fishhatchery.ca
This information was provided by Erin MacDonald, Bancroft area MNR Biologist.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ontario – Great Lakes area
Shawano is located in the Peterborough District of Fisheries & Oceans Canada. The Peterborough District office address is 501 Towerhill Road, Unit # 102, Peterborough, Ontario, K9H 7S3. Telephone: 705 750 0269
Fish need healthy places to live, feed and reproduce. The places that supply fish with their requirements for food, shelter, water, reproduction and growth over their life cycle are called fish habitat. For most fish species, these activities usually occur in near shore areas. Therefore, the area along a shoreline in important for fish habitat.
To ensure that fish habitat is protected, your local and Provincial regulatory authorities, Parks Canada Agency and Fisheries & Oceans Canada all have legal requirements we need to be aware of before starting any work project near the shoreline.
For most shoreline area work projects a work permit is required before starting the project. Whether applying for Provincial or Federal work permit approvals, you may be asked for specific information about your proposed work project.
Federal legislation with implications for work in and around water in the Shawano area you need to check “The Fisheries Act”. Provincial legislation with implications for work in and around the water include: “The Public Lands Act”, “The Lake & Rivers Improvement Act”, and “The Conservation Authorities Act”.
The first contact for approvals and permits in Ontario is the local Conservation Authority, in the case of Shawano, the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority.70 Hughes Lane, Marmora, Ontario, K0K 2M0 Telephone: 613 472 3137
To many Canadians a lake is just not right unless it has loons. Their mournful wails and ear-piercing calls are true symbols of Canadian wilderness. But, the common Loon is struggling on Canadian Lakes.
Acid Rain: Loons are mainly fish eaters. When acid rain reduces the fish population the common loons suffers. Acid rain also leaches mercury & other toxic metals from the ground causing loons to get toxic doses when chemicals build up in the food chain.
Shoreline Development: When homes & cottages are built along lakes, the shoreline habitat that provides nesting sites & protective cover for Loons may be wiped out. Development, and even camping on islands and deserted shore areas may displace loons or drive them to more secure nesting sites.
Lead Sinkers & Jigs: Loons have no teeth, so they grind their food in their gizzards with small pebbles plucked from the bottom of the lake. They may pick up lead sinkers when collecting the pebbles. The lead, once absorbed in the blood will poison the bird. Discarded fish line and hooks also are a serious threat to loons. A loon may become tangled in a fish line and struggle until exhausted, then dye.
Water Level Fluctuation: Fluctuating water levels during May to July may either flood or leave the nesting areas to dry.
Water Craft: Canoeing & kayaking to close to the shore may disturb loons and threaten the nesting area. Jet skis and power boat operators, not only make unwelcome noise for the loon, but the waves (wash) from the vessel may damage nesting areas. Very fast boats may also threaten loons as they swim out into a lake.
Nest Predators: Racoons, skunks, bears and sea gulls feed on loon eggs and loon chicks.
For additional information contact Canadian Lakes Loon Survey. 1 888 448 2473 or
www.bsc-eoc.org