2016 Renaissance Lac Brome in review
In keeping with the trajectory outlined in 2014, Renaissance Lac Brome (RBL) 2017 has set its sights on activities to solve and rework a problematic body of water on Tibbits Hill, continue work on the restoration of the Quilliams flood plain, deploy shoreline enhancement program, along with continuing to develop the yellow pike inventories, and promotion of the new nature park on the land that was formerly a golf course in Foster. Runoff is a major source of concern. This includes preventative actions related to water runoff and the inherent volumes of sediments and phosphorus that the organization reports as being still too high. However, it is important to review the work it did in 2016.
At the end of 2016 Renaissance Lac Brome boasted an impressive membership of 712 individuals. Thanks to an additional $25,000 grant from TBL as well as a merchants-advantage pricing program the organization was able to conduct activities aimed at keeping Brome Lake healthy.
It was a great year for Renaissance Lac Brome (RLB) last year with a formula of favourable weather conditions and continued collaboration and cooperation with the Town of Brome Lake (TBL), regional associates and enthusiastic volunteers. RLB attributes the good water quality last year to little snowfall followed by a hot and dry summer season with no major flows of water or runoff into the lake. Despite the inconvenience of the low water levels that made navigation tricky, the lake resisted cyanobacteria growth until the end of August.
Work on two municipal sites in order to manage runoff situations, was partially carried out by the municipality by raising the drainage ditch on Pine Street and filling the ditch while redirecting it at the low point of infiltration and rain garden near Domaine Brome. Planting in those areas are planned for this summer.
RLB has identified an inventory of 460 private bodies of water in the Brome Lake network that were assessed for location, surface area, link to hydrology network and banks. The organization wants to further promote responsible stewardship practices because they consider that private ponds constitute an interesting barrier against erosion and poor water quality.
In its campaign to promote eco-tourism RLB along with the Brome Lake Land Foundation and MRC Brome-missisquoi has portrayed the natural beauty by creating a circuit featuring some 10 sites along the Quilliams shoreline in the Quilliams-durell nature reserve.
In 2016 RLB continued its work building an inventory of fish populations, specifically the yellow pike. The RLB report stated that samples were captured following a rigorous scientific protocol. Weight, length, and any abnormalities and deformities were noted. This process will continue during the 2017 season.
The conservation organization is ever looking for land to be protected in perpetuity. It could be wetland or forest of interest, or a place with a body of water that might affect the health of Brome Lake. In this respect RLB closely monitors the protection of these properties in conjunction with Appalachian Corridor.
Anyone wanting to become a member, contribute to the cause, or who needs information related to lake conservation can call: (May to August) 450-242-2784 or email: info@renaissancelbl.com or P.O box 2001, 756 ch. Lakeside Rd., Foster, Que. J0E 1R0