Even though our lakes are still covered with ice and snow, it won't be long until the ice is gone and we want to get our boats ready for use. As you might be aware there have been some changes to the Ontario Invasive Species Act. One change is the list of species covered by the act – a few additions. The other change involves rules regarding draining, inspecting and cleaning any watercraft after use in one waterbody and before use in another. Because these rules are embedded in the Regulation there are now fines associated with not taking these steps to prevent the transfer of invasive species between waterbodies.
I recently attended a FOCA webinar which included a presentation about these changes by a Senior Invasive Species Advisor from the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. Your lake association will be providing more information prior to ice-out and throughout the boating season. In the meantime, if you would like to view the informative webinar, click on this link and look forward to summer.
Jim Miners
DSLPOA Vice-President