Earlier this spring GBA asked you to help the International Joint Commission (IJC) Great Lakes Water Quality Board by participating in their fourth Great Lakes Regional Poll. The results are now in, and of the more than 4,500 Canadians and Americans surveyed, the majority of respondents find Great Lakes protection and investments essential to the region's economy and quality of life. Key findings: Respondents expressed nearly unanimous support (96%) for the importance of government investment in Great Lakes protections More than 9 in 10 respondents (94%) believe it is important to protect the Great Lakes, up from 85% in 2015's survey Four in 5 (80%) respondents agree the region’s economy will suffer if the Great Lakes are not healthy Invasive species and pollution se

We are searching for an exceptional person to become the next leader of our Georgian Bay Association. As the voice of our 18-member associations, we advocate on issues that impact our members and help preserve and protect Georgian Bay's unique and fragile ecosystems. For over a century, the GBA has championed sustainable development, influenced environmental policy, and engaged member associations and communities to safeguard the future of this precious region. As Executive Director, you will play a vital role in driving the execution of GBA’s vision and mission and work closely with our Board to implement strategies, plans and policies that protect Georgian Bay for future generations. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate leader to drive environmental advocacy and to make

Lake Michigan-Huron is now 8 inches below its level at this time last year. - From a month ago the water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are down 1, 3, 7, 5 & 0 inches, respectively. Lakes Superior Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are lower by 4, 8, 7, 6 & 2 inches, respectively, than they were at this time last year. Lake Erie is 3 inches above the long-term December average, and Lakes Superior, Lake Michigan-Huron, St Clair & Ontario are 6, 5, 1 & 5 inches below, respectively. All the lakes remain well below their December record highs. - In a month’s time, Lakes Superior & Michigan-Huron are expected to fall by 3 and 2 inches, respectively. Lakes St. Clair & Ontario are expect

As the holiday season approaches, consider gifting the cottage enthusiast in your life something that will help keep them safe and secure. They'll get a thoughtful gift, and you'll get the gift of peace of mind. Here are some great gift ideas that focus on safety:   Inflatable Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) - These life-saving devices are Coast Guard-approved, comfortable to wear and provide excellent buoyancy in emergency situations. eFlares - In emergency situations, eFlares provide a safe and reliable way to signal for help. Lightweight Portable Battery Charger - Ensure devices stay charged when they're needed  the most and keep your loved ones powered up and connected. High Lumen Spotlight -

The Ontario government has announced a significant investment in the fight against invasive phragmites, allocating $11 million over three years to support local control efforts. Invasive phragmites, also known as European common reeds, pose a significant threat to Ontario's ecosystems, infrastructure, and economy. These aggressive plants can outcompete native species, clog drainage ditches, and even impact public safety. The Invasive Phragmites Control Fund, administered by the Invasive Species Centre and the Nature Conservancy of Canada, will support local Phragmites prevention and control projects that range from $2,500 to $25,000, with exceptional (e.g. multi-partner, landscape scale collaborations) projects up to $50,000. Community groups, m

Lake Michigan-Huron is now 6 inches below its level at this time last year.  From a month ago the water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are down 2, 3, 7, 6 & 2 inches, respectively. Lakes Superior Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are lower by 6, 6, 11, 8 & 3 inches, respectively, than they were at this time last year. Lake Erie is 2 inches above the long-term December average, and Lakes Superior, Lake Michigan-Huron, St Clair & Ontario are 6, 3, 3 & 6 inches below, respectively. All the lakes remain well below their December record highs. - In a month’s time, Lakes Superior & Michigan-Huron are expected to fall by 3 and 2 inches, respectively. Lakes St. Clair & Ontario are expected

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), a non-profit group responsible for the safe, long-term management of Canada’s used nuclear fuel, announced that Ignace in northwestern Ontario has been chosen to house a deep geological repository for Canada’s nuclear waste. The Ignace site was chosen over a site in the municipality of South Bruce on Lake Huron. The municipality of South Bruce was in favour of building the repository, however, the Saugeen Ojibway Nation had not made a decision, prompting the NWMO to select the Ignace site. The NWMO will now start the regulatory process, which could take seven to 10 years. Construction is expected to take 10 years, with operations set to begin in the 2040s. Read more here.

Lake Michigan-Huron is now 7 inches below its level at this time last year. From a month ago the water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are down 0, 2, 4, 4 & 4 inches, respectively. Lakes Superior Michigan-Huron, St Clair, Erie & Ontario are lower by 4, 7, 4, 3 & 2 inches, respectively, than they were at this time last year. Lakes St Clair & Erie are 2 and 5 inches, respectively, above their long-term November averages, and Lakes Superior, Lake Michigan-Huron & Ontario are 7, 4 & 6 inches below, respectively. All the lakes remain well below their November record highs. - In a month’s time Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, & Erie are expected to fall by 3, 2 & 1 inches, respectively

Boating from October through June offers a very different experience steeped in solitude and excellent fishing. It is a beautiful time to be on the water. But boating during this season also requires extra attention to detail and the ability to be self-sufficient given that there are fewer boaters around should you require assistance. Here are some helpful tips from the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) and the Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters to make off-season boating safer for you. Check the weather forecast. The weather can change quickly and storms can be more violent. Fog is also more common. Ensure that your boat and engine are in good working order. Ethanol-based fuel can allow water contamination in the tank. The use of a fuel additive prevents water in the f

As nominated by Heather Sargeant  My Phragbuster Hero About 5 or 6 years ago, at an event jointly put on by the Georgian Bay Association, Georgian Bay Forever, and featuring Dr. Gilbert, an ecologist with Phragmites expertise , I first learned about invasive Phragmites and the harm it can have on wetlands. I decided to investigate if Phragmites was a threat in Woods Bay (my favourite area of Georgian Bay), and that’s when my journey tackling this plant began.  I wasn’t sure if a plant across from the family cottage was indeed the invasive type, and so I was nervous and queasy about leading people to help me cut it.  What if it was the native plant, and I’d taken all these people out to cut down something benign? One of my neighbors told me there was a hero on Georgian

The Nature Conservancy of Canada is asking motorists to look out for vulnerable turtles on our roadways. Road surfaces provide an attractive source of warmth for these cold-blooded reptiles, particularly in the spring and early summer. During this time, turtles are mating and nesting; in late summer and early fall, newly hatched turtles are travelling from their nests to nearby wetlands. The Nature Conservatory of Canada has an informative video and tips for safely moving turtles. Watch the video and read the tips here.

Here are some things to think about around Fire Safety at the cottage: Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are present and working. Have a list of local emergency numbers posted for all to see. Include all pertinent cottage location information.   Have the right fire extinguishers in the right places. Have an individual fire plan for evacuation. Make sure your plan has two escape routes. Respect local fire ratings. Have a fire pump and use it regularly to ensure it is in good working order. At the very least have a list of neighbours to call for assistance. Follow your association’s emergency plan if it exists. Make sure you have insurance. Make sure you understand what it covers and that it is adequate to rebuild and covers contents AND fire de

The Environmental Commissioner of Ontario has just released a useful guide on how to how we can all reduce our environmental footprints. Being a Guardian of the Bay also means doing what we can to reduce our individual consumption of carbon based fuels. - Here is a very good fact sheet and here is a full presentation on this topic. -

What’s your name and what’s your connection to Georgian Bay? Cory Kozmik, Anthony Laforge, Samantha Noganosh, Chevaun Toulouse. We are the Lands and Resource Department for Magnetawan First Nation, in Britt, Ontario. - Source: Magnetawan First Nation Our connection to the Bay is the dense biodiversity that it hosts and the role its ecology plays in our lives, including the environment. It is also where ancestors of the Anishinabek Nation walked and practiced each day what it means to live with the land in reciprocity. The connection to the land and water is sacred to the Anishinaabe culture, and held very close to the communities that inhabit the area. - Why is being a Guardian of the Bay important to you? We take great pride in being “Guardians” because it is our