6.0 Bobs and Crow Lake Catchments: Accomplishments
Developed by the Greater Bobs and Crow Lakes Association and its partners, the Stewardship Plan for Bobs and Crow Lakes (2007) provides information on many aspects of the lake environment, as well as issues of concern and actions to be taken to maintain and improve the long-term health of the lakes. The following list includes some of the accomplishments of the Bobs and Crow Lakes Association and residents that have implications for the well-being of the land and water resources of the lake ecosystem. Specific achievements of the Bobs and Crow Lake communities are indicated by an asterisk.
Bobs and Crow Lake Catchment Health
Shoreline Naturalization
1034 native trees and shrubs have been planted at 18 project sites on Bobs Lake by the RVCA’s Shoreline Naturalization Program at an average buffer width of three metres along 260 metres of shoreline.
446 native trees and shrubs have been planted at seven project sites on Crow Lake by the RVCA’s Shoreline Naturalization Program at an average buffer width of four metres along 147 metres of shoreline.
Tree Planting
27,550 trees have been planted at three sites in the Bobs Lake catchment by the RVCA Private Land Forestry Program, resulting in the reforestation of 14 hectares.
500 trees have been planted at one site in the Crow Lake catchment by the RVCA Private Land Forestry Program.
Water Levels
Surface water flows and levels at the new Bolingbroke Dam on Bobs Lake will be better monitored as a result of input from the Greater Bobs and Crow Lakes Association. This information will enhance the management of the water control structure so that it will be better aligned with Parks Canada's established rule curve for this reservoir lake of the Rideau Canal.*
Water Quality
Bobs Lake, Crow Lake and Rock Lake are each sampled yearly by the RVCA for five parameters, four times a year to assess surface chemistry water quality conditions.
Ten Rural Clean Water projects were completed in the Bobs Lake catchment by the RVCA Rural Clean Water Program.
Eight Rural Clean Water projects were completed in the Crow Lake catchment by the RVCA Rural Clean Water Program.
Township of Central Frontenac will implement a septic re-inspection program (mandatory/voluntary) in 2019. The service is to be provided by the Mississippi-Rideau Septic System Office.
Bobs and Crow Lake Catchment Habitat
In-stream Habitat
39 headwaters sites were sampled by the RVCA's Stream Characterization Program.
Greater Bobs and Crow Lakes Association Leadership
Lake Planning
The Stewardship Plan for Bobs and Crow Lakes (2007) was published in March 2007. Since then, projects and issues related to the aim of the Plan have been discussed annually at the Lake Association’s Annual General Meeting, which is to 1) identify the qualities that make the area such a desirable place for people to live or visit and the challenges that put those qualities at risk 2) recommend a series of actions that will help to ensure the sustainability of the lakes, the lands, the natural ecosystem and the way of life that we value and 3) serve as a reference and guide to support continued activity for the stewardship of the lakes.*
As of 2017, the Bobs and Crow Lake Association and its Foundation has been partnering with the RVCA to provide additional program support to landowners interested in naturalizing their shoreline, protecting their shoreline from erosion and repairing septic systems.
Liaison with Other Lake Associations
The Greater Bobs and Crow Lakes Association continues to liaise with other local lake associations through its participation in the Lake Networking Group.*