A Winter Newsletter by President Rory Gooderham
birchisland@gmail.com; www.birchisland.info
December 10th, 2022
Another Beautiful Season
Greetings to all BIRPOA Members and Birch Islanders:
As the cold temperatures and snow sets in and our boats, lawnchairs and umbrellas are safely stowed away, it might be a good time start thinking about how we did in 2022 and what to look forward to next year.
Members of the executive Board of Directors and committees elected at the AGM at the end of July are posted on our website. Amendments to BIRPOA’s Constitution/By-Laws were adopted at the AGM and this allows for up to nine (9) directors and as many volunteers as are willing to contribute. The amendments were brought forward with the intent to include as many Islanders as possible. BIRPOA renews itself annually and we are always looking for new people.
If you are interested in contributing to things such as: organizing social events, maintaining our trails; helping with our website and library, please get into touch.
Communication is another priority. How to keep in touch with everyone. Facebook seems to be most appropriate at this time and there will be more on this soon.
Some of what happened in 2022
First, Notes of thanks
In the spirit of the season, we would like to note our appreciation to Sherry & Dave for hosting the Annual Picnic/AGM again in 2022 and to Johanne & Brett for organizing the 47th annual canoe race. Thanks also to the directors and volunteers both past and present for their contributions. A special note of thanks to our past president, Bob Cavenagh for his leadership and steady hand on the till over the past three years while we all tried to figure out what to do during a pandemic.
Spongy Moth Infestation Averted
Due to natural causes and the aerial spaying this spring, the return of those insidious spongy moth caterpillars (formerly called gypsy moths) was not a problem in 2022. Birch Island has a long history with these pests going back to the mid- 80’s. There have been infestations roughly every 10 years but by most accounts the 2021 infestation was the worst. Annual monitoring will help prevent the return of a major infestation. More on this in the spring.
birchisland@gmail.com; www.birchisland.info
July Fireworks Spectacular
Fireworks presented by our friends at Sand Lake Marine were marvellous this year. Folks at the marina would like our encouragement and contributions to keep it going. Would it be good to include an event for Islanders to celebrate our national holidays in July?
Hydro Easement Maintenance
Late in the summer, forestry crews came through the hydro easement to trim branches and cut dead trees that could damage the lines. This is welcome maintenance but there seemed to be little or no notice. At least one islander had problems with what was done and after some effort contacting Bell/Hydro, a crew was dispatched to fix.
Membership – How are we doing?
There were 36 members recorded as present at the end of July AGM. Paid memberships for 2022 were 34.
The modest annual fee of $50.00 helps BIRPOA to maintain the inland trails, purchase liability insurance, pay for membership to FOCA the Federation of Ontario Cottage Associations, manage our website, contribute to various events and other activities.
Membership contributions can be made by e-transfer anytime – send an email to birchisland@gmail.com. It’s not too late to contribute is you haven’t so far.
Members & Islanders Directory
The annual directory including the names, phone numbers and addresses was distributed at the AGM. Information in the directory is an important benefit not only to let you know who your neighbours are but also to have contacts for assistance or to check on your property when you are not there. The directory is for the private use of BIRPOA Members and Birch Island residents. We would like o make the directory available to all Islanders early next spring. If, for any reason, you do not want your information included, please contact us at birchisland@gmail.com.
Volunteers
Participation in the various working groups and committees is greatly appreciated. We would like to tap into the knowledge, experience and expertise of our members. If you are a techie, planner, gardener, forester, carpenter, labourer, newsletter writer, baker & candlestick maker, we can use you.
Our Website:- www.birchisland.info
Regular Updates and expansion of our website content to include items from the old site along with new content and information is a high priority. If you have ideas on items/resources you would like to see, please get in touch. We are looking for one or more web savvy individuals to help keep our website dynamic and interesting. If you might be interested, please contact Bob Cavenagh: cavenaghr@gmail.com
Trail Maintenance
If not for the efforts of many islanders over the years, our trails would have become an impassable tangle of trees and branches long ago. Special thanks to our Trail Boss, Ry Weisiger, for all the work he has done over the years. Ry needs your help to keep the trails clear and safe. Taking care of the section of the trail outside your property is good place to start. Reporting down trees and other hazards is also greatly appreciated.
A note about Interior Lands
Please note that the interior lands are all privately owned by Islanders with one or two exceptions. Removal of trees/firewood, soil, rocks or other materials cannot be done without the permission of the property owner. Names of interior property owners will be included in the next directory. Please send an email to birchisland@gmail.com for more information.
The Branch Library
Our treasured library owned and operated on behalf of all Islanders by Bob, Susan, Ry and Kathleen. Many thanks to those who have helped sort books and keeping things in order. A trip to the Library on a pleasant day is wonderful destination and great way to see the island interior.
More Social Events?
The annual canoe/kayak race around the island is back. It’s fun and can be done at your own pace. Competitive only if you want to be competitive. The annual general meeting is becoming an annual picnic.
Do we want to add more events to the summer calendar. These events are a great way to make new friends, have a bite to eat and find out what’s going on around the island. Perhaps an event on Canada Day to celebrate our national holidays before the fireworks at Sand Lake Marine.
The initiative on the Trail Lands Rights of Way
Access to the trails, perhaps our main raison d’etre, should not be taken for granted. Having properly defined legal access to the trails attached to your property is a valuable asset. A first group of property owners partially secured their rights a few years ago. There is more to do and a second and hopefully final attempt is being organized. A separate mailing with more information will be going out next Spring.
Parks Canada Rideau Waterway, Township of Rideau Lakes, Provincial and Federal Governments
A small group was formed to help monitor the various levels of government and ministries that can have a direct impact on our rights and enjoyment of our properties on Birch Island. Monitoring, participating and providing feedback on the development of such things as the Rideau Canal Management Plan, the Rideau Lakes Lake Association Committee (RLLAC) are things this group can keep watch on. Please get in touch, if you would like to participate.
We Want to Hear from You
The strength of any organization is based on its members. The Birch Island association has been in existence for 50 years and counting. What we can do for our members is important going forward. A virtual late winter meeting is being planned. We would like to talk about what we are doing and hear from you about what you would like to see from your Lake Association.
That’s all for now.
On Behalf of your Board of Directors and Volunteers,
Rory Gooderham