Photo Credit: Chris Kanters
What’s New
“LET’S GET THE LEAD OUT”
Lead poisoning from fishing tackle is a preventable threat that continues to harm loons and other wildlife across Ontario’s lakes and rivers.
CLA is proud to be part of the “Let’s Get The Lead Out” initiative, that is working to build awareness and support for legislative change by promoting lead-free fishing. Click on the links below to learn more about lead poisoning in loons and other wildlife, directly attributed to toxic lead fishing tackle.
Download and sign the petition and help us gather signatures.
FOAM SAMPLES
There have been numerous occurrences of foam on the Lake. Foam is a natural occurrence: it is organics and algae breaking down, and on rare occasions, it can have bacteria in it. Significant intense rainfall events seem to be more frequent this year, which is a significant source for lake foam, from both a runoff perspective as well as a wind and wave perspective, which creates the bubbles that cause foam. It usually dissipates in a few days.
Key actions you can take are: improve your property to reduce runoff into the lake and reduce your boat waves, particularly when we have high water levels.
AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
Please note that the Automated External Defibrillator will not be available from October to May as these machines must be kept in a heated location.
CLA has paid for and installed two AEDs at each end of the lake for public use. One is located at Lakeline Lodge (782 Cedar Park Lane) and the other is located at Whispering Pines (931 Burma Lane).
DOUG HALE MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
The Charleston Lake Association held its annual golf tournament at Cedar Valley Golf Club on Aug 8th. It was a huge success and enjoyed by 92 golfers and raised $6000 for the Environmental Association.
We really appreciate the generosity of our hole sponsors:
Big Waters Bakery, Blanchards Garage, Burt Hudson Real Estate Ltd., Camalor Mfg., Canarm Ltd, Cedar Valley Golf Club, Chris McCann, Realtor, Custom Home Improvements & Custom Cabinetry, Deloitte, Friends of Charleston Lake Provincial Park, Tackaberry and Sons Construction, The Hale Family, Henderson Printing, Jessica Ireland Real Estate, Judson Funeral Home / Greg & Kelly Judson, Kelsey Insurance Brokers / Optimum General Insurance, Kelsey’s Marina, Lakeline Lodge and Marina, Lyndhurst Home Building Centre, McCann Building Services, Milko Cleaning, Miller General Repairs & Service, Andrew Newman (KPMG), Rippling Lake Creations, Shelly Samson (Remax), The Smith Family , Jean Smith, Strader Ferris International Ltd, The Village Store, Willard’s Bakery, The Webster Family (Sean Webster)
BLUE GREEN ALGAE
There has been several instances of blue green algae this year. This is early in the season, but does happen with high water temperature, very calm water and intense storms causing higher runoff. Usually it dissipates within a couple of days.
If you do think the algae bloom is blue green algae, don’t swim in it, don’t let your pets drink near it and don’t source your drinking water near the area (There is no purification system that can treat Blue Green Algae, even UV light).
There are several things you can do: don’t fertilize near the lake, make sure your septic systems are in good working order and improve the waterfront with natural plants.
For more information on Blue Green Algae, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/blue-green-algae
LOON NESTING CYCLE – Week 7
More success this week with Nest 4 finally hatching their first chick ! Unfortunately they have abandoned the second egg. Although this may seem sad it is fairly common with the adults waiting up to 24 hours before focusing their efforts on the first chick. This actually gives the first chick the best chance at survival with both parents solely focused on bringing up the first chick. All of the other nests remain empty and it is unlikely that the Loons will nest again. Cameras will be kept out for another week before being taken away when there is no chance of loons nesting.
What We Do
The Charleston Lake Association (CLA) and The Charleston Lake Environmental Association (CLEA) are implementing projects to preserve and enhance our beautiful lake for future generations by…
Building a strong community by offering CLA Events
Protecting Water Quality
Promoting Boating Safety
Maintaining Healthy fisheries
Preserving the natural environment of the lake for birds and wildlife
Partnering with the wider community, townships and agencies to support our Charleston Lake Community
Protecting healthy ecosystems, including thru land conservation
Charleston Lake Facts
6,220
Acres of water surface with a shoreline length of 94 miles
100
The approximate number of islands
302
Feet of water depths
- Charleston Lake is located in South Eastern Ontario, just north east of Gananoque. The lake is carved out of the Frontenac Axis, a relatively narrow extension of the Canadian shield bedrock which dominates the landscape of Northern Ontario.
- Features a drainage basin comprising 100 square miles in area, and flows into the St. Lawrence River via the old Gananoque River. A dam is located at the outlet village which controls water flow used by the Gananoque Light and Power Company to generate hydro electric power.
- Has seven water inflows. Five of these have negligible flows and are considered seasonal streams. The two predominant inlets are Bailes Creek which drains Wilste and Eloida Lakes, and Leeder’s Creek, which drains Graham, Centre and Temperance Lakes.
- Supports a fish population comprising Lake Trout, Norther Pike, Small and Large Mouth Bass, and 14 other species of fish varying from Yellow Perch to American Eel.
- Enjoys over 200 days each year with no measurable precipitation. The average number of days of precipitation for July and August is 12 with 90 mm of rain.
- The average temperature in July and August is 26 degree high and 16 degree low.
- Has 3 public boat launches: Charleston Village, Cataraqui Conservation at Charleston Village and at the Outlet.
- Has two marinas: Kelsey’s Marina and Lakeline Lodge and Marina
- Has 75 Bouys and shoal markers
