Memphremagog Conservation Inc. celebrates 50 years
Honouring its founders, presidents, boards and all who have contributed
Like the sailboat going upwind in a gale striving to get to the top, 50 years of Memphremagog Conservation (MCI) has taken many tacks. And along with the dramatic changes in lake life the organization has weathered many storms. Under Monday’s overcast skies and brisk north wind at the head of the sprawling lake, some hardy members of MCI were present to witness the rollout of celebrations around the lake while summarizing the works of the organization from past, to present, and in the future.
The challenge of cleaning the water and maintaining its quality started with a number of complaints related to sewage flowing from cottages dotting the shoreline during the mid-1960s. Extending to issues within the watershed, since 1967 MCI has been a leader in defending the environment and lake conservation. From originally striving to clean the water in the lake, it has grown to serve the enormous territory of the lake’s watershed. It has become a powerful lobbying body raising awareness and educating the public as well as the local, regional, provincial, and federal governments.
As this year marks the fiftieth anniversary of its existence, thanks to three visionaries along with a multitude of dedicated and determined individuals, Memphremagog Conservation is being celebrated as a forerunner of the Quebec Environment Department and sustainable development that was articulated by the United Nations in 1987, and wants to honour the founders, its presidents, and all who have generously contributed in the many different capacities to the cause.
Its founders, Gordon and Peter Kohl and Herb Mitchell, are revered for their instigation. And specialists that they
initially drew into the fold like Stewart Hopps and Jacques Boisvert will never be forgotten for their enduring determination to protect the magnificent 33-mile-long lake, dotted with islands and flanked by mountains, that stretches across the international border.
Since its beginnings, MCI has been faced with issues and successful battles against pesticides, a potential nuclear waste dump, sewage treatment problems, challenges related to the development of tourism, and the highly publicized deforestation at Mount Orford.
Current President Robert Benoit says that many of the practices have been refined over the years and, “Our understanding of the lake has improved, our patrollers today are university graduates, our equipment is high quality, and we now have a base camp on the shores of the lake. However, our approach remains fundamentally the same, a search for credible scientific information, hard work and consistency in our research, and the implementation of practical and effective solutions on the ground.” With the knowledge the organization carries now, MCI’S work can work throughout the entire watershed.
Benoit admits that there are many challenges that include increasing numbers of invasive species, climate change, development that is geo-manipulating the natural landscape, and the explosion of large power boats. He mentioned the concern of reduced government involvement at both provincial and federal levels when it comes to lake protection.
He praised the ten-year marriage with the Memphremagog Watershed Association of Vermont, and its collaboration with all the municipalities around the lake and with the MRCS. And he thanked everyone who has generously helped out with expertise, time, and financial support including members of the board, patrollers, local mayors and councillors, the prefect, municipal inspectors, professionals, neighbours, government officials,
media, and all others who have been involved over the past 50 years.
A new strategic plan will be disclosed
at the upcoming annual general meeting on August 5 in Austin.