Nature's Calling Speaker Recap

Community members who attended HBCA’s Nature’s Calling were able to receive updated information about advocacy for the health of Lake Winnipeg from the Lake Winnipeg Foundation and concerns about Aquatic Invasive Species from the Provincial Biologist AIS. 

Lake Winnipeg Foundation
Alexis Kanu, Executive Director for the Lake Winnipeg Foundation (LWF) shared the importance of continued advocacy from individuals for the health of Lake Winnipeg. Winnipeg’s largest sewage treatment plant, the North End Water Pollution Control Centre, continues be non-compliant with the 1 mg/L phosphorus limit set out in its provincial operating licence. Excess phosphorus negatively impacts the health of Lake Winnipeg. This is the time for concerned citizens to engage the candidates in the upcoming provincial election to ask:

• When will phosphorus compliance be achieved?
• How much will it cost?
• Who is going to pay for it?

At the federal level, LWF is advocating for investment in evidence-based phosphorus reduction that achieves measurable results as part of renewed federal funding plan for Lake Winnipeg through the Freshwater Action Plan. Concerned citizens can engage with their Members of Parliament and Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault, thanking them for renewed funding, and reminding them of the importance of using this funding for greatest impact. Please visit https://lakewinnipegfoundation.org for more information, including advocacy language you can use in your message.

Thank you to Marlo Campbell and Kendi Dyck from the Lake Winnipeg Foundation for the 1:1 conversations and advocacy materials that were made available for our community. Note that Lake Winnipeg Foundation will be providing information at East Beaches Thursday, July 27th at 7 p.m.

Aquatic Invasive Species
Candace Parks, Biologist Aquatic Invasive Species, Province of Manitoba, opened our eyes to concerns for Lake Winnipeg’s health that goes beyond zebra mussels. Spiny waterflea is another aquatic invasive species that is in Lake Winnipeg. Candace provided our community with a “view” of the different stages of the zebra mussel and spiny water flea. The impact of these aquatic invasive species is devastating on the ecosystem of the lake.  Candace shared there are other AIS not far from our area that pose risk to Lake Winnipeg.  
What can we do?
Clean, drain and dry

• If you use a motorized or non motorized watercraft (canoe, kayak, SUP, paddles etc.) or water related equipment (anchors, life jackets, fishing rods etc.) in Lake Winnipeg, you must, clean, drain and dry and go through an inspection station before going into another body of water. IT IS THE LAW. https://www.manitoba.ca/stopais/spread/watercraft_inspection.html
• Inspect your craft/toy/lifejacket/fishing rod etc. for plants and rough surfaces (could be a small zebra mussel). Use a towel to remove. Towel must completely dry. Discard at the boat launch or shoreline. 
• Ensure there is no water in/on your water craft or water related equipment.

Candace provided us with an opportunity to “find” areas on watercraft/water related equipment where there were hidden facsimiles of “AIS.”  We inspected a motor boat, jet ski, kayak, paddles, water shoes, kids floating toys, paddles, SUP, and fishing rod. Thanks to HBCA members, Greg and Verna Dawn, Ross, Deborah, and Lynnette for bringing items for Candace to hide AIS. 
Please visit https://www.manitoba.ca/stopais/index.html for more information. Take the time to learn and prevent being fined.