While it seemed that spring was going to be delayed, the ice melted enough to get boats in the water on April 14^th and we were greeted with balmy summerlike temperatures. Here is what’s going on.

The SMLCA has a part time (flexible hours during August) summer job opportunity to help us complete year two of our Eurasian Water Milfoil Survey. The successful candidate will learn how to identify the Eurasian Water Milfoil plant and survey parts of our lake to determine where the plant growth is occurring and recording how dense this invasive plant is in different parts of our lake. If you’re interested, send your resume to info@sixmilelake.net.

We still desperately need your help to raise funds for the replacement of the ramp for the new floating swim dock used for the children’s and young adult’s swim races at our annual regatta. Last year, the old ramp shattered and needs to be replaced. A suitable aluminum one can cost as much as $3,500. Also, one of the outhouses at the site is ready to fall over and will either need to be repaired or replaced. We will have to raise the funds by the middle of June so we can have the ramp built in time for the regatta. If you log onto our website at: https://sixmilelake.net/asp-products/dock-donation/ you can donate online. As little as $50 can make a big difference.

We have recently invested in technology to help us modernize our billing process. Once this is fully integrated we will be emailing invoices to all of our membership. In order to bring our Association to a financially sustainable level, we’ve raised the annual membership fee for 2023/2024 to $50. This is a move that is long overdue, especially considering the inflationary pressure we’ve been under since the onset of Covid. Our membership fee is still among the lowest of our neighbouring cottage associations and considering all of the benefits we provide to our lake community; it’s still great value. Please join us and help us continue to make the Six Mile Lake experience one that will last for generations.

Ontario Parks has summer employment opportunities for students as a Park Ranger.

Learn: Jump start your career, whether you want to learn business skills, use your French language skills, help out in a lab, or work outdoors. Put the knowledge you’ve acquired at school into action.

Grow: Enhance your skills and expand your network by working on projects, leading initiatives and sharing your ideas. Transfer the skills you learn to your future school and work experiences.

Contribute: In addition to advancing your professional and personal skills, you will also give back to your community. Spend your summer working to support the interests of Ontarians! Many positions are open throughout the province and there are some at Six Mile Lake. For more information or to apply online go to https://www.ontarioparks.com/careers.  The current posting is open until June 6, 2023.

Through their Turtle Guardians program, The Land Between runs a variety of community science and education programs that allow community members to help monitor for turtles in their areas and contribute to keeping these at-risk populations safe. They are currently recruiting volunteers to help protect turtles during this season. You will have the opportunity to gain skills and experience helping and handling wild turtles, learn about turtle biology, spend time outside, connect with other turtle lovers, and so much more! This is a great opportunity to help protect the lake, river, and wetland environments that are dear to our hearts, and that we and our local wildlife populations rely on.Programs run from approximately the middle of May to the end of September. Volunteers can participate at any age, for as much or as little time as desired. Free training is provided prior to starting volunteer work.

For more information and to register for a program, please visit their website: https://www.turtleguardians.com/volunteering/

Climate Action Muskoka and the Muskoka Conservancy invite you to attend the Muskoka EV Show, happening at the Bracebridge Fairgrounds on Sat., May 27 from 10am to 1pm. The show is designed to provide information for all residents of Muskoka and to give everyone an opportunity to see a variety of EVs up close. See new EVs, Tesla models, the new Ford F150 Lightning, Nissans and Hyundais. Get behind the wheel and see how well they handle. Check out electric bikes and watercraft. Talk to EV owners and get all your questions answered. Keynote speaker Steve Lapp, a long-time EV owner and presenter to community and government groups, will talk about societal decarbonization and electric vehicles. This event is free. Bring your own water bottle. The future is electric. Visit climateactionmuskoka.org for details.

Its cottage opening season again. Along with that comes spring cleanup. You may not be aware of the dangers of cleaning up mouse droppings. Mouse droppings are known to contain Hanta virus, which is a rare viral disease that can damage the heart, lungs and other organs so they cannot function properly. It is also called Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (HCPS). People get this illness when they inhale or come into contact with infected rodent droppings, urine or saliva.Exercise extreme caution when cleaning mouse droppings and urine. If you see signs of mice infestation, disinfect all open surfaces especially in the kitchen. NOTE: never vacuum or sweep droppings, nests or dead mice. This can create dust that can be inhaled that may contain Hantavirus.

See the enclosed link with helpful information for dealing with mouse droppings and nests.