Unintended Consequence # 2

These three photos show the most current unintended consequence on the Burnt River as it leaves Loon Lake. What has happened is that the river bottom has been eroded with the sand and gravel being deposited further downstream.

That relocation of the particles from the river bottom actually creates several problems. During the relocation process, the riparian section of the river is eroded and altered to the point of trees falling into the water; and the downstream “dam” that is created affects not only late season recreation on the river, but also the drawdown of the river waters at the Trent Severn Waterway dam. The blockage also has the effect of raising the upstream lake water level. And while that may seem inconsequential in itself, early season flooding and ice damage become more of a reality!

I mentioned that this activity is the most current unintended consequence on the Burnt River. The first unintended consequence occurred decades ago when the peninsula on the North shore was extended further into the Burnt River to create more land for development. That activity not only severely affected the surrounding riparian zone but caused the replacement of the river bottom by an accumulating depth of silt. In 1971, a commissioned study was completed on the river that recommended that the silt was so deep in the river that it had to be excavated. But that never happened and this current activity appends to that problem. The most visible changes over the years have been the virtual elimination of some large beaches on the lake; the reduction of vegetation such as bullrushes and grasses; and higher Fall water levels.

Hopefully there won't be an unintended consequence #3!