Thanks mainly to work conducted by the Toronto Region Conservation Authority and PPL volunteers, we officially have a 'Lake Management Plan' in place.

All residents should have received a Preston Lake Management Plan on CD in the mail during the first week of February 2005. If you did not receive a CD, please contact us via e-mail to receive a copy of the plan.

The following are just some of the initiatives that have taken place recently in conjunction with the plan...

• The welcoming of Osprey's (large birds which prey on Geese) to our lake, with the placement of an Osprey platform along the east shore.
• The addition of Fish Habitat Cribs, which are placed underwater.
• Continued plantings of trees and shrubs, in order to reduce shoreline erosion and increase absorption of phosphorous and other harmful pollutants.
• An annual Earth Day event that takes place around the lake.
• The hiring of a part-time Project Manager, who will help administer the plan.
• The addition of bird houses, which will be placed at various locations around the lake.
• The printing and distribution of the PPL Homeowner's Guide.
• The launch of our newly redesigned website.

Past records have indicated that Preston Lake is of high water quality, but recent urban and rural pressures have resulted in a reduction in water quality. Some of the sources for water contamination are associated with nutrient input from sources such as septic beds, Canada Goose populations and runoff from farms and lawns. Over the past few years, these sources have resulted in beach closures, increased phosphorous concentrations, and reduced habitat and shoreline vegetation. Immediate action is needed in order to prevent any further reduction in water quality and lake health.

In order to properly determine the action for the conservation and restoration of Preston Lake, a Lake Management Plan will be developed. The development of a Preston Lake Management Plan will describe goals, objectives and recommended actions to ensure the continued health and sustainability of Preston Lake and its surrounding lands. The purpose of this plan is to develop an approach to lake management which will consider natural features, ensure long-term natural resource health, identify urban and rural environmental impacts and facilitate resident interaction. Based on identified goals and objectives, the Preston Lake Management Plan will suggest best management practices and priorities to protect, enhance and rehabilitate the natural kettle lake ecosystem within the Rouge watershed.

The development of the Lake Management Plan will be coordinated with assistance from Pride & Preston Lake, Human Resources Development Canada and Toronto and Region Conservation. A person will be hired for the beginning of April, for a period of a least six months to conduct the necessary work for the management plan.

To assist with the development of the Lake management plan and for some of the habitat creation and restoration projects, we have received funding from Toronto Dominion's Friends of the Environment Foundation and York Environmental Stewardship Council. This money will be contributed towards the purchase of 600 native trees and shrubs for shoreline erosion control, habitat creation, water and air quality improvement and geese control, 2 underwater fish habitat structures, 1 Osprey nesting platform, 4 wood ducks boxes, bird boxes and the development of the Preston Lake Homeowners Guide.

With all this support, we hope that Preston Lake will maintain its clean, clear water and great wildlife for years to come!