Gull & Silver Lakes Residents' Association

09/01/2023

Sewage Spill on Gull Lake

Good Day Members and Residents of Gull and Silver Lakes,

Late last evening we were made aware of a sewage spill that has entered Gull Lake. We have notified and have been working with the appropriate authorities to determine the extent of the leakage, content, and source.

We have been speaking with the Ministry of the Environment, the Simcoe/Muskoka Health Unit and the Town, to ensure the appropriate actions are taken and as we understand, an investigation is underway. The Town may take to their social media accounts to update the situation as they usually do when the Gull Lake Park swimming area is affected. See links to those channels below:

https://www.instagram.com/gateway2muskoka/
https://www.facebook.com/Gateway2Muskoka
https://twitter.com/Gateway2Muskoka

As lake health and environmental stability is of upmost concern to us all, we will continue to monitor the situation intently and keep all of you posted as information is provided to us.

Thanks,

Randy Levine, President
Brian Ochab, Vice President
Joanne Smith, Environmental Chair

07/08/2022

Gravenhurst Beach Updates: Gull Lake Beach Swim Advisory now in effect. Muskoka Beach Park Swim Advisory has now lifted. Find more details here https://bit.ly/3PclyXi

05/24/2022

Important boating safety reminders as we begin heading out on the water this year!

Safe Boating Awareness Week is dedicated to making sure all boaters will be safe on the water, allowing everyone to have a superb boating season.

To prepare boaters and ensure that you, your family, and your peers’ safety on the water this summer, we will be sharing our 5 key messages throughout the week, so be sure to follow us and learn more on boating safety.

1. Boat Sober
2. Wear your Lifejacket
3. Take a Boating Course
4. Be Aware of Cold Water Risks
5. Be Prepared, You and Your Boat

We are calling on all boaters to make this boating season the best one yet and the best way to ensure a great boating season for all is by participating in safe boating and following the guidelines and rules. Our 5 key messages provide the basic knowledge, which all boaters should know!

So ensure that you are following us this week for more tips on how to stay safe and have a fun boating season, it could save your life!

To learn more about boating safety, lifejackets and general tips visit www.enjoyboating.ca or www.csbc.ca

#1-10-1

05/17/2022

Update, Fire Ban has been lifted

The Muskoka Fire Chiefs have lifted the Total Fire Ban for Muskoka.
The Fire Danger Rating has now been set to MODERATE
The Chiefs would like to thank the public for their cooperation and understanding during the total fire ban. Small fires are permitted in most rural areas of Muskoka keeping in mind that NO DAYTIME BURNING is allowed.

05/11/2022

Due to quickly accelerating dry conditions and multiple fire starts, the Muskoka Fire Chiefs have issued a total FIRE BAN for MUSKOKA effective 12:01am on Thursday May 12, 2022.

The Fire Danger Rating for Muskoka is now set at EXTREME.

There is a TOTAL BAN on all fires until further notice.

NO fires of any type are permitted. NO fires are permitted for cooking or warmth and NO fireworks are allowed.

05/10/2022

The Muskoka Fire Chiefs have set the forest fire danger rating to HIGH. Reminder that no daytime burning is permitted between 8am and 6pm. If you must burn, do so with extreme caution as conditions are drying up rapidly. Please consider other alternatives to burning if possible!

05/09/2022

𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆! 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁 #𝟰𝟰

𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁…𝗦𝗔𝗥: 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼 & 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝗿𝗲?

They have a bright yellow chin and throat with protruding eyes. A smooth-domed medium sized shell (up to 27cm) shaped like a military helmet with yellow spots or streaks.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗪𝗲 𝗗𝗼?
Observe from a distance. Nesting season is 2-3 weeks long in May and June; often in the same site each year. Eggs hatch by the end of summer. Watch for road crossings!! Make sure it is safe to pull over and help the turtle without putting yourself at risk. Move the turtle in the direction it’s going. Don’t lift a turtle by its tail. Turtles are heavy; you could dislocate vertebrae. Don’t drag turtles - they get road rash!

A turtle smaller than a dinner plate can be picked up by the shell. Grasp the shell on either side of the tail at 5 and 7 o’clock. If you have gloves, wear them. Larger turtles are more challenging. If possible, toss a towel or blanket over its head. Turtles that can’t see you, can’t bite you. The turtle can then be picked up in the same way as above.

Consider installing a Turtle Crossing Sign...
https://ontarioturtle.ca/2009/05/turtle-crossing-signs/

Joanne Smith

05/01/2022

𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲! 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭 #𝟒𝟑

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭…SAR = Species At Risk… and we have lots of them in Muskoka.

𝑪𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒔?
Historical Logging, Overfishing, Trophy Hunting, Tourism, Water Transportation, Agriculture, Fire, Calcium Decline, Salt Increase, Erosion, Habitat Loss…. and of course, Climate Change.

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑪𝒂𝒏 𝑾𝒆 𝑫𝒐?
Even though Muskoka’s environment is in better condition now than in the days of extreme logging, tanneries and industrial pollution, as good Environmental Stewards, there is lots that can be done! Over the next few Sundays, let's look at some of the Muskoka SAR, and what can be done to help them and the natural beauty of our Muskoka environment.

Joanne Smith

04/25/2022

Science Sunday! Post #42

Did You Know That…A Defoliation Forecast 2022 from Spongy Moths (formerly Gypsy moths) has been published as a helpful map.

Look at the RED dots, in particular. These insects are heading north. Infestations south of Muskoka will not be as bad as last year, but indicators of egg masses show a potentially high infestation in our Muskoka area.

Please have another look at Science Sunday #41 for the short video from Toronto which shows how to remove the egg cases and how to destroy them. NOW is the time to act! Get outside on these lovely days and help reduce their damage!

04/19/2022

It’s EARTH WEEK - April 18th - 22nd

Theme: “Invest In Our Planet”

We challenge you to commit to doing 3 new Environmental activities/projects this year.

For example, for me:
1) Remove Spongy Moth egg cases from our surrounding area…this week,
2) Plant native Milkweed and Trillium on our property,
3) Investigate an Air Source Heat Pump this summer when we will need a new furnace.

How will you contribute to Earth Week? Let us know in the comments below!

Joanne Smith

04/19/2022

SCIENCE SUNDAY! POST #41

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

NOW is the time to remove Spongy Moth (LDD, formerly “Gypsy Moth”) egg masses.
2022 promises to be a bumper year in Muskoka for these destructive caterpillars. With the warmer weather finally here, get outside and inspect your trees, lawn furniture, and buildings for the egg masses.
Fun fact: About 150 plant species are prime hosts, so check everything on your property!
How? Here’s a helpful short video from the City of Toronto, showing how to remove them and how to destroy them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10N7IJbK-nE

Joanne Smith

The spongy moth – formerly known as the Lymantria dispar dispar (LDD), European or Asian gypsy moth – is a defoliating insect found in Ontario. City staff ar...