Turtle Lake Watershed Inc. Board Minutes 

Saturday, June 11, 2016 10:00 A.M., Turtle Lake Mission

Board Members Present: Court Peddle, George Rozdilsky, Dave Blackwell, Bob  Leslie, Bernie Lukan, Scott McRobbie, Jim Range, Nancy Range

Guests Present

Colleen Reddekopp, Department of the Environment; Wolf McGregor and Zoey  Schaeffer, Conservation Officers from Chitek Lake, Thomas Abe, North  Saskatchewan River Basin Council.

Call to Order:

President Jim Range called the meeting to order at 10:00 A.M. Jim welcomed  everyone, welcomed the guests and led the group with introductions. Jim passed  out a copy of both the meeting agenda and minutes of the past meeting.

Nancy Range read the minutes from the April 23, 2016 meeting. Jim Range asked if  there were any errors or omissions. Jim noted the error in the Financial Report in  the minutes. The recorded balance of $9,976.70 was to have read $7,996.70. Dave  Blackwell moved the minutes be adopted with the correction; seconder, Scott  McRobbie. Carried by a show of hands.

Financial Report:  

President Jim Range made a brief report of the financial statement; the TWLI  currently has a bank balance of $7,996.70.  

Report from the Ministry of the Environment: Colleen Reddekopp, Conservation  Officer.  

Ms. Reddekopp introduced the two Conservation Officers from Chitek Lake in  attendance, Wolf McGregor and Zoey Schaeffer. The issue of Zebra Muscle and  Invasive Species control has been on the forefront as a rising environmental threat.  The issue and subsequent control is very complex and concerning to all. As our  entire province only has two decontamination units, the Ministry has very limited  capacity to monitor boats moving through this province. Ms. Reddekopp underlined  that present health of Saskatchewan lakes is largely in the hands of the residents of  the province;. We were reminded that the end product of Invasive Species  Contamination is the ultimate destruction of fish habitat and the biodiversity of our  lakes. Ms.Reddekopp’s ended her presentation by emphasizing the importance of  education as the most effective tool against the spread of invasive species.  

Jim Range further added that the purchase of the 15 signs regarding Invasive  Species Protection approved at the April meeting of the TLWI has to be deferred  until these signs are available for purchase.

Report from Jim Range regarding Water Testing

Jim Range reported information gained re: water testing programs presently in  place for both Emma Lake and Christopher Lake. Approximately 50 hours are  required to sample the lakes; the bill for sampling the larger lake was $1200; $800  for the smaller lake. Total lab charges were approximtely$500. These tests are  done on an annual basis and are funded by the Lakeland District Municipal  government with a total cost of approximately $4500. The Christopher Lake Emma  Lake Watershed association contributes $1000 to the Lakeland District Municipal  Government to assist with costs of water testing..

Moved by Court Peddle, seconded by Bob Leslie that Wayne Hyde of Christopher  Lake be approached regarding his willingness to perform water tests on a  contractual basis. Jim Range agreed to make this inquiry. Doug Caldwell has agreed  to work on this project as a volunteer. Victor Hamm would attempt to ascertain  whether our RM would be interested in supporting a water testing program.

Presentation by Thomas Abe of the North Saskatchewan River Basin Council.  

Thomas Abe made a most interesting multi-media presentation to the group about  the Love Your Lake project. Funded jointly by the Canadian Wildlife Federation  and Watersheds Canada, this voluntary program has been initiated due to increased  development and density around Canadian lakes and related water quality issues.  The goal of the program is to improve and maintain the health of Canadian Lakes by  improving the health of the shoreline. The program is in the process of being  implemented at Christopher, Emma, Murray and Jackfish Lakes. The  implementation of this program is being complicated by proposed changes to the  Saskatchewan Privacy Act. More information about the Love Your Lakes program  may be obtained at LoveYourLake.ca. Information in this regard will be posted on  the Turtle Lake website. Thomas was asked if the North Saskatchewan River Basin  Council would make a presentation to the larger lake community at the AGM.  

Jim Range mentioned a card of condolence would be sent to the family of John  Cameron, long time TLWI member, after his recent passing.

Discussion followed about updating and maintaining the website.  

Moved by Dave Blackwell, seconded by Bernie Lukan, that the decisions regarding  the election of officers be deferred until after the AGM. Carried. It was noted that  Turtle Lake Lodge requires a new representative member.

Scott McRobbie reported that the lake level is presently 6” above the benchmark,  one inch above water levels at spring break up. It was noted that at one time we  were 23” above this mark.  

Jim Range agreed to call the RM of Parkdale to make inquiries as to the nature of the  development that is presently in progress at Indian Point. An email will be sent out  to inform the members of the TLWI.

Moved by George Rozdelski, seconded by Scott McRobbie that a policy regarding  parting gifts for TLWI members be established as follows: 3 to 5 years service, $50;  5 to 10 years, $100; over 10 years, up to $150. Carried.

The meeting date for the AGM was set for 7:00 pm, Thursday, July 21 at the Mission.

The proposed agenda for the AGM will include:

a. Invasive Species presentation by the Ministry of the Environment b. Love Your Lakes presentation by the North Saskatchewan River Basin  Council

c. Election of Officers

Adjournment: moved by Court Peddle, seconded by Bob Leslie.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:55 A.M.