News from Memphremagog Conservation Inc.
Memphremagog Conservation Inc. (MCI) is not-for-profit organization that has been working for the protection, conservation and improvement of Lake Memphremagog and its watershed since 1967. Working with a team of volunteers, the organization takes care of the lake and watershed for the benefit of present and future generations. MCI works in collaboration with various regional and governmental organizations, as well as with citizens, in order to achieve concrete results. MCI’S work is mainly based on scientific knowledge, to inform and sensitize the public and make the various actors aware of their responsibilities, in order to ensure the environmental health of Lake Memphremagog and its watershed. The goal of the organization is to ensure the environmental health and natural beauty of the ecosystems of Lake Memphremagog and its watershed for the benefit of current and future generations. a
Boating opinion paper
This winter, MCI produced an opinion paper on boating on Lake Memphremagog, a topic that made headlines last summer. Boats are seen as a nuisance by many and as a pleasant activity by others, but what are the real environmental and social impacts caused by boats? What are the laws and regulations governing boating, and what initiatives have been put in place on Lake Memphremagog to mitigate these issues?
If you are interested in this topic, consult our opinion paper Navigating in troubled waters: The case of boating on Lake Memphremagog (Available on the MCI website). Note that the document is in French, but the summary has been translated into English.
Interactive map
Also on the website, MCI has prepared a new interactive map on navigation on Lake Memphremagog. This allows boaters to see the location of marinas, washing stations and restriction areas, among other things. Discover this new tool at https://www.memphremagog. org/en/mapping
MCI’S annual tree distribution resumes this spring! For a twelfth year, MCI patrollers will distribute more than 2,500 trees, free of charge, to residents of the lake’s watershed. The trees are courtesy of the Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks. The distribution schedule is as follows:
• Ogden: Friday, May 21 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Ogden Town Hall. There are no reservations possible. Just show up at the appointed date and time.
Austin: Saturday, May 22 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Dépanneur d’austin. There are no reservations possible. Just show up at the appointed date and time.
Stanstead Township: Saturday, May 22 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
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Annual tree distribution
• at Parc Forand in Fitch Bay. There are no reservations possible. Just show up at the appointed date and time.
Magog: Saturday, May 22 and Sunday, May 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at LAMRAC, 69 chemin Roy, Magog. In light of the pandemic, the distribution of trees in Magog will operate by reservation only. Reservations will begin Wednesday, May 12 at 10:00 a.m. at 819-843-8118 or in person at the LAMRAC Interpretation Center.
This year, the species available are: • Yellow birch
• Black cherry
• Bur oak
• Red oak
• Red maple
• Sugar maple
Planting trees contributes to the reforestation of the watershed. By planting trees on your property, you help maintain good water quality, protect soil integrity, preserve biodiversity, and much more!
Annual general meeting
Finally, MCI’S Annual General Meeting will take place on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom. The agenda includes an overview of the patrol’s work and a summary of our major projects and accomplishments. Email us at admin@memphremagog. org to register and save this date in your agenda!
For more information on the work of MCI, including how to become a member of the organization, visit https://www. memphremagog.org/en/home or call (819) 620-3939.