Spiel

Flood fears rising Angus and Belle Ewart affected by snow melt February 14, 2009 IAN MCINROY / www.thebarrieexaminer.com Snow melt and rain earlier this week have caused the Nottawasaga River to flood nearby low lying areas, wreaking havoc for some residents. Shoppers at the Angus Plaza were driving through water up to their hubcaps yesterday as the Pine River, a Nottawasaga tributary, flowed into the parking lot. The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority expected the river to crest around noon yesterday, while waters downstream will continue to rise over the next three to five days as water is released from the Minesing wetland. Ice jams may also occur. The authority expects high flows to continue throughout the weekend and it is warning area residents to keep children away from all bodies of water. Unfortunately, it's the same old, same old for Belle Ewart area residents this week as the recent thaw turned their neighbourhoods into huge puddles, and then ice rinks. "It's a chronic thing that happens year after year," Belle Ewart resident John Hurd said Thursday. "There are some yards that are totally covered, with the water coming up to the foundation and roads are covered. Some people I've talked to thought it was the worse they'd ever seen." Mild temperatures and rain caused waters to rise Wednesday night -- forcing town officials to close some roads -- but there was still widespread flooding earlier in the day on many streets. "There was two or three inches of water and it had a current to it while it was going across the road," Hurd said, adding it was much worse in other areas. His wife drove through a foot of water on her way home from Alcona Thursday afternoon, he added. "The ground's frozen so there's no place for the water to go. It's like it's running over asphalt," he said. "All that snow melt and rain has to come from a large area well west of Belle Ewart: all the those farmers fields and gullies. So when the flooding starts, that's not the end of it. It just keeps coming." Innisfil chief administrative officer Larry Allison said Thursday that roads in several areas were closed because of high water levels. Roads in some other areas were also closed, but levels were not as high. "Road crews have been out continuously. This time we had the resources down there to deal with it," he said, adding that eventually, four pumps were deployed to move water into Cook's Bay. Allison said as of Thursday afternoon, the South Innisfil Drain was "nearing capacity along lines 2 and 3" and that the 8th Line and Lawson Creek drains "were within their banks." He's is hopeful the flooding can be minimized by some future changes in the area. "The Lefroy Settlement Area Management Inc. (LSAMI) development in Lefroy west of the GO tracks is going to do over-control of the storm water there to reduce discharge down stream. It will make a contribution to future flood relief in that area," Allison said. The town will also be expanding the mouth of Carson Creek (drain) to further enhance flow, he added. A timeframe for that project has yet to be announced, however. "We're hoping things will cool down and get back to normal. As the temperatures cool, it will slow down the flooding." Hurd said the elimination of much of the area's wetlands -- which act like sponges and help control flooding -- is one reason the area is inundated every thaw. He described development in the area as piecemeal. "It's a little bit of this and a little bit of that," he said. "There should never have been so much building (activity) around wetlands without proper planning and engineering solutions. If it's not done properly, it makes it worse."

Authorities nab anglers, sledders 17 facing charges following spot checks February 14, 2009 / www.thebarrieexaminer.com Seventeen people face charges after OPP and MNR officers recently conducted checks of snowmobilers and ice fishermen on Severn Sound. They were charged with offences under the Liquor Licence Act, the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act, Ontario fishery regulations and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. Southern Georgian Bay OPP say police and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources officers checked more than 150 people. This weekend, Feb. 14-16, Canadian residents aged 18 to 65 can fish licence-free during the Ontario Family Fishing Weekend. Monday, Feb. 16 is Family Day in Ontario.

That is pretty nasty. There was no doubt it'd blow out and flood, just a matter of the flood surge reaching the lower river then......ice gone!

I would say for certain that those rivers will be MUD.

Been there many times Joey and I know the agony Paul is in. Rest has always done it for me but it takes time. I was a non Chiro type till I started having neck issues and went to see one who practices A.R.T. and have been a convert ever since. I have had low back adjustments a few times when needed in the last couple of years with good results.

Clay man searching for home for illegal Snakehead fish Wednesday February 11, 2009 Tom Leo / The Post-Standard "Rocky" is a 10-year-old, 28-inch long Snakehead fish owned by Chris Deverso who lives in Clay. A pet owner in Clay hopes his guilty plea in town court this week doesn't equate to a death sentence for his 10-year-old, 28-inch long Snakehead fish. Chris Deverso pleaded guilty Tuesday night and was fined $25 for possessing the illegal fish. He's now is scrambling to find "Rocky" a legal home. He's contacted zoos and aquariums, including the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnett Park. So far, he's had no luck. Rosamond Gifford Zoo officials told Deverso they can't take the fish because they don't have funding to build a large aquarium to house a single fish. A Snakehead would attack any other fish in the tank. "This fish doesn't deserve to die," said Deverso, 37, who purchased the fish 10 years ago for $30 from a local pet store. "There has to be another solution." Possessing a Snakehead didn't become illegal until 2004, about two years after somebody released a pair of Northern Snakehead into a Crofton, Md., where they bred and wiped out the entire fish population. Snakehead have infiltrated New York waters, as well. Last August, the state's Department of Environmental Conservation was forced to treat Ridgebury Lake and Catlin Creek in Orange County with an aquatic pesticide designed to kill Northern Snakehead. Snakehead are described as having voracious appetite, often consuming all other fish in a lake or pond, and even eating its young. The fish can slither across land, staying out of water for up to three days, to find new sources of food, including small animals. "Those fish released into the pond were cold-climate temperature fish that can survive winter months," Deverso said. "My fish is a Giant Snakehead species. It's not a cold-climate temperature fish and could not survive if it was released into a pond." Federal regulations do not distinguish between different species of Snakehead; they're all illegal. Deverso said some animal organizations from outside the state have extended offers to take in Rocky. One issue is federal transportation laws across state lines. "Another issue is the fish is 10 years old," he said. "There's a fear the stress of taking him out of the environment he's been in for 10 years and doing a transport would kill him." Deverso has the fish in a 200-gallon tank at his home at 7424 Muench Road in Clay. State Department of Conservation officials said they would wait until Deverso's criminal court proceedings were complete before, possibly, seizing the fish. "We realize this fish is this guy's pet and we're sensitive to the situation, trying to work with him," said Region 7 Capt. Woody Erickson of the DEC, "as long as he's trying to find a legal home for this thing. If not, he'll have to surrender it to us or euthanize it himself." There's no set timetable to seize the fish, Erickson said. "On the other hand if there is no home for this thing, we can't continue this on forever," he said. "We'd like to work this out within the next two weeks."

This is indeed very troubling.

Here's one I've used on accasion. passing the cursor (mouse) over the map displays latitude and longitude. Maptech

Port Dover and Friday the 13th

That's a thing of beauty man.

Thanks for the Roy and Norm. Shoot me a PM Buckster.

If your hut is not securely anchored I'd be concerned.

I hear ya Glen, loud and clear.

Valens Ice Fishing Derby Feb.15 The Ice Fishing Derby is being postponed till February 22.

....Glad to see you were well looked after Cliff. It's been around my home and it's not been fun for those who were infected.

Definitely something I don't want to see. What happens at Temagami stays at Temagami!

Indeed a beauty rainbow. The solitude sure looks inviting, is that the only hut on the lake?

Damn I soooooo hate you....

I'm glad you took the time to (re)introduce yourself. I look forward to a productive Temagami report.

....and everybody lived happily ever after. The End.

Anglers help other anglers in need February 9th, 2009 Allan Bass / newsdurhamregion.com Caesarea continues to be a hot spot The temperature this time of the year is fluctuating between mild days and those that are downright inhospitable. Last Saturday, we were supposed to receive between one and three centimeters of the white stuff. We ended being dumped on again with five to 10 centimeters of heavy, slushy, hard to shovel snow. This is bad enough in the driveway. But on the lake this can become a real hazard. Those who chose to drag their equipment out by foot to their favourite hole on the ice faired far better than some who drove out onto the ice. The heavy, slushy mess not only caused a problem for some ice augers, but also had many angler’s vehicles stuck out on the lake as well. Even the four wheel drive variety found it especially tough going. These vehicles would be ‘booting’ along and all of a sudden they would hit a large, slushy patch where the water gathered on top of the ice. If they were lucky enough to make it out to their favourite spot, some would be bogged down in the deep snow that covered the many areas of the lake. I witnessed several vehicles being rescued by a big yellow half-track. This good Samaritan dragged many anglers to shore who were stuck out on Lake Scugog. I’m sure all ice anglers would like to voice their appreciation. When you are in the angling community, people help other people in need. That’s one of the great things about the sport of fishing. I broke down last summer and was towed about five miles by a boater who just came out on the lake. He towed me all the way back to the marina and helped me dock my boat. When I offered him some money for gas, he just waved his hand and said, “Pass it on.” As far as fishing is concerned, the past week has seen many good sized eaters taken through the ice. Walleye in the two to four pound size are common and even bigger ones have been reported every couple of days. According to Dave at Causeway Live Bait in Port Perry, the hottest areas continue to be the ice directly adjacent to the boat ramp in Caesarea (10 to 12 feet seems to be the target depth). Ball Point has slowed down a bit but is still producing some good size walleye, especially around dusk. The area straight out from West Shore Marina is also reporting a good catch ratio. Live minnows and shiners seem to be the angler’s choice. Remember be careful out there and have fun. If in doubt, check with the locals. Until next time, I am The Ontario Angler.

Public gets a look at Lake Simcoe Act Feb 09, 2009 Janis Ramsay / www.simcoe.com The federal government has pledged $30 million for the clean up of Lake Simcoe. (from left) Environment Minster John Baird, Barrie MP Patrick Brown, Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons Peter Van Loan. / Leigh Blenkhorn photo Barrie’s Bryan Bolivar wants to know how the province’s Lake Simcoe Protection Act will affect his job. Bolivar is a stormwater management engineer and as a private consultant he has a professional interest in the act. A public open house on the act was held Feb. 4 at the Southshore Community Centre. About 100 people attended to get a glimpse of what the law entails. The act is meant to protect the plants and fish in the lake, and repair damage that’s been done in the past. It includes reducing the phosphorous in the lake, preventing surface and groundwater runoff, and addressing climate change. The solution calls for a recreation study to look at boat traffic, banning the use of non-native live bait, and improving stormwater run-off. “I’m trying to get a picture of what impact it will have, how it will be implemented at the design level,” said Bolivar. He works with both municipalities and developers and said the biggest challenge will be the dealing with the various levels of review and approval. “It’ll be in the interpretation of the act and its guidelines.” His paycheque hinges on this new law, and knows dealing with stormwater is an important issue. “I’m young enough that I don’t recall when phosphorous wasn’t an issue. I live in Barrie too, and I’m also interested in protecting the lake. If I can help do that through design, that’s a good thing.” Barry Maule, who was there with his family, said he just wanted to learn more. “I’m glad it’s been developed, but I haven’t taken a good look at (the act) yet,” said Maule. He was encouraged by the act’s focus on the reduction of lawn fertilizer, particularly for golf courses. “That just ends up in the lake and we use it for swimming. I have a concern for the lake, and I’d also like to know more about the Allandale marina.” The open house was held so members of the community could voice their concerns or comments about the act. Steve Klose, director of the Lake Simcoe Project with the Ministry of Environment, said he was surprised to see people spending time reading the in-depth act Wednesday night. “I think they want to understand it and determine how it works,” said Klose. “Some people have asked about building a boathouse on their cottage and want to know the impact of the act.” Experts on fisheries, water quality, and government officials were there to speak to the public. “People are encouraged to drop off comments on the act by March 16. We’ll look at them and see how significant they are, if we need to adjust the policies.” Klose said since the transition is underway, many independent landowners have asked how the law will impact them. “Others have said to ‘get on with it’.” Full-day workshops are planned for community members Feb. 6, 9 and 20 and March 4. Anyone is welcome to sign up for them. To look at the act or to sign up for a public workshop, go to www.ontario.ca/lakesimcoe, or call 1-800-565-4923.

Wil Wegman to Host Ice Fishing Seminar at Spring Fishing and Boat Show February 9th 2009 International Centre Mississauga: Focus on Fishing newspaper columnist and award winning outdoor writer Wil Wegman will be hosting an ice fishing seminar on Sunday February 15th from 8am-10am at the Spring Fishing and Boat Show in Aviation Room C. Wegman, who won the 2006 Perch Trap Attack on Simcoe was also a member of Team Canada at the World Ice Fishing Championships in 1991. He has been teaching ice fishing courses at Seneca College since 1987 and for many years has presented his popular ice fishing seminars from Sudbury to Toronto and from Hamilton to Ottawa. Wegman is excited about his seminar at the International Centre. “ I’m especially happy that Lowrance Electronics rep Gerry Heels will accompany me and offer anglers some incredible insight into the Lowrance Units used for ice fishing. He will be sure to offer some great tips on how to maximize their performance during the winter. This will also be the first time we have had the opportunity to host one of the presentations in the special seminar rooms thanks to Show organizers Andy and Vita Pallotta”. Wegman’s power point presentation will focus on ice fishing Lake Simcoe with particular emphasis on how to catch more yellow perch, northern pike, whitefish and lake trout during the winter. “Lake Simcoe is a huge body of water and receives more fishing pressure than any other inland lake in the province. With all that hard water and all those other ice anglers, it can be a daunting lake to try and figure out. I hope ice anglers walk away from the evening having learned a thing or two to help them understand the lake and its fish a little more,” he said. With that knowledge and the tips and tricks Wegman will reveal on how to catch those fish … ice anglers of all skill levels are sure to find the evening both entertaining and rewarding. Draw Prizes will be offered courtesy of HT Enterprises, Rapala/Normark, Berkley/Pure Fishing and Lowrance. Gerry Heels, a Lowrance Electronics rep will be on hand to answer questions about their sonar units. Cost of admission to the Master Angler Ice Fishing Seminar is $12.00 and includes entry to the Spring Fishing & Boat Show. For more details on the Show www.springfishingandboatshow.com

I'm glad to see you were able to put it all together and make it work for you. Dang, those are some fine looking perch!

Funny, Bell Canada called me yesterday to ensure that I was a happy customer. After a few words from the rep to confirm that I had home phone service, internet and cell with Bell I began to unload on him about the poor service with all three and the ever increasing price for this service. I told him I was currently and actively seeking to sever all my ties with Bell and then he hung up.....LOL