Lake Associations in Ontario, Canada: Factors Affecting Lake Stewardship Efforts

Abstract

This presentation describes the activities and accomplishments of lake associations in Ontario, Canada. In the face of local environmental pressures, these voluntary organizations often help support environmental stewardship and sustainability efforts. Over time, many lake associations have become more involved in environmental management activities such as developing lake plans, participating in watershed planning, monitoring environmental conditions, preserving shoreline, and coordinating with provincial and local governments. While lake associations differ in their goals, complexity and available resources, they show long-term strength of mission and certain practices enable stronger stewardship and leverage. Associations have varied objectives but are universally concerned with water quality. Their ability to implement citizen science programs and organizational partnerships varies. This presentation identifies the factors affecting lake association activities and accomplishments such as wealth, geography, volunteer commitment, social cohesion and historical influence. Inter-generational traditions provide context and continuity that support consistent stewardship activities over time. The study used an on-site approach, including participant observation at board meetings, accessing locally held non-digitized archives, and conducting in-person interviews at 4 selected lake associations in Ontario.