On Monday, August 14th (10am – 3pm) Environment Canada in association with Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation (LOWWSF) will be hosting an important open house and information session in Kenora at the Clarion Lakeside Inn. Anyone interested in the long-term health of the Lake of the Woods, the research being done to address toxic and nuisance algae in Lake of the Woods and the action being taken is encouraged to attend. The format is come-and-go without a formal presentation.
Scientists and senior representatives from Environment Canada will be on hand for this science information session to provide updates on the research they are undertaking with respect to the water quality in Lake of the Woods. Researchers and staff from the Ontario MOECC (Ministry of Environment & Climate Change) will also be on hand to share information and answer questions about Ontario’s efforts as well those being made by Minnesota Pollution Control on the US side of the lake. Those attending will have the opportunity to meet these individuals, gain some understanding of the plan and progress and, perhaps most importantly, to ask questions face-to-face with those directly involved in planning and carrying out the research.
“Canada has committed $5.5 million to research now underway to address water quality in Lake of the Woods. Minnesota is nearing completion of its work on Lake of the Woods and this fall will be moving to implement nutrient reduction targets to address algae blooms on Lake of the Woods”, commented Todd Sellers, Executive Director of Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation. He continued, “With the science now underway in Canada and as Minnesota prepares to move science into action, it is critical that Canada commits to action with water quality objectives and nutrient reduction that will complement those on the US side of the lake.”
Nancy Salmijarvi, President of the Lake of the Woods District Property Owners Association, joins the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation in encouraging all who love Lake of the Woods and its sustainability to drop by the open house on August 14th., “The opportunity to speak to those who are planning the research and playing a lead role in the long- term health of Lake of the Woods – and to ask them direct questions - is one we do not take lightly.” Continuing, she commented, “We are reaching out with our sister organization, Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation, and asking our members and supporters to be visible in their concern for the future of Lake of the Woods by coming out on Monday.”
For more information:
Todd Sellers, Executive Director, LOWWSF tsellers@lowwsf.com 204-981-4285
Diane Schwartz-Williams, Executive Director, LOWDPOA diane@lowdpoa.com 807-543-4287
