Living by a lake is a privilege! The lake is a collective natural heritage, and all users must be its protectors! This is why LADLEC has updated its Code of Ethics, in order to promote respect for the environment and the quality of life of lake residents. Riparian buffer strips Respect the municipal by-law which requires five (5) meters of natural vegetation along the shoreline. If the slope of your property is greater than or equal to 30%, this protection width increases to fifteen (15) meters. The riparian buffer strip reduces the warming of the water and captures some of the sediment that runs off into the lake.
Blue-green algae: under high surveillance! To avoid adding phosphorus or nitrogen to the lake: do not use fertilizers or compost, use only garden soil and maintain your septic tank. Blue-green algae or cyanobacteria can produce natural poisons. When they reproduce in abundance, they form a visible mass called a bloom. If you see a bloom or scum of cyanobacteria, avoid direct contact with the water, do not eat fish from the lake, refrain from cooking with lake water and report your sightings online through the ministry’s website. More information at: http://LADLEC.ca/Algues_Plantes.html
Noise Sounds and noises travel long distances on the surface of a lake. Everyone is encouraged to keep noise levels as low as possible. Especially before 9 a.m. and after 8 p.m., avoid all potential sources of noise pollution.
Light Pollution Leave as little outdoor light as possible around your homes at night, to enjoy the stars and for everyone's quality of sleep. It is proven that light pollution affects plants and animals. Feeding, reproduction, migration: all their natural rhythms are disrupted by artificial light at night. Favor lighting with motion sensors. Electric Motors on the Water Thanks to technological advances, electric motors are much more powerful and therefore noisy. However, navigation must remain safe and peaceful. It is suggested that electric motors of 2.01 HP (1.5 kw) or less be used when navigating on Lac en coeur.
Dogs Do not let your dog bark. Keep your dog on a leash—it’s a municipal by-law. And don’t forget to pick up its “gifts”.
Boats and Invasive Plants Clean boats and equipment from outside Lac en coeur, including paddle boards, before launching to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic plants that affect the health of the lake. A single plant fragment inadvertently transported could trigger an invasion.
Fireworks - Fireworks: The use of pyrotechnics and the display of family-type fireworks is prohibited unless authorized by the Fire Department.
Swimmers’ safety Manoeuvre your boat so that you are as far away from swimmers as possible. Swimmers and non-motorized boats have priority over motorized boats.
Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling Respect the trails of each sport. The presence of snowmobiles, through noise and smell, affects the outdoor experience, whether skiing or snowshoeing. Learning to live together in adjacent areas is also a safety issue. If you happen to visit other shoreline residents on a snowmobile, avoid mistaking the lake for a racetrack. Avoid the banks to make sure you are not damaging anything. The law prohibits passing within 30 meters from a residence.
Feeding wildlife Feeding wildlife is harmful. Ducks, geese, etc., produce large amounts of fecal coliforms that can make the water unsafe to swim in. These birds can also carry invasive plants, so we should not encourage their presence.
Common loons Stay away from loons and avoid frightening them. Stay away from their nests.
Fishing Lac en coeur is located in zone 9 of the Quebec Sport Fishing Map which stipulates regulated dates for trout and bass fishing. If you use artificial worms, be sure to attach them to the line in addition to the hook, as they may end up on the bottom of the water and constitute pollution. Live worms are not native and can harm the soil around the lakes: do not discard them onsite.
Septic system Make sure your septic system is in compliance and not deficient. The estimated life span of a septic system is 20 years.
Chemicals and biodegradable products Choose phosphate-free and biodegradable household products. Remember that bleach is harmful to the environment. Do not flush substances that do not break down easily down your toilet. Do not use pesticides or fertilizers, even organic ones.
Conclusion In addition to individual best practices, LADLEC is getting involved on a larger scale, collectively, by working with the Ministry of the Environment’s Voluntary Lake Monitoring Network (RSVL). Individually and collectively, let’s protect our Lac en coeur!
