Of the invasive species of concern, the one which poses perhaps the greatest threat to our lake is the water plant known as Eurasian milfoil.
The key method of preventing the introduction of Eurasian milfoil is to ensure that boats (and all other water craft), trailers and outboard motors which have been in other lakes are thoroughly cleaned with a pressure washer before they are launched into Lac Sinclair.
You may have noticed that we have set up a pressure washer at the Ste-Sophie d’Aldfield Community Centre on land which is still owned by the Archdiocese of Pembroke. We wish to thank both the Archdiocese for granting us permission to use this space, and the Ste-Sophie d’Aldfield Community Centre for providing the water and electrical power.
Above all we thank the Regroupement pour la protection de l’eau de la Vallée-de-la-Gatineau (RPEVG) for providing the pressure washer and ancillary equipment and signage. In setting up a pressure washer at Lac Sinclair we have become an active participant in the RPEVG’s program to fight invasive aquatic species.
The RPEVG has set up other boat washing stations along Highway 105 in Aumond, Gracefield, Grand-Remous, Low, Maniwaki and Messines.
We hope you will all do your part to ensure that any watercraft and trailer coming from another lake receives the pressure washer treatment, either in East Aldfield or elsewhere, before it is put into Lac Sinclair. Please spread the message to your friends and neighbours, to family members who might be staying at your property, and to anyone who may be renting your property.
We also put up signs about the boat washing program across from Depanneur du Lac and at the corner of Chemin Simon and Chemin Fieldville. These complement the sign put up previously at Marius Bernier’s boat launch facility.
This matter is of great importance to all of us who have a vested interest in preserving the health and utility of our lake. Several lakes in our area are experiencing infestations which are having significant detrimental effects on the ability of cottage owners on these lakes to enjoy regular activities on the water. A few extra minutes washing off your boat/trailer can go a long way to avoiding this devastating situation at Lac Sinclair.
