Annual Leech Lake Bug Study - 2011

Leech Lake
2011 Bethnic Monitoring (Bug Count)
Volunteers Required

Date: Sun. July 17, 2011
Time: 9:00 am
Place: Hembling/McCoy cottage, 1037 Lakeshore Rd. N (Right Side just the lake's past outlet stream)

Varieties of tiny creatures live in the sediment of our lake. These invertebrates form an essential part of our lake's food chain. These little critters are sensitive to stressors such as toxins, Ph etc. that enter the lake from the surrounding environment. Monitoring the population of these invertebrates over time will tell us whether or not out lake is healthy. If our studies indicate that the trend of our lake's eco-system is being challenged we are in a position to take timely remedial action.

The collection will be done by a Biological Monitoring Technician from the District of Muskoka. After bulk collection from the lake bottom we will identify and count macro-invertebrates. For less outdoorsy types - please be assured that counting is done on the shore. The bugs are confined to plastic collection trays and there is nothing gross about the process!

This is a great educational experience for adults and older kids. High schoolers can use the time toward their volunteer hours. We will provide drinks and a simple BBQ lunch.

Please e-mail vmccoy@rogers.com or call 705-645-9692 (no answering machine) to let us know you'll be there.