WLCA CODE OF CONDUCT

Modern life and its amenities have changed the manner in which we enjoy our cottage country. We leave a far greater footprint on this land. From humble cabins we moved to big cottages with electricity, septic tanks and dishwashers and turn them into permanent homes. Simple soap made of animal bones was exchanged for harsh chemicals. From canoes we have gone to motor boats and PWCs. Cottaging was once enjoyed by a few privileged or determined families. Today, most lakes have been either developed to the maximum of their capacity or made widely accessible by the existence of a large network of roads. The high numbers of residents, cottagers and tourists, the chemicals and the motorized vehicles we use represent a serious danger to the cottage country

Another aspect of cottage experience is the human interaction. Each lake is a small community composed of different individuals with different needs and tastes. While for some the beauty and the serenity of the lake is what they seek and need others are looking for more aggressive activities.

The goal of these guidelines is to provide assistance to our lake community in the efforts to keep Wolf Lake and its environs healthy and beautiful and to create an environment in which we all can enjoy our cottage experience.
The WLCA Code of Conduct is based on three principles: (1) respect for the lake; (2) respect for the wildlife; (3) respect for the fellow cottager.

1. No harsh chemicals shall be used in the cottage and on the land. Remember that anything that is released into the soil or the septic tank gets eventually in the lake.
· Use only non-toxic cleaners and biodegradable, no-phosphate soaps and detergents;
· Do not fertilize; if you need to, do not use synthetic fertilizers, choose blood and bone meal instead;
· Do not use pesticides or herbicides near the water;
· De-icing salts should be used conservatively during winter months;?
· Do not use soaps, shampoos and other chemicals in the lake;

2. Waste management - improperly handled waste leaks into the lake and contaminates the water making it unsafe even for swimming. We do not want another Walkerton!!!
· Septic tanks must he kept healthy and must be pumped regularly at a frequency recommended (3-5 years seems to be the norm depending on the size of the tank and how heavily the cottage is used);
· Outhouse locations must meet provincial guidelines;
· Grey water should be released into the septic tanks or, where there is no septic tank, into an inspector approved leaching pit.
· Make sure that the garbage is stored in a manner that does not invite animals

3. Shoreline with lots of vegetation traps sediments, chemicals and other impurities before they reach the water:
· Keep the shoreline in, or return it to, its natural state.

4. Abundant vegetation on the cottage lot ensures that no erosion takes place; it also traps the sediments, chemicals and other impurities before they reach the lake. Do not clear-cut and keep the lot well treed.

5. Boating can be one of the most contentious issues on the lake.
· Reduce speeds near shore to decrease shoreline erosion from wave wash; remember the 10 km/h limit within 30 m of the shoreline.
· Power spray should be chosen over chemicals when cleaning the boat;
· Two stroke engines are harmful to the environment as oil/gas leak into the water; make an effort to replace the old two stroke engine by a four stroke engine;
· When operating a boat be on the alert, slow down and give way to, swimmers, canoeists, kayaks and loons.
· If possible keep closer to the uninhabited shore, most of us like our privacy and enjoy peace and quiet.

6. Noise is a nuisance to both the wildlife and your fellow cottagers; we tend to forget how noise carries across the lake or to a neighbour's lot.
· Keep noise, including radio, loud conversation, etc. confined to your property;
· When boating, avoid the populated parts and choose the unpopulated shore side of the lake instead.
· Dog owners should not leave their dogs unsupervised and should make sure that there is no extensive and bothersome barking

7. Respect the privacy of your fellow cottagers; do not trespass on anybody's property;

8. When encountered, animals should be left alone and be given enough space. Pets should be under control and should not be allowed to interfere with the wildlife.

9. If you use any temporary signage (balloons paper plates, etc.) to direct visitors to your cottage make sure it is removed after the event and not left to pollute.

These guidelines were prepared with the documents prepared by FOCA and other cottage associations. It may be a good idea to place these guidelines in a place visible for all to see.