Lake Management Planning Program
A joint initiative of lakes and support organizations
in the Tay watershed region
Press Release - July 24, 2005
Lake Management Programs ‘Taking Off’ in Tay Watershed
- grants received from two local donors
A coalition of local associations and regional organizations has announced an ambitious program to help lake groups develop management plans in the Tay watershed area. The ‘Lake Management Planning Program’ is an initiative of the Otty Lake Association, the Friends of the Tay Watershed, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, Tay Valley Township and the Community Stewardship Council of Lanark County.
The Program is intended to address the concerns of many lake groups in the Tay watershed region that have recognized that lake management planning is important to ensure the long-term health of their lakes - but do not have either the necessary knowledge or funds for such a technical undertaking.
In addition to Otty Lake, eight other lake groups have already indicated initial interest in the program, including Pike, Christie, Farren, Little Silver & Rainbow, Adam, Black, Long and Bennett & Fagan Lakes. The Program will focus on lakes in the Tay watershed, and those in Tay Valley Township immediately adjoining the watershed.
The "Lake Management Planning Program" will provide training and guidance to volunteers in developing and managing their own lake plans. By coordinating and grouping this assistance, the hope is to reduce the cost of lake planning to a level that will allow all lakes to participate.
The scope of the program’s specialized assistance will depend greatly on success in pursuing donor funding, to complement contributions by participating organizations. The pursuit of fund has been underway since early this year – already with some success, thanks to the rapid response of two donors – The Community Stewardship Council of Lanark County and the Rideau Lakes Environmental Foundation. These two grants will be directed to producing lake planning materials and, later, organizing an initial workshop. The organizers are continuing discussions with donors.
A steering committee has been formed to guide this innovative program. Although the program is still in its early stages, interested parties are welcome to contact organisers for initial information, through the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (contact Sheanna Tinlin, telephone 1-800-267 3504, ext. 1173;
e-mail sheanna.tinlin@rideauvalley.on.ca.
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