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The strategic deployment of biodegradable matting over Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) outbreaks has been an important and effective part of the Drag and Spruce Lakes EWM Management Program each of the past 6 summers. This year the DSLPOA will again make application to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), seeking permission to deploy either untreated burlap or coconut fiber mats at the following 7 locations.
| Site | Description | GPS | |
| EWM 1 | South of Harris Beach | 45.07504 | -78.40421 |
| EWM 2 | North of Blueberry Island | 45.07844 | -78.39329 |
| EWM 3 | South of Podmore Beach | 45.08458 | -78.39936 |
| EWM 4 | East End of Bonham's Bay | 45.07072 | -78.43500 |
| EWM 11 | Northwest of Drag Lake Lodge | 45.05136 | -78.42099 |
| EWM 13 | Near End of True North Rd | 45.09400 | -78.41181 |
| EWM 18 | Southwest of Pine Tree Point | 45.07907 | -78.40846 |
You may also refer to the map of EWM outbreak locations on the DSLPOA website by following this link. The decision on which outbreaks will receive benthic mats as a control measure is made by the Working Group (WG) in early July following visual inspection of the 7 approved locations. Last year mats were placed only on sites 1 and 18. Although this work can be approved to be done anytime between July 16 and September 30, the WG is requesting approval to begin work at Site 1 as early as July 12.
If your property is adjacent to one of these 7 locations and you would like to express your concern to the MNRF, please contact the Parry Sound District MNRF office contact information as indicated below:
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
7A Bay Street, Parry Sound ON, P2A 1S4
If your have any questions about EWM inspection, monitoring or control activities on Drag or Spruce Lakes please contact the WG by email.
Jim Miners
For the Working Group
Hey Drag and Spruce Lakes Family!
We’re thrilled to announce something brand new for our association: our very first official merchandise. After lots of behind-the-scenes work, we’re launching custom gear that celebrates our beautiful lakes and the community we all love.
First up: Limited-Edition Baseball-Style Hats
These premium hats are embroidered with:
- Our association logo on the front
- A detailed outline of our lakes on the peak (perfect for showing off where your cottage or favorite spot is!)
- A proud Canadian flag on the back
They’re high-quality, comfortable, and a fun way to wear your lake pride everywhere – on the dock, at events, or even as a cheeky “navigation tool” when friends ask, “Wait, which bay are you in again?”
Pre-order pricing:
- $25 each
- Family Bundle: 4 or more at $20 each
Second up: Custom Limited-Edition Lead-Free Fishing Lures in partnership with Fish Lead Free and our “Let’s Get The Lead Out” initiative.
We’re proud to offer two exclusive designs featuring our lake association logo:
- Single Mustad hook version – perfect for lake trout
- Treble hook version – ideal for bass
These eco-friendly, non-toxic lures are a fantastic swap for your tackle box—helping protect our loons, eagles and other wildlife from harmful lead tackle while keeping our lakes healthy for generations to come.
Pre-order pricing: $12 each (limited supply—don’t miss out on these custom editions!)
This is our first step into association-branded merch, and we hope it sparks joy, conversations, and that special sense of belonging to Drag and Spruce Lakes. Your support directly helps fund our efforts to preserve and protect our special place.
Early pre-orders help us gauge interest and ensure we order the right quantities.
We anticipate orders will be ready for fulfillment in late spring or early summer 2026.
Pre-order your lake gear today: https://www.dragandsprucelakes.ca/order-merchandise/
Can’t wait to see everyone rocking these and using them on the water!
With lake pride,
DSLPOA Executive
Key Links
Land Acknowledgement
We respectfully acknowledge that the County of Haliburton is located on Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory, and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which are Curve Lake, Rama, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Beausoleil and Georgina Island First Nations.
We acknowledge a shared presence of Indigenous nations throughout the area, and recognize its original, Indigenous inhabitants as the stewards of its lands and waters since time immemorial.