PATTERSON LAKE NEWSLETTER

September 2005

www.pattersonlake.bowerman.ca

Invasive Species
This year Patterson Lake was sampled by Mississippi Valley Conservation (MVC) for invasive species. The two main types of invasive species that were sampled for were Spiny Water Flea (Bythotrephes cederstroemi) and Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) which were introduced to Canada in the Great Lakes with the releasing of ship ballast water. Sampling is done by hauling a fibre mesh net from a depth of 9 m and then taking the collected micro organisms and concentrating them into a bottle and preserving the sample with 70% rubbing alcohol. Terry Wilkie arranged a meeting date to do the sampling and Lorne Bowerman took us out on his boat to sample. The results for the invasive species test have been analyzed by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and neither spiny water flea nor zebra mussels were found in Patterson Lake. Tanner Whyte MVC

Lake Level

The lake level is being measured weekly and the graph is up on the website, off the Lake Level button.

Our present lake level is just above the bottom of the north culvert. There is no water flowing out of the lake. We had planned to leave about 8" to 10" above the north culvert bottom in the lake but someone in the period from July 16 to July 20 came in and cleaned the culvert completely clear so that the lake level just kept going down. This irresponsible vigilante action completely destroyed the careful plans of the Lake Association. We all lose.

East End Soft Bottom

It was finally time this summer to try to touch and sample the bottom on the east end. Trevor Dee and Lorne Bowerman rigged up a 18' sapling with a small can and a plug. The sapling was forced down and samples were taken of the soft material at the 14', 7', and 5' depths below the surface. (By the way, the only place we could touch bottom with the 18' sapling was just out from the creek mouth.)

The samples were a tinged pink gelatinous substance homogenous in appearance from all levels. It has a faint swamp smell. There was no noticeable particulate such as from sawdust.

Samples were dropped off at the MVC for testing. Susan Lee (MVC) kept the subject alive until we had an answer. (Many thanks!)

A scientist from the Museum of Nature in Ottawa said that "this is an organic mat (floc), biologically created mainly by cyanobacteria. In the floc are many things from pollen to diatoms. Although you cannot see the cyanobacteria easily in these micrographs, they are small colonies of spherical cells contained within mucilage (organic floc). These colonies mass together to form the large mass you have collected. This type of matter is commonly found in the bottom of lakes. The "pink" colour is most likely the breakdown products from the biological matter and not Fe like I had suggested earlier. I don't know what the specific chemical is, but I can say that I have not read anything about this being toxic."

Floc or floccules are formed by the flocculation process which is defined in a reference as "the process by which suspended colloidal or very fine particles, are assembled into larger masses or floccules which eventually settle out of suspension."

The collective scientific staff at 151 Lakeside Rd think the algal floc has been there for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. In the ice age the lake bottom was probably dug out to over 18' at the eastern end, but the outlet, Fairs Creek, upstream from the present culverts is only 3' deep in mid-summer, and the bottom is very solid. This coupled with the absence of any hint of a gorge suggests that only the top of the lake drains leaving a basin at the bottom with little movement.

The algae is alive from top to bottom. The whole mass is quite porous.

It poses no risk to fish or humans.

If you Google the word "floc" or "floccules" you will see it is world wide.

We still do not have the actual lake depth at the east end. It needs a 30' steel rod (like 3/8" rebar or a chimney cleaning rod) and a stable platform to sink it down. It may be a good job for the winter through the ice. It could give Dave MacCrimmon, Tom Hill, Martyn Howard, Doug Love, and Larry Heide something to do during the winter.

Loons

Another year and no chicks! It seems to be the ability of our mated pair to do the job as there were lots of chicks in other area lakes. Our pair did not apparently even attempt to build a nest this year. There was also nothing happening on the lake during the nesting season to prevent nesting.

Patterson Lake is a one-pair lake. Loons are very territorial at mating season and our lake is only big enough to support one pair. They cannot stand to see any other mated pair.

Loons nest in our area about mid-June to mid-July and always on island shorelines very close to the water because they cannot walk on land - they just flop along.

Now you may see more than two loons on the lake from time to time, and indeed this summer we saw up to seven loons, but the extra were visitors, family, or immatures.

The biggest danger during nesting season is changes in lake level or high waves from passing boats. Please reduce motorboat speed when passing islands or keep motorboats away from the island shores during nesting season.

Nothing defines a lake in Ontario more than a loon. We need to keep this heritage safe.

Lanark Highlands Official Plan

We received correspondence directed to area lake associations on the Official Plan of the Township in regard to lake properties. Specifically, the letter asked to spread the word about "The Ribbon of Life" concept in regard to lakeshores. Section 3.6.3.11 states:

"It is the intent of Council to require the establishment and/or retention of a natural vegetation buffer on lands within 15 m (49.2 ft.) of the shoreline of a lake or a tributary (referred to as the "ribbon of life") which is developed or 30 m (98.4 ft.) on a lake trout lake, a sensitive lake or a lake which is undeveloped. In situations where the natural vegetation buffer will be reduced to accommodate the expansion of an existing building, the replanting of an area equivalent or greater than the area required for the expansion, will be required (see illustrations). [See also Section 3.6.4 (4)] In addition to the vegetation buffer, Council will encourage property owners and developers to retain as much of the lot in its natural state as is possible."

A 9 metre lake access area is suggested for each property for docks, decks, boats, picnic areas, etc. .The plan can be viewed at:

http://www.twpoflanarkhighlands.com/

and using the Link to The Official Plan, then bringing up Section 3, pages 36 to 41.

Newsletter

This Newsletter was produced by Lorne Bowerman. Comments, suggestions, or articles are welcome. (I live in hope!)

Get ready. Next year I am going to ask for a contribution from each area.