GBA Update Spring 2024

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Environmental Stewardship It’s always a bit overwhelming to contemplate all of the actions our associations are taking to protect the Bay. Elsewhere in this issue, Katherine Denune, Chair of the Guardians of the Bay Committee and a member of the Sans Souci Copperhead Association (SSCA), shares an update on the second year of SSCA’s new Crown islands stewardship program. Her videos are always inspiring. PaBIA has taken on the issue of abandoned, derelict docks in their area, a frequent complaint of our associations, by partnering with their local municipality, the Township of the Archipelago (ToA). For the second summer in a row, volunteers towed docks to the Pointe au Baril Station, where, with the assistance of ToA, they were hauled out and taken to the dump. A group of BNIA cottagers proudly became citizen scientists by contributing valuable local data to the global research and science conservation movement when they participated in an on-site BioBlitz workshop led by staff from the Georgian Bay Biosphere (GBB). While exploring a large, intact stand of century-old white pines and their surrounding ecosystem, they were shown how to use the free, data-gathering app iNaturalist and uploaded their field observations. For more information about GBB’s BioBlitzes, see here: bit.ly/GBB-BioBlitz The fight against invasive phragmites continues apace in almost every corner of the Bay, and in many places, clear progress has been made. This year, the West Carling Association (WCA) joined the fight, first mapping phragmites stands throughout their area at the end of June. With Georgian Bay Forever's (GBF) help, WCA volunteers headed out at prime phragmites-cutting time in mid-August to tackle the stands. Their efforts will continue next year, thanks to a grant from the Green Shovels Collaborative's Invasive Phragmites Control Fund to combat the invasive plants. This marina in Woods Bay has one of the area’s few remaining phragmites stands. Its location on the rocks is tough to get to, but its WBCA members are committed to keeping this vital wetland clear so wildlife like the ducks in the background retain their habitat. Photo: Heather Sargeant

Photo: Heather Sargeant

WBCA members practice CPR with Action First Aid.

Other Safety Woods Bay Community Association (WBCA) deployed Coast Guard-approved navigational markers in their area to help with boating safety. They also asked Action First Aid to present first aid, CPR, and AED training basics. Action First Aid offers GBA members a discount on AED packages (info here: bit.ly/GBAmember-benefits ) and provides training. The Bay of Islands Community Association (BICA) invited a local volunteer group, North Shore Search and Rescue, to present on emergency preparedness. They provided a helpful summary of the session on their website: bit.ly/BICAemergencyprep

When a fire broke out at a cottage in Pointe au Baril, passing cottagers initially mistook the flames for northern lights. When they got closer and saw the flames, they used buckets to throw water onto the ground between the flames and the nearby bunkie, which they were able to save. The cottage was a total loss, but is being rebuilt. Photo: BNIA

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GBA UPDATE Spring 2024

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