Where families come together
The splendor of Clearwater Bay area is admired by many. As more and more people were drawn to its natural beauty, its ecosystems were at risk of being severely damaged. Over time, cottage goers started to notice a difference in the water quality. Fishing was much more challenging into August, the lack of lake trout was noticeable and the algae blooms became more and more prevalent.
By the 1980s it was obvious that to protect the water at Clearwater Bay, development needed to be controlled. In 1988, when the water quality and health of the lake trout habitat became a priority, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) conducted scientific studies and formed groups of concerned stakeholders to assess the causes of the deterioration, and develop solutions.
Over 30 years later there has been much progress, as development restrictions continue to be enforced to protect the Bay. As a result, the Clearwater Bay Lake Trout Strategy was published and an a Restricted Area Order under the Public Lands Act (RAO) was issued. This legislation included rigorous building restrictions that limited development on private lots in the area to a maximum of 20 percent.
The goal is to protect the water quality of Clearwater Bay, the lake trout habitat and the livelihood of business owners in and around the area.
No more than 25 percent of each lot owner’s shoreline is permitted for development. The goal is to protect the water quality of Clearwater Bay.
Property owners and visitors understand the benefits the restrictions bring for the water quality, fish habitats and overall beauty of the area. It’s time for the Ministry to do the same..
CLEARWATER BAY FOUNDATION
We must protect the water
What happens when you clearcut?
- Removing trees causes run off of nutrients from the forest
- Increased nutrients levels resulted in algae blooms along the shoreline
- Decomposed blooms reduce oxygen levels of the water
- Low oxygen degrades the lake trout habitat and overall water quality