As a member of the Réseau de surveillance volontaire des lacs (RSVL), Lake Barron participates in the annual monitoring of its water quality. In 2023, 39 samples and measurements were taken in the lake during the summer season by volunteers of the LBCA working in collaboration with the Ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MELCC). Several physicochemical parameters of the water were studied.
Phosphorus is an essential element for plant growth. However, too much phosphorus encourages the growth of aquatic plants, affecting water quality and access to the lake. Chlorophyll is present in all photosynthesizing plants and algae. Its excessive concentration in a body of water therefore reflects the presence of too much biomass, and therefore too many aquatic plants. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is an element derived from the decomposition of organic matter. This parameter is strongly associated with water color (yellowish or brownish), as it is mainly influenced by humic acid from wetlands. As for water transparency, since it is influenced by the presence of algae and water coloration, this parameter is strongly dependent on the others.
As for Lake Barron, the results show that it is in an oligo-mesotrophic state, meaning that it has a moderate level of biological productivity, which may lead to an increased abundance of microscopic algae and aquatic plants. Moreover, phosphorus levels have increased 6.7% since 2022. In addition, the transparency has deteriorated due to colouration by Dissolved Organic Carbons. Chlorophyll levels are also trending upwards. Under these conditions, the lake's health is changing and it is important to reduce the phosphorus levels as well as take measures to protect the lake. Accelerated aging is caused by human activity, which increases the input of sediments and nutrients into the water, hence the importance of residents adopting responsible habits. For example, revegetating and protecting riparian buffers, using phosphate-free cleaning products and soaps, having a compliant septic system and not using fertilizers and pesticides.
It's worth mentioning that boaters on the lake must behave responsibly to limit the waves that erode the banks and bring nutrients to the surface, encouraging the development of undesirable plants and algae. Wakeboats are more prone to creating oversized waves that amplify the phenomenon of erosion.
Thank you for doing your part to help preserve our natural environment!
Phosphorus is an essential element for plant growth. However, too much phosphorus encourages the growth of aquatic plants, affecting water quality and access to the lake. Chlorophyll is present in all photosynthesizing plants and algae. Its excessive concentration in a body of water therefore reflects the presence of too much biomass, and therefore too many aquatic plants. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is an element derived from the decomposition of organic matter. This parameter is strongly associated with water color (yellowish or brownish), as it is mainly influenced by humic acid from wetlands. As for water transparency, since it is influenced by the presence of algae and water coloration, this parameter is strongly dependent on the others.
As for Lake Barron, the results show that it is in an oligo-mesotrophic state, meaning that it has a moderate level of biological productivity, which may lead to an increased abundance of microscopic algae and aquatic plants. Moreover, phosphorus levels have increased 6.7% since 2022. In addition, the transparency has deteriorated due to colouration by Dissolved Organic Carbons. Chlorophyll levels are also trending upwards. Under these conditions, the lake's health is changing and it is important to reduce the phosphorus levels as well as take measures to protect the lake. Accelerated aging is caused by human activity, which increases the input of sediments and nutrients into the water, hence the importance of residents adopting responsible habits. For example, revegetating and protecting riparian buffers, using phosphate-free cleaning products and soaps, having a compliant septic system and not using fertilizers and pesticides.
It's worth mentioning that boaters on the lake must behave responsibly to limit the waves that erode the banks and bring nutrients to the surface, encouraging the development of undesirable plants and algae. Wakeboats are more prone to creating oversized waves that amplify the phenomenon of erosion.
Thank you for doing your part to help preserve our natural environment!
LBCA discourages the use of Fireworks!
Although only trace amounts of phosphorus are included in fireworks, phosphorus residues accelerate the eutrophication of lakes. Where lakes are already laden with nitrogen, small additional amounts of phosphorus are a cause for concern. Eutrophication is linked to algal blooms and cyanobacteria, which can have a negative impact on drinking water quality, fishing, wildlife and human health. The 2023 water quality tests of Lake Barron tell us that we should take better care of our lake. In addition, fireworks can be the cause of forest fires and damage the health of animals both domestic and wild.
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Gore municipal by-law 188, article 11 stipulates that your must obtain a permit from le canton de Gore before you can use Fireworks.
The purpose of the Environmental and Ethical Code (EEC) is to provide guidelines that encourage socially and environmentally responsible practices for and around Lake Barron. This document supports the Lake. Barron Citizens Association (LBCA) in their initiatives to protect the environment of the lake and its surroundings to ensure its long-term enjoyment.
Invasive species
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Eurasian water milfoil is an invasive aquatic plant. It is present in a few lakes in the Laurentians and threatens to invade lakes across Quebec. Eurasian watermilfoil has a vine-like stem and feathery leaves that grow underwater, with flowers emerging from the water's surface. Growth is rapid, even aggressive, forming a thick mat on the water's surface. We ask residents to avoid transferring their boats, boards, recreational equipment, fishing gear, etc. from one lake to another....”
original article by: Heather McCullough, lac Hughes 2015
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Voir le vidéoLLPOA Invasive Species Lake Louisa, Quebec
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Coalition Navigation
Founded in 2013, the Navigation Coalition brings together citizens, associations and organizations whose mission is to ensure that legislation on the use of motorboats protects the ecosystems of bodies of water and, more specifically, Canada's waterways.