Involved Communities
Resources and Reports
Volunteer Handbook & Resources
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| Bass Lake |
About the Project
The Muskoka Water Quality Initiative (WQI) is a collaborative project designed to engage local citizens and other stakeholders in the protection and enhancement of surface water quality and other environmental characteristics of west Muskoka and south Parry Sound. The WQI has two important and related program areas. The first is a formal, scientifically-based ecological monitoring and lake water quality research program. The second program area is a framework for the development of community-based plans.
To achieve the project's objectives, volunteers are engaged in collecting, analysing and reporting on E.Coli and total Coliform levels, total phosphorus concentration, turbidity and temperature of their lakes. A robust education program including workshops, seminars, articles etc. complements the scientific program.
The WQI is a program of the Muskoka Lakes Association (MLA), one of the largest and oldest cottagers' groups in Canada. The WQI is delivered by Citizens' Environment Watch (CEW), an environmental non-governmental organization with charitable status.
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| Clear Lake |
Objectives
The objectives of the WQI are to:
- study how human land-based activities effect the quality of nearshore zone surface water in the lakes of interest to the Muskoka Lakes Association (MLA);
- monitor long-term trends in surface water quality in the lakes of interest to the MLA; and
- protect and enhance local ecosystems of interest to the MLA through the creation of local citizen-initiated action plans and comprehensive plans valued by the local community and formally recognized by local government agencies.
Partners
The Muskoka Lakes Association (MLA) is a community group first established in 1894. The MLA currently represents approximately 3000 households, primarily waterfront residents of Lakes Joseph, Rosseau and Muskoka. The MLA has an office in Port Carling, Ontario and is represented by a volunteer Board of 24 Directors. The mission of the Muskoka Lakes Association is to promote the responsible use, enjoyment and conservation of the unique Muskoka environment.
The Muskoka Bay Property Owners' Association (MBPOA) is a community group representing waterfront residents on Muskoka Bay in the Town of Gravenuhurst. MBPOA is sponsor of the Muskoka Bay Community Plan.
The Greater Gravenhurst Ratepayers' Association (GGRA) is also a sponsor of the Muskoka Bay Community Plan. The GGRA is a new residents' representing the interests of all ratepayers in the Town.
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| Lake Rosseau |
How to get involved
(Including Events & Volunteering)If you are a resident of Lakes Joseph, Rosseau or Muskoka (or a connected water body like the Indian River) and would like to volunteer for the program, please contact the Muskoka Lakes Association office.
Phone: 705.765.5723 Fax: 705.765.3203
If you are a resident of another lake in Central Ontario, please contact Citizens' Environment Watch Phone: 647.258.3280 Fax: 416.637.2171 to find out how we can help your association start your own program!
For more information (incl. media and contact info)
Citizens' Environment Watch
Mike Logan
E-Mail: mike 'at' citizensenvironmentwatch.org
147 Spadina Avenue, Suite #204
Toronto, Ontario. M5V 2L7
Phone: 647.258.3280 Fax: 416.637.2171
Muskoka Lakes Association
Cheryl Hollows
E-Mail: info 'at' mla.on.ca
65 Joseph Street, PO Box 298
Port Carling, Ontario. P0B 1J0
Phone: 705.765.5723 Fax: 705.765.3203
