Members of the Madge Lake Cottage Owners Association met with park staff to discuss common concerns at its annual general meeting in July.
Les Schmidt of Jubilee subdivision, was congratulated for having been elected president of the association and elected to the executive committee were Patti Hack of the Benito subdivision and Dot Davies, Jubilee subdivision.
In his report, Schmidt said that a memorandum of understanding had been signed between the parks association and the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport regarding land lease fees. He said issues regarding the garbage transfer site were discussed and said things had gone smoothly over the July log weekend with a camera in place.
He said cottage owners must arrange for their own dumpsters for disposal of their own debris such as Gyproc from renovations. It was said that the high speed Internet was not working in the Benito subdivision due to the distance from the switching station.
Rob Wilson commended park staff on work done in regards to wildlife and garbage disposal.
Reporting on behalf of park staff, Greg Podovinnikoff said that the park budget had not changed much with Duck Mountain Provincial park receiving $1.3 million to operate, and between $30,000 and $40,000 is being received to upgrade facilities such as fish filleting stations and flushable toilets, while between $50,000 and $60,000 is being used for infrastructure repair.
Estimating there to have been 40,000 beavers in the park last year, Podovinnikoff said about 700 a year are being removed.
The forestry project on the north end of the lake is continuing with a 10-year plan, he said, adding that a planned burn could not go ahead because of the wet spring. The last fire in the north end probably occurred in about 1886. A total of 10,000 white spruce trees were planted this year and it is hoped the same amount could be planted each year in the next 10 years. Aspen growth was said to be coming along well.
Podovinnikoff said that a new hiking, biking and equestrian trail had been created on the old Green Lake Trail and its entrance is near the horse stable or by the old lake road.
Staff sprayed for tent caterpillars and work continues on hazardous tree removal because a plough wind of about four years ago had loosened many tree roots, he said.
Some of the shelters on the cross-country trails have been insulated and solar-powered lights have been installed, he said. With a waiting list for docks, he said sharing of docks is being encouraged.
Last year a total of 700 cords of firewood were used, he said.
Madge Lake’s level is 2,001 feet above sea level, he said. The park is replacing the last floating dock at Spruce campground with new aluminum docks.
In the communication report, Maureen Falkiner said that the distribution list consists of 253 of the 325 properties and reaches 283 individuals.
The lake’s loons are doing well, said Doug Welykholowa of Jubilee subdivision. “The count is up. Loons produced in certain territories tend to stay in their territories.
“We should be averaging about 10 to 12 chicks a year,” he said. Boat users are asked to stay away from pairs having chicks and signs have been placed at Batka and Jackfish lakes in regards to that.
