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If you own a cottage in Muskoka - how can you look after your lake?


Blog by Ragan Zilic Lovegrove | May 20th, 2018


I really care about our environment and we all have to make an effort to really recognize that Lakes are living things and they require care to keep them healthy.  

Here are some tips on maintaining a clean healthy lake.
  • Refuel your boat using spill control devices or fill tanks well away from water
  • Have your septic system inspected regularly and empty septic tanks as recommended
  • Plant native plants and shrubs where shorelines have been cleared
  • Reeds and rushes are extremely beneficial for a lake;  They provide refuge for a number of endangered species, create and ideal habitat for bird watching, they filter soil and they protect a bank from erosion.
  • Buy biodegradable products
  • Use environmentally safe cleansers or natural alternatives.
  • Keep it natural - avoid using pesticides and herbicides Buy phosphate-free soaps, shampoos, cleansers and detergents (especially dishwasher detergent)
  • Fertilizing your lawn (whether with so-called eco-friendly or standard fertilizer), you are deliberately and directly adding to the non-natural nutrient loading in the lake.
  • Lawns bring in Geese to feed, raise young, and to return in greater numbers to pollute the water further.
Get involved with your local lake stewardship group to help promote healthy lake living

Picture by Jaden Lee