Spring has arrived and your cottage association is gearing up for the new season. This year we're trying a new approach – getting the newsletter out as early as possible to provide you with association plans for the year. Also we hope you'll consider volunteering a few hours. We could do with help with the annual loon count, the new “Branch library” and trail maintenance to name a few. We'll be using the marina bulletin board to keep you up to date so do make it a habit to check regularly.

Birch Island Web Site

Don't forget the birch island web site www.birchisland.info as a great source of information and a place for your content. The minutes of the 2007 AGM are posted on the website and we hope you read them prior to the 2007 AGM. There is a Bulletin Board area on the home page which BIRPOA members can use for advertisements, announcements etc. Just email your notice to jpcurley@gmail.com.

List of Property Owners

You'll find included the “List of Property Owners” which we have previously provided at the annual general meeting. We thought it would be better included with the mailing so that everyone gets a copy.

Loon Count – Chuck Laudermilch

The following is a summary of data turned into the Canadian Lakes Survey regarding Sand Lake's Loon Count over the past five years. It's important to acknowledge George Riley's 13 year devotion to the collection of data regarding the Loon population on Sand Lake which created an important tradition on Sand Lake. More recently the torch was taken up by Bob Shank followed by Chuck Laudermilch.

The adult population has remained fairly constant during the five year time period.  The numbers have ranged between 23-28 adult Loons; usually 11 to 13 pairs.  The changes have occurred in the number of young loons which is of course a concern to us all.  In the earlier years it was not uncommon to observe up to 10 young loons; the past three years the numbers have been between 3 to 5 young loons.  Researchers have identified this as a trend throughout Canada and the US.   The causes on Sand Lake may be the increased number of natural predators and the deterioration of suitable platforms/nesting areas. What's needed? Loons should be counted at least every three weeks for a total of 4 to 5 times during the summer season.  It's a two to three hour time commitment.  It would be great to have some help in this area.  If we could pull together a team of folks who are comfortable doing the count it would be very helpful.  We hope to do our first count the first week in May.  The repair and or construction of nesting platforms is the other task that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.  We'll need a team of folks to evaluate the platforms and identify priorities.  I'm hoping someone will volunteer to head up this project and coordinate platform construction and repair.

Please contact me if you have an interest in either of these projects.  We've been blessed with a stable Loon population supported by a relatively healthy Sand Lake.  I'm hopeful we'll all be vigilant in our efforts to preserve the Eco system of Sand Lake and its Loon population.

Email:  cclauder@ptd.net Home: 570-784-3766  Cottage: 613-359-1078 

“Branch Library” – Bob Cavenagh

The Birch Island Branch Library will take shape this spring.  The foundation blocks are in place, the floor deck will go in in late April or early May, and the structure itself will follow in May or early June, depending on weather.  It will be small-just 6' x 8', but big enough to hold a lot of books and other things. You can help.  We will need a few semi-skilled and hammer wielding volunteers for 'construction day,' and library volunteers to help organize books, set up rules, etc.  Contributions of windows, wood flooring (we would like about 50 sq ft), good shelving boards, and decent white exterior paint are needed. After that, your contributions of books, complete puzzles and games, and other cottage entertainment items will also be welcomed.

Contact me at cavenaghr@gmail.com, and mention the library in the message title.

Membership Dues & Budget

Fees this year are the same at $40 with the cost of directors' and association insurance the big item. Here's the budget for FY 2008 showing how your money is spent.

Constitution

The BIRPOA constitution has not been looked at for some time. Orland French will be casting an eye here and recommending changes for your comment at the AGM.

Septic Tank Re inspection Program

Ralph Robertson, our past president for many years and also the current president of the Sand Lake Association, has been monitoring this program and liasioning with other lake associations. Last summer the township undertook a pilot program with a scope of doing 10 inspections on 5 different lakes. On Sand Lake, there are 317 waterfront properties with septic systems. Mailouts were sent to 25 owners asking if they would be interested in participating in the program. Three responses were received and inspections done. The various Lake associations are in communication with council with recommendations to extend the pilot for another year and ways to improve it's scope and effectiveness.

Trails & Signage

The committee will be reviewing the assessment done last year and hope to develop long term maintenance plans. As for signage, we're in the final stages here and will see what can be accommodated in the budget.

Trash to Treasures Day – Saturday, July 12th

The Township of Rideau Lakes is having its first “GARBAGE & GOLD – TRASH TO TREASURES DAY” throughout the entire township. Things you no longer want but are still in good shape can be turned into some else's treasure. The usual mode is to set items out at the end of your driveway or on the lawn. Why not set them out at the end of your dock instead? Items should be in good condition. If you've something you'd like to sell, that's possible as well.

Mark Your Calendar

Here's a few dates to keep in mind. Some are BIRPOA activities while others are taking place in the area.

2008 Executive

At the 2007 AGM we welcomed three new volunteers to the BIRPOA Executive. Thanks to Jae Shaw, Andy Shaw and Ceyhan Lennon. At our kickoff meeting in Sept./07 we divided up responsibilities and are pleased to introduce you to your 2008 executive below.

Membership

Dues for 2008 are $40. Please provide your address if it has changed recently. Don't forget your email address as we'll keep you up to date via a fall email . Make cheques payable to BIRPOA and mail to:

BIRPOA

c/o Alice Howarth,

94 Birch Island
P.O. Box 2
Elgin, ON K0G 1E0

Name(s): _________________________ Lot #: _______________

Apt: __________________________ Street: _____________________________

City: __________________________ Prov/State: ____________________________

Postal/Zip: __________________________

Cottage Tel: ______________________ Home Tel: ______________________

Email: ______________________________________________________