Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 242016 lake StewardS newSletter | 7 In particular, studies that have focussed on key lakes in the Muskoka River Watershed (which contains over 2,000 lakes) illustrate that water temperature, lake phosphorus and wind speed work together interactively to promote blooms. However, lake characteristics such as shape and size are also important factors that can explain differences in bloom occurrence between lakes within the same watershed. The research illustrates that, for lakes with detailed monitoring data (collected on a biweekly basis over multiple years), predictive models may be developed to forecast potential blooms weeks in advance. Additionally, the dependence of bloom occurrence on meteorological factors will likely result in increased blooms over time, as our climate warms. Management The efforts to monitor bloom formation and develop forecast models are ongoing across the province of Ontario. Predictive and forecasting information allow for a better understanding of cyanobacteria blooms, and improved modelling to predict exposure risks to algal toxins associated with recreational and drinking water use. Cottagers! Cottagers! ATTENTION Make sure you and your guests know the Invasive Species Action Plan to keep invasives away from your cottage. Visit ontario.ca/invasionON So what exactly should you do at your shoreline? FOCA recently released the 3rd edition of A Shoreline Owners’ Guide to Healthy Waterfronts. In this 28 page brochure, FOCA translates science into plain language on topics such as: • lake eutrophication (your lake’s aging process) • the effects of excessive nutrients (too much phosphorus in your lake leads to algae growth) • best practices for cottage septic systems (what goes in, eventually comes out) • how to protect the waterfront you love for generations to come (your role in lake stewardship) • and so much more! Access a digital copy of this guide here: https://foca. on.ca/shoreline-owners-guide-to-healthy-waterfronts/ Healthy Shoreline Tips 3rd Edition