This has been an odd winter so far. The ice was declared “in” on Dec. 22nd 2024 and then a week later on Dec. 30th it was open in many places due to heavy rains and warm temps. Today it is back “in” and hopefully will have a chance to thicken up for winter fun! Maureen Skrtich, thanks very much for the update and photo.
Bulletins
The 2024 Aquatic Environment Report for Otter Lake and Little Otter Lake
This extensive report covers water quality, fish species including consumption guidelines, measures of the biodiversity (via benthos and eDNA sampling) and compares our lakes to others in Muskoka.
Did you know that ninety percent of all aquatic life depends on the area where land and water meet for at least part of their lives? In addition, natural shoreline buffers have robust underground root networks that protect both the stability of the shoreline and water quality by filtering and purifying water before it enters a watercourse. As lake residents, we can make a positive impact by keeping shore areas natural.
The OLRA again thanks the team at the Georgian Bay Biosphere for compiling this year’s report.
Time to Vote! Vote! Vote! for the winners of this year’s Photo Contest
Thank you to all the photographers who submitted their cool photos for the 2024 OLRA Photo Contest! We received 62 entries across the four categories: People, Scenery, Wildlife and Youth.
Now it is your turn to vote to choose the winners!
HERE ARE THE VOTING DETAILS:
The winners are selected by you, the members of OLRA.
Each member may choose one photo per category: Adult-People, Adult-Scenery, Adult-Wildlife, Youth and Overall Favorite. This means each OLRA member can submit one set of votes – 5 choices per member.
VOTING ENDS ON OCTOBER 29th, 2024 AT 11:59 PM.
In the event of a tie, the OLRA Board will vote for the winner. Entries will remain anonymous and are identified by number only.
Winners will be contacted and prizes will be mailed to the winning photographers.
The entries, winning photos and photographers names may appear in OLRA newsletters, on the OLRA website, the OLRA Facebook site and in future OLRA correspondence and literature.
HOW TO VOTE:
Go to Galleries on the OLRA website and review all the entries.
Open the Voting Form using this link to see the photos as you vote.
Place your name (first and last) at the top of the form and identify your preferred photo in each of the 4 categories and your overall favorite. Your favorite can be different from your 4 picks in the categories or the same as one of your previous choices. .
If you prefer to email your choices, please send them to otterlakephotocontest@gmail.com and be sure to include the information below.
Fill in the blanks with your full name and the photo number of your choices and email to otterlakephotocontest@gmail.com
Membership Name (First and Last): _______________
Adult-Wildlife #__
Adult-People # ___
Adult-Scenery # ___
Youth # ___
Overall Favorite Photo: Category: ____________ #:_____
Remember, only OLRA members may vote by submitting one set of votes per member.
Thank you for participating and good luck to all of the photographers!!
If you have any questions, please email otterlakephotocontest@gmail.com
Attention Commercial Operators – By-law
On Otter Lake, this new by-law will apply in particular to those commercial operators who have traditionally used the Long Arm boat launch as their loading area for servicing water access properties.
2023 eDNA program results summary – just in!
Photo by: Cameron von Bratt of Brian Hindley doing eDNA sampling in the beaver pond at Blue Lake Road in 2022.
2023 OLRA Resident/Guest Survey Summary
Thank you for participating in OLRA’s summer survey of residents on Otter Lake. We were
pleasantly overwhelmed to have received over 300 responses!
Respondents included a broad range of households, with many who are new to the lake and
many who have been enjoying our community for 20 or more years. While over 70% of
respondents were members of OLRA, 30% were non-OLRA members interested in participating and sharing their thoughts.
Water quality and preserving the wildlife of our environment were clearly the most important wish of residents. For example, water quality testing/monitoring and the loon survey were the most important of the current initiatives endorsed by respondents.
There was importance placed on the Annual General Meeting, Photo Contest, Boat Parade and BBQ but less than in the environmental initiatives.
Respondents also expressed a desire to learn more about the lake environment through educational tours and events, including events centred around natural shorelines, native plant species, and invasive nursery plants.
Among potential new group activities, walking, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, nature hikes, bird watching, a golf event, and a skating/hockey event were very popular.
Aside from “putting the environment first”, respondents also expressed a strong desire for education and adherence towards boating safety. The impact of unsafe boating practices and wake boats on shorelines and small crafts (canoes, SUP’s, kayaks) was also highlighted by several respondents as being a concern.
The survey did include comments regarding the Otter Lake Marina and Tappattoo resort. Those results are being shared with their respective management teams. Overall responses were very positive on their services, and gracious in their suggestions on how to “keep up the good work”. Clearly both businesses were viewed as making a positive contribution to residents.
Your OLRA Board is now reviewing your input and will be taking steps to reach out to respondents who wish to become members and who offered to volunteer their time and energy. OLRA is considering how your suggestions might be implemented so that we can play a role in enhancing your enjoyment of our community.
Your input and participation are welcomed as we strive to include your needs and wishes. Please feel free to reach out to us and help us serve you better.
A more detailed summary of the results for each OLRA question is presented below.