Going out on Lake Massawippi?

There’s an app for that

Environmental group Everblue Massawippi recently unveiled a twoyear plan to strike a balance between boater usage and respect for the environment of Lake Massawippi and its tributaries.

Dubbed ‘intelligent boating’, the plan is to do studies to define sensitive areas of the lake and sensitize users.

A chart and signage will be developed and markers will be installed in certain areas of the lake.

Everblue Massawippi will carry out presentations, demonstrations and distribution of safety and promotional material at schools, community events, boat launches and to the general public, both on land and through safety patrols on the water.

That information will also be incorporated into a smart phone application. Users will be able to refer to an interactive map while on the lake to find out if they are in a shallow or sensitive area, or if there are other things to look out for.

Transport Canada contributed $149,000 to the project, which requires a total investment of $300,000.

Everblue Massawippi Executive Director Michèle Gérin called the transport ministry’s support historic.

“This is the first time Transport Canada is investing not only in security, but in the protection of the environment,” Gérin said.

She added that the project will likely serve as a model that can be applied to the surveillance and management of lakes across the country.

While Lake Massawippi is a focal point for the project, Gérin said the studies conducted will include samples from

the eight lakes in the Comptonstanstead area, most of which face similar environmental challenges.

The project is still evolving, according to Gérin.

Over the next two years, the data collected could lead the project in a different direction. In any case, Gérin said the information collected will be invaluable to Everblue Massawippi and other environmental agencies and organizations.

Gérin said work started on the project in February.

“We have an exceptional team,” she commented.

In addition to the new ‘intelligent boating’ project, Everblue Massawippi is also a partner in the management of the newly acquired public beach in Ayer’s Cliff.

The Record asked Gérin if the organization had the resources and people power required for the two ambitious initiatives.

“We’re working hard,” Gérin said, adding “when your heart’s in it, it’s easier.”