Redstone Lake Cottagers' Association

These first two PDF files immediately above relate to the Broad-scale Fisheries Monitoring in Redstone Lake. During the period September 8 to 18, 2009, Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) crews will be conducting netting operations on Redstone Lake. The crews of technicians and biologists will collect and record a variety of information from the fish caught during the netting surveys, including fish species, sex, age, length, weight, and general health. This will be used to determine sport fish abundance, life history characteristics of key species, and the diversity of the fish community. Some fish will also be sampled to assess contaminant levels. The net sets will be clearly marked with MNR buoys, and MNR is asking recreational users to avoid activities in these areas. Some of the netting operations are overnight gill net sets, and some fish mortality may occur. This is generally low, and most of these fish will be used for contaminant sampling. This information is being shared with all RLCA members and other lake users, to help inform people using the lake during these activities and to take necessary precautions in the immediate area. The Notice regarding this activity will be posted at public boat launches on the lake during the survey period. MNR would be happy to report back on the preliminary findings following the netting. For example, MNR could provide the number and type of fish caught, general observations, etc., before the data is fully analyzed.

Characteristics of Redstone Lake RE Netting Operations on Sept 8-18, 2009 (pdf-148kb).

The PDF file immediately above describes the characteristics of Redstone Lake.

Redstone Trout – A Glacial Relic (pdf-280kb).

The PDF file immediately above describes a lake trout species that is genetically unique to Redstone Lake. It is called “Haliburton Gold”, and with its smaller, torpedo-shaped body, strong fighting ability and delicious salmon-coloured flesh, it is different from other lake trout species. They have been designated as a heritage species. The Haliburton Lake Trout Project (HLTP) is a community-based effort designed to enhance our lake trout fisheries. A major component of this project is devoted to protecting the “ Haliburton Gold” lake trout strain and reintroducing them into selected lakes within the County. Volunteers work at the hatchery, stock lakes, restore habitat, assist in gathering research data, raise funds and communicate the goals of the project to the community.

Fact Sheet for Broad-Scale Monitoring Prepared for Redstone Lake RE Netting Operations in Sept 2009 (pdf-48kb).

The PDF file immediately above describes the Broad-scale Fisheries Monitoring Program which monitors the health of fish populations by collecting fish, fishing activity and water quality information across a broad geographic area. Beginning in June, 2009, teams of biologists and technicians will be conducting netting surveys on various inland lakes across the province. A variety of information will be recorded from the fish caught during the netting surveys, including fish species, sex, age, length, weight, and general health. This will be used to determine sport fish abundance, life history characteristics of key species, and the diversity of the fish community. Some fish will also be sampled to assess contaminant levels. Technicians will also collect water samples, measuring lake water temperature and oxygen levels, and checking for invasive species. In addition, there will be aerial surveys conducted throughout the summer and into the winter to help estimate the number anglers fishing the lakes.

Fact Sheet on General.Monitoring for Health of Ontario’s Inland Lakes (pdf-380kb)

The PDF file immediately above describes the Ecological Framework for Fisheries Management and the program to monitor the Health of Ontario’s Inland Lakes. The Ministry of Natural Resources works to maintain healthy fish stocks as they are an important environmental indicator, and healthy fish stocks ensure that present and future generations continue to enjoy high quality fishing and the associated social and economic benefits. In 2008, 189 lakes were monitored – 55 in the south, 54 in the northeast and 80 in the northwest. Fish were sampled to estimate abundance and describe such characteristics as length and weight. Fish were also tested for contaminants. The results of the testing provided information for 65 new lakes for the 2009/10 Guide to Eating Ontario Sport Fish.