Question 1

What are the objectives of the Mississippi Lakes Association?

Accepted Answer

The MLA's overall aim is to represent the interests of the residents of our lake community, and to provide information regarding the many aspects of living by the Lake. The six specific objectives of the Association are listed in the By-law.(https://www.mlakes.org/_files/ugd/736cb2_7921010374bf4f58af662686a1eac762.pdf)
 
Based upon these main objectives, the MLA produced a more comprehensive Lake Plan (https://www.mlakes.org/lake-plan)with additional Objectives, Goals, and Actions to guide its activities and efforts.

Question 2

How do I become a member of the MLA?

Accepted Answer

You can become a member by contacting the MLA directly with an Application Form,(https://www.mlakes.org/_files/ugd/736cb2_989dc55f161948c7ad5255e3b2b9b292.pdf) or through your Road Association representative.  Visit our Join Us (https://www.mlakes.org/join-us)page for further details.

Question 3

How can I become a MLA Director?

Accepted Answer

The MLA cannot function  without an active and dedicated Board of Directors.  We are always on the lookout for new talent and ideas.  If you are interested, please visit our webpage,(https://www.mlakes.org/our-organization) or contact us (mailto:nominations@mlakes.org)directly for further details or to apply for a Director position.

Question 4

How do I volunteer with the MLA?

Accepted Answer

The MLA is an all-volunteer organization, so we welcome all who wish to contribute to our objectives.  Whether you are interested in a specific project, or wish to help the MLA in any way you can, please visit our Volunteer webpage (https://www.mlakes.org/volunteer-with-the-mla)and contact the appropriate Committee Head to let us know your interests.  You can also send us an email (mailto:info@mlakes.org?subject=VOLUNTEERING WITH MLA)to ask for further information about volunteering opportunities.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Question 5

How can I support the MLA financially?

Accepted Answer

Apart from becoming a member, individuals and businesses can make donations via the MLA website https://www.mlakes.org/ (https://www.mlakes.org/)  In addition, there are Sponsorship opportunities to support many MLA activities.   
 
Please contact our Fundraising Lead at supportmla@mlakes.org (supportmla@mlakes.org)to initiate a call or meeting.

Question 6

Who controls Mississippi Lake water levels?

Accepted Answer

The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) is responsible for monitoring and managing water levels in the Mississippi watershed, including Mississippi Lake.  Please vist the MVCA website (https://mvc.on.ca/)for further details.

Question 7

Who is responsible for the marker buoys?

Accepted Answer

The yellow cautionary marker buoys on the lake is an MLA initiative that started in the 1970's.  Ever since, the MLA has maintained this annual program during the boating season to provide an extra measure of assistance to boaters.  Please visit the Marker Buoys w(https://www.mlakes.org/marker-buoys)ebpage for a detailed description of the program.  This map of the lake (https://www.mlakes.org/_files/ugd/736cb2_243d8d8de9a3404fb594c8c7c821e765.pdf)shows where we deploy our buoys.

Question 8

Who controls fishing tournaments on the lake?

Accepted Answer

Fishing tournaments are organized by private firms or clubs, in accordance with Ontario fishing regulatons.  Mississipi Lake is in Fishing Management Zone 18 (FMZ 18).  Please visit the Ontario government website (https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-northern-development-mines-natural-resources-forestry)for a detailed summary of regulations.

Question 9

Who controls boat speed on the lake?

Accepted Answer

Ontario has a province-wide shoreline speed limit of 10 km/hr within 30 meters of shore.  This regulation is in force at all times, whether or not signage is posted.  The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is responsible for the enforcement of boating regulations on Mississippi Lake.  Refer to the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide (https://www.mlakes.org/_files/ugd/736cb2_d527b79b51c04a639d6b2eaa90ab7c18.pdf)for further details.

Question 10

How can I subscribe to the e-Newsletter (Your Mississippi Minute)?

Accepted Answer

Please visit our e-Newsletterw(https://www.mlakes.org/your-mississippi-minute)ebpage where you can subscribe directly to our newsletter.

Question 11

What is Blue Green Algae (BGA)?

Accepted Answer

Although termed an "algae", BGA is actually a type of bacteria that contains chlorophyll.  It occurs naturally in lake water and is normally in low concentrations.  But, BGA blooms can occur under certain conditions, and can produce a variety of toxins.  The MLA has extensive information on BGA, which can be accessed on our Blue Green Algae (https://www.mlakes.org/blue-green-algae)webpage.

Question 12

What is the MLA's relationship with MVCA?

Accepted Answer

The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) is overall responsible for the management and well-being of the Mississippi watershed.  MLA has no regulatory responsibilities, but works closely with MVCA to ensure that MLA activities conform to regulations and contribute to MVCA's mandate.

Question 13

What can I do about weeds in the lake?

Accepted Answer

Aquatic vegetation is vital to the health of the lake, but can also impact on human enjoyment of the lake.  Ontario has specific regulations regarding the removal of shoreline "weeds", whether they are native to the water body, or are invasive species.  In either case, these regulations provide sufficient flexibility for property owners to clear adequate sections of their waterfront without overly impacting the ecosystem.   Visit the MLA webpage (https://www.mlakes.org/aquatic-vegetation)on aquatic vegetation for further information.

Question 14

Where can I find fishing and hunting regulations for the lake?

Accepted Answer

Mississippi Lake is in Fishing Management Zone 18 (FMZ 18) and in Wildlfe Management Unit 64A (WMU 64A).  Visit our Activities w(https://www.mlakes.org/activities)ebpage for access to the relevant regulations.

Question 15

Who is responsible for water quality testing?

Accepted Answer

The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) is responsible for water quality testing and monitoring.  MLA has made water quality one of our objectives of the Lake Plan and assists in this effort by parterning with Water Rangers and MVCA to collect water samples at various locations on Mississippi Lake throughout the ice-free seasons.

Question 16

What's so important about Loon counts?

Accepted Answer

The Common Loon provides an excellent indication of the health of the ecosystem.  These water birds are highly dependent upon a clean environment and are thus very sensitive to changes in water quality and food source (consisting mainly of fish and reptiles).  In brief, a lake with a good Loon population is very likely a healthy lake.  Annual Loon counts help to establish patterns which might point to increasing pollution or other harmful effects.

Question 17

Where can I get advice regarding flooding precautions?

Accepted Answer

The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) is the best source for informaton about flooding and flooding precautions.  The MVCA has detailed flood plain maps to show where flooding is most susceptible, and conducts an extensive program of water level monitoring and management to attempt to minimize flooding in the watershed.  Visit the MVCA website (https://mvc.on.ca/)for detailed information and guidance regarding various aspects of flooding precautions.