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LWA conclude two-year study on Lake Windermere
The Lake Windermere Ambassadors would like to announce the completion of a comprehensive two-year recreational carrying capacity study for Lake Windermere by Ecoscape Environmental Consultants Ltd. and Larratt Aquatic Consulting Ltd.
This in-depth investigation, which included 2022 and 2023 aquatic sampling and surveying, FIM/FIMP data, boat density surveys, and resident feedback, highlights significant concerns regarding the sustainability of current and projected boating activities on the lake.
The study’s findings emphasize the potential for harm to lake water quality, habitat values, domestic water intakes, tourism, recreational values, and the local economy from current and projected boating use.
Key Findings:
The study identified several critical impacts of intensive boating on Lake Windermere, particularly from powerboating and wake-surfing, which are the least suited to this shallow lake:
The theoretical boat carrying capacity of Lake Windermere is 200 vessels (surface area of 4,000 acres or 1,610 ha at 20 acres per vessel).
Powerboating and particularly wake-surfing exceeds the safe boating capacity of Lake Windermere on summer weekends when tourism peaks.
Lake Windermere is not suited to heavy power boat usage. As human pressures mount on Lake Windermere, measurable symptoms of overall lake health are likely to worsen.
Lake Windermere falls under the “High Risk” category on the Lake Suitability Index for powerboating. Unsuitable for large powerboats and wake-surf boats.
Boat survey data highlights popular portions of Lake Windermere regularly exceeded the local Safe Boating Capacity (one power boat/20 acres or eight ha) on summer and long weekends.
Maps of the most appropriate Play Zone area were developed with wake-surfing in mind because it was the most common boat type on the lake and the boat type with the greatest potential to harm Lake Windermere.
Sediment Resuspension: Powerboats and wake-surfing activities resuspend sediments, releasing nutrients and contaminants (including hydrocarbons and metals) back into the water column, previously locked in sediments.
Accelerated Algae Growth: Increased nutrient concentrations lead to accelerated algae growth and blooms including potentially harmful cyanobacteria blooms.
Invasive Species Threat: The ongoing threat of invasive mussels is exacerbated by intensive boating.
Shoreline Erosion: Boat wakes contribute to increased erosion of the shoreline’s fine sediments.
Ecological Impact: There is an increased potential for negative impacts on fish, mussels, birds, and other aquatic life. Safety Risks: Overcrowding is a safety risks to the community from an exceedance of safe boating capacity during peak season.
Recommendations:
To address these issues, the report highlights a list of key recommends for decision makers and all lake users which you can read in full in the study report.
Summary:
Continue monitoring cyanobacteria blooms.
Develop a Lake Windermere Stewardship Plan and a Restoration Steering Group involving governance, First Nations, stakeholders, and the Lake Windermere Ambassadors (LWA).
Launch an education campaign for safe and responsible boating, focusing on protecting the lake’s water quality, ecology, and cultural use.
Install slow, no-wake zones and marker buoys to protect sensitive habitats and water quality.
Apply for an Aquatic Ecological Reserve to protect cultural native mussel beds, spawning areas, and wetlands.
Preserve shallow areas for self-propelled/paddle craft activities and swimming, ensuring these areas remain wake-free.
Use project maps to define powerboat play zones.
Ensure boating regulations protect cultural use and support Indigenous stewards’ efforts in salmon reintroduction.
Implement bylaws to mitigate the impacts of boating activities and infrastructure on Lake Windermere values, including removing illegal moorage and dock materials.
Consider seasonal bans on motorized watercraft during critical periods for salmon spawning and shorebird nesting.
Join calls for a ban on out-of-province boats to prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive mussels.
Institute noise, horsepower, and boat type limits.
Advocate for power boat restrictions to align with the lake’s safe boating capacity, potentially introducing a launch fee for management costs.
Extend a ban on wake-surfing on the Columbia River to include Windermere and Columbia Lakes.
Enforce existing laws, including DUI regulations, noise bylaws, and holding boat operators accountable for wake damage. Ensure all boat drivers are licensed and required to take a safety course and pass an online boating exam.
Ensure protection for species and habitats listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).
Conclusion:
The study concludes that without immediate and effective management strategies, Lake Windermere is unlikely to withstand the increasing pressure from power boating and wake-surfing activities without significant harm to its ecological integrity, water quality, and aesthetic value. The Lake Windermere Ambassadors call for collective action to implement the study’s recommendations and ensure the long-term health and sustainability of this vital natural resource.
Acknowledgements:
The success of this study was made possible through the dedication and support of various individuals and organizations: Thank you!
Funders: We appreciate the support provided by the Resident Directed (REDI) Grant and the Lake Windermere Ambassadors would especially like to thank all the community donors who made this project possible.
Consultants: Ecoscape Environmental Consultants Ltd. & Larratt Aquatic Consulting Ltd for your work on this project.
LWA staff and board, notably former Program Coordinator Amy Baxter, and the LWA RCCS Committee members.
LWA would like to thank the Akisq’nuk First Nation and the Shuswap Band for their support on getting this project approved.
e-KNOW file photos
Lake Windermere Ambassadors
