Fairy Lake (Image from Saugeen Shores Council presentation)
Researchers from the University of Waterloo have made some recommendations about actions that can be taken to improve the health of Fairy Lake in Southampton.
Dr. Rebecca Rooney spoke to Saugeen Shores councillors at their July 25 meeting and detailed initial findings from a multi-year study.
Rooney is part of a research team from the university’s Department of Biology.
The research began last year, as it first mapped the two-square-kilometre drainage area of the lake. Then they started sampling and surveying the lake’s plants, animals, water, and sediment, as well as measuring average E. Coli and coliform.
Rooney’s presentation identified the presence of bacteria, possible road salt, and most likely phosphorous and nitrogen from surrounding agricultural and resident land. They also found a higher-than-normal pH level in the lake as well as evidence of contamination that could be a result of goose or dog feces.
Research also identified that the common carp in the lake are only part of a complex environmental problem. The lake is also home to another prominent invasive species, curly-leaf pondweed. While it does provide a fish habitat, it does present a danger to other area lakes if it is not carefully managed.
During the presentation, Rooney gave a number of suggestions to improve the health of the lake.
She suggested focusing on water quality at the source by integrating wetland with settling basin to help treat stormwater before it goes into the lake as part of existing and future developments.
Rooney also recommended people stop feeding geese in and around the lake, as well as soften and naturalize the shoreline along High Street using native grasses. This helps deter geese and benefits other birds.
In addition, Rooney also suggested putting up signs preventing the spread of invasive species as a way to help contain the curly-leaf pondweed and to look at building a gear cleaning station to allow boaters to remove vegetation from their boats before and after being out on the lake.
Mayor Luke Charbonneau says, “part of the town’s mission is to protect its natural resources and assets in a sustainable manner. We look forward to receiving the recommendations and considering them as part of our future capital plans.”
Rooney says their work is continuing this summer and the team will host an information session in the coming months. Anyone is welcome to attend to hear from the researchers.