2011 LAKE LEVELS REPORT
2011 represents the 5th year of the implementation of the Muskoka River Water Management Plan. While some readers may question the benefits of the Plan to Kawagama and Bear Lake cottagers, in general the execution of the Plan by MNR personnel has proceeded with only the occasional glitch. Beach erosion along the eastern shores during high water events, as well as late summer low water levels requiring boats to be removed before Labour Day can be very frustrating and every effort has been made to inform the MNR of these problems.
With this in mind, Dave MacPherson of the MNR was invited to tour the lake last summer, followed by an exchange of information and discussion. This initiative was instituted by Jim Kaufman with myself participating.
The degree of annual lake level fluctuation for Kawagama compared to the other large lakes in the watershed is always front and center for a number of people. The MNR has provided the following information which shows that with the new Plan the differences are not as great as they once were.
SUMMER DRAW DOWN
Kawagama .3m (BMP)
Lake of Bays .22m
Muskoka .28m
Huntsville .3m
Mary .25m
Eric Millar
From 2010 Reflections
Lake Levels REPORT
Eric Millar
For decades, many Kawagama Lake residents felt that they had been neglected by government and the hydro electric generating industry when it came to the significant amount of annual water level fluctuation, compared to the larger lakes in the Muskoka watershed.
"While the original 1940 agreement focused primarily on lake regulation for waterpower production, the 1969 Addendum took the needs of recreational users, fisheries and flood control into account`` ( Muskoka River Water Management Plan 2006) Ownership and responsibility for operation of the dam was transferred to the MNR in 1969.
In spite of the above, it was still felt by the KLCA in 2002 that a number of issues could be improved upon. Eg. The 1969 planned annual lake level fluctuation of 1.56 m was felt to be excessive and unnecessary. In 2006 the new targeted annual fluctuation was established at 1 meter. ( 354.6 - 355.6m) . In addition the fall drawdown now begins on Sept. 15 th instead of Sept. 1 st.
The role of the Director for Lake Levels is to monitor lake levels, especially during the spring and summer seasons, and maintain close communication with the MNR to insure that the Plan for Kawagama Lake is being optimally implemented.
