NEWS RELEASE
FARLAIN LAKE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
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On Saturday, Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop met with the Farlain Lake Community Association (FLCA) volunteers [in Tiny Township] to hear how a $199,800 Grow grant, awarded in 2018 from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), was used to support FLCA’s efforts to stop the spread of the aquatic invasive plant, Eurasian watermilfoil.
The resources made available by the grant have resulted in the FLCA’s ability to implement a treatment strategy which appears to have eradicated all evidence of the plant from the treated sites in 2023.
"Congratulations to the Farlain Lake Community Association for their success in receiving this substantial provincial funding through OTF to support their vital conservation and restoration efforts,” said Dunlop. “This funding has allowed the association to purchase much-needed equipment to combat invasive species, safeguarding the health of the lake and surrounding ecosystem. Your work positively impacts the lives of 1,000 people in the community, ensuring Farlain Lake remains a cherished natural resource for generations to come."
Eurasian watermilfoil, an aggressive aquatic invasive plant, was spreading throughout the lake, posing a threat to aquatic wildlife, existing native plants and recreational enjoyment of the lake.
Development of strategies for controlling the infestation of this very aggressive aquatic plant were based on extensive research, consultation, networking and experience.
Grant funds were used to purchase equipment, supplies and services for the implementation of treatment strategies including the most recent application of a new herbicide called ProcellaCOR FX in the fall of 2023.
Fortunately, current evaluation of the results indicates the plant has been removed from the treated sites and native plants are once again moving into those areas.
Farlain Lake is the first freshwater lake in Canada to use ProcellaCOR FX to treat Eurasian watermilfoil since its registration by Health Canada in 2023.
The FLCA is now sharing its experience with many other lake communities currently dealing with this invasive plant.
The grant has therefore benefited not only Farlain Lake, but many other communities across Ontario looking for help.
Formed in 2008, the association’s mandate is to protect and preserve the lake, its shoreline and surrounding environment through environmental stewardship, encouragement of responsible use of the lake and surrounding area, and promoting unity and strength in the community.
It strives to represent the common interests and concerns of its members, providing a unified voice to all levels of government and other organizations that have a vested interest in Farlain Lake and its watershed.
For more information visit farlainlake.ca.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships.
Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment.
Visit otf.ca to learn more.
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