Around Loon Lake - June 9, 2016

If you haven't been up to the lake for a while, winter's definitely gone and we're moving toward summer.

The leaves are out on all the trees; the black flies are gone; and there are a few mosquitos.

The lake water level is about 0.12 m (5 inches) below it's average for this time of year.

It's been quiet at the lake and the bird families are busy in the bush. There are at least two goose families with a total of nine youngsters on the West Shore.

There is at least one pair of loons on the lake. And because they are out on the lake, their nesting hasn't started. With the lower than normal water level, I'm hoping it doesn't interfere with their nesting this year.

To-day, in a meeting with Trent Severn Waterway staff, I was told that plans are underway for the renovation / repair of the Stump Lake dam this winter. Among other changes, it will include the removal of a "wing-wall". A new, wider wall will be built; which should make it somewhat safer for anybody venturing onto the dam.

Next week, there will be a study done on the environmental habitat upstream and downstream of the Stump Lake dam by a consultant working for the Trent Severn Waterway. The study will give them data for decisions in their operations, including "Timing Windows" for planned physical work.