Water Levels and Navigation
Despite a cold February, cottage country experienced a very warm month of March that resulted in the snow pack and the lake ice melting before the end of the month (about three weeks early.
Six Mile’s water levels have risen quickly in the last two weeks and are near summer levels now. For the next few weeks Allan Hopkirk (Chair of the Navigation Committee) reminds cottagers that our lake will not have its navigation aids (markers and flashing lights) installed until just before the May 24 weekend. So be extra careful when boating during this early spring.
After May 24, if you notice that markers are missing or find a marker buoy on your shore, call Allan at 416-565-7001 to report the missing navigational aid.
Liaison Committee Update
The SMLCA/SMLRA liaison committees have received unanimous support from both boards and have met three times to date. Unfortunately, the March report didn’t make it in time for our previous e-blast.
March 10th – They report that they are working towards forming a joint policy of ‘no comment’ on matters of personal building variance and zoning applications by both boards.
The committee is looking at how they can support each other’s social initiatives in such activities as the regatta, fireworks, golf tournament, navigation, water testing, goose egg oiling, clean-up crew, ice cream giveaway, lake fun fair, pride cruise parade, fishing derby and/or Christmas food drive. The consensus is that we should be promoting each other’s events and encouraging volunteer participation. They feel they could also jointly plan and participate in future events such as an SML fun fair and pride cruise parade.
They have discussed other strategic long-term initiatives on which we can work together such as the Landowners Survey results of 2019, water quality and other environmental concerns, responsible development as well as joint communications protocols.
April 15 – The main item for discussion was the 2019 Landowner’s Survey. They discussed plans to move the survey results forward. Further details will be announced as they become available.
Gypsy Moth Invasion
There are many indicators that we should be expecting a major gypsy moth invasion again this spring. Parts of Eastern Ontario were devastated last summer and the moths had clearly laid their eggs masses on trees around Six Mile last fall. That combined with a relatively mild winter that would not have killed the eggs, means we might be in for a spring of hungry gypsy moth caterpillars hanging from trees and crawling over everything looking for food.
It has been several years since we have experienced an outbreak, but for those who can remember the outbreaks in 1995 and 2001, a severe outbreak this spring will result in defoliated oak trees and many other types of trees. Gypsy moth outbreaks occur every seven to 10 years with outbreaks lasting 3 to 5 years. They pose a serious threat to cottagers with deciduous trees.
In the spring the larva hatch into caterpillars and feed on tree foliage to the point that they can completely strip a tree of all leaves. Caterpillars devour the foliage, often leaving trees bare by late June. While the trees are able to produce new leaves over the summer, the damage can affect photosynthesis, causing significant loss to the tree’s growth.
You can try to minimize the damage to your hardwood trees by removing the caterpillars when you see them or attaching burlap sacks around the trunks. The caterpillars take refuge under these sacks and then you can destroy them when they are concentrated. Over-the-counter pesticides such as Btk, which is a natural fungus, can help control them. But, landowners are encouraged to avoid direct contact with the caterpillars because the tiny hairs on the larva can cause breathing problems and allergic reactions.
Both FOCA and Cottage Life have published recent articles on gypsy moth larva and publish excellent links to help you learn more about the threat and what you can do to protect your trees.
New Dock at Vollick’s Landing
About two years ago we were asked by our Twp. Councillors if there were any needs for infrastructure improvements on Six Mile Lake. We suggested the old public dock at Vollick’s Landing needed replacement. We are happy to announce that this has happened and we now have a new dock at the public landing beside Six Mile Lake Marina.
Muskoka Road #33 Improvements
District Councillor Paul Wiancko has let us know that the improvements contract to M.R. #33 that he has been lobbying for since 2014, has been awarded to D. Gratton Construction. The 4.6 km section of road will require line of sight line reconstruction improvements (some slight straightening and levelling) and resurfacing totalling almost $3 000 000. The road will be resurfaced with a Cold-Mix Asphalt which has been studied and proven to remain more flexible and durable when placed on less stable road base material. The anticipated start date after District approval is May 25, 2021 with a targeted substantial completion date scheduled for Oct. 1, 2021. So, be prepared for some summer disruption and then significant improvements for all those who use this access road.
A.E.D.’s on Six Mile
The SMLCA is pleased to announce we have negotiated excellent prices on a selection of quality defibrillators in a limited time offer referenced below (effective up to May 22, 2021). On-site AEDS save precious treatment time and can substantially improve survival odds.
We all recognize that before EMS will arrive to any location on our lake precious time will have elapsed. When care is provided within 5 to 7 minutes, including early treatment with an AED, survival rates can improve dramatically. Most medical professionals agree that using a defibrillator on a cardiac arrest can increase survival rates by 60 percent or more.
The units referenced in this message are indoor units, although you might inquire about the more expensive outdoor models. To minimize response times, road associations or cottagers and their immediate neighbours who might need this type of life saving device might consider sharing the costs to make sure a unit is stored close to your location. The SMLCA is also exploring options to provide C.P.R. training.
The prices can be found here: sixmilelake.net/p
A side-by-side comparison of the 3 models can be found here: sixmilelake.net/pub/misc/04_
The order form can be found here: sixmilelake.net/pub/misc/04_
2019 CWS Authorization.pdf