Canada Goose Action Plan
At our meeting in August 2018, we shared concerns about the growing flock of Canada Geese on the lake. In addition to their mess on our docks and rafts, geese can introduce e-coli into the water. Here’s what we will do:
- We will prepare and deliver a handout focused on naturalizing your shore line. Natural shorelines with tall grass, trees and shrubs prevent the geese from feeding on your lawn (if you have one), and also protect the lake from erosion and run-off.
- The geese will return to nest when the snow and ice go out. If you see them on a neighbour’s property or your own, you could try to scare them away or prevent the hatch.
- Contact us by email at info@lacnotredame.org if you want help with the nests or geese on your property.
- See Environment Canada’s Handbook on Managing Geese for ideas on scaring, preventing the hatch, and fences.
Water testing results
The Association tests samples of water from the Lakes for phosphorus, nitrogen and E-coli on a regular basis. Volunteer and Lake Association member Carol Doré has collected samples for testing for over 10 years. Say Thank You when you see her!
2018 Update: August 13th water chemistry tests showed high e-coli in one sample at location 6 and at Usher inlets. E-coli results were back to normal a few days later when a new set of samples were tested from a range of points around location 6 in front of Generations & Symons. Nitrogen and phosphate levels are normal. Water clarity tests show a return to our more usual clarity levels of above 5.0 metres.
Very low levels of Eurasian Milfoil in the lake in early August, and by mid-August, the area marked by buoys has almost no milfoil at all - native plants have re-established themselves there.
- See recent reports and all water data back to 2005 and a 2014 study of the Lake ecosystem by ABV-7
- Map of lake with water testing locations
- Association membership fees fund the water testing.
Protect the clean water we enjoy
Keep our water clean. We’ve pulled together a handy sheet of tips to share and are delivering them dock to dock this summer of 2018. Share them with your renters - binder page version available.
- View and print tips to keep our lakes clean for your family and for your guests.
Some years, invasive Eurasian Milfoil forms a dense carpet on the lake’s surface, crowding out the indigenous plant species and harming fish. It was brought in on someone’s boat or fishing equipment. Each tiny piece broken off by waves or boats can turn into a new plant.
Watershed map of Lac Notre Dame and Usher Lake
The map shows all inlets and outlets into the lakes. Lots are marked. Water testing locations are marked.
Join the Lake Association
Join the Association to help fund water testing, protect the quality of our water, get updates on water quality initiatives and contribute to Association activities like placing buoys to alert boaters of heavy milfoil weed areas.
- Join us August 10th, 2019 for our Annual Meeting - usually at Rupert Hall - date and location will be published here
- See About the Association for previous meeting notes/minutes, financial reports, board members and objectives
- Join or renew your membership:
- Renew by sending $10 to info@lacnotredame.org via e-transfer with password: water, we will email an acknowledgement
- Mail a cheque with the membership form to Lac Notre-Dame and Usher Lake Association 170 Chemin du manoir, La Pêche, QC, J0X 1A0
The lake dragon on Chemin du Domaines
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