Winter Lake Stewardship
As the seasons change, so does the way we approach lake stewardship! If you’re participating in recreational activities this winter, keep in mind how you can still be a good lake stewards, even in the presence of snow and ice.
Ice Fishing
For the safety of yourself and others, it is important to keep minimum ice thickness recommendations for your activity in mind. For foot traffic and light activities such as skating and ice fishing, the ice should be at least 6 inches (15cm) thick. For snowmobiles and light ATVs (less than 500kg) the ice should be at least 10 inches (25cm) thick. KEEP OFF ice less than 4 inches (10cm) thick.
While participating in catch and release ice fishing, it is important to keep in mind that we want the fish to thrive once released back into the lake. To ensure that your fish has the best possible chance make sure to keep it in the water as much as possible, and minimize the time it is exposed to the cold air to prevent potential damage to its gills and eyes. Remember not to place a fish directly on the ice or snow. When you’re ready, gently release the fish headfirst into the water and allow them to swim away on their own.
Huts and other ice fishing shelters can be a great tool for making ice fishing during the cold, windy days much more enjoyable! Make sure to properly label your ice fishing shelter with either your Wildlife Identification Number (WIN), or your name and phone number. Ensure that your shelter is removed from the lake prior to ice break up to keep debris from entering the water as it puts fish populations at risk. Pigeon Lake is located within Fisheries Management Area PP2, which means that all ice fishing shelters must be removed on, or before, March 31st.
Auguers are a great option for making small holes in the ice to allow for access to the lake below. If you opt to cut a larger hole out of the ice, ensure that you pull the ice chunks out so that they can be replaced later to speed up the re-freezing process. Regardless of the tool you use, always make sure to properly mark holes in the ice using a stick or branch to prevent people or wildlife from falling through.
Cross Country Skiing
Cross country skiing is a wonderful way to get outside and get moving during the colder months. The best part? It’s also a very lake and watershed friendly activity! Pigeon Lake has some wonderful ski trails to enjoy that provide opportunities to see the beauty of some of our watershed lands. Make sure not to stray off of the designated paths to avoid disturbing wildlife or causing unwanted damage to vegetation. Marked trails are designed to minimize the environmental impact and they will guide you through terrain that can handle the traffic without causing disruptions to the landscape.
It is also important to remember to pack out whatever you pack in! Litter can get lost under the snow piles, but when the snow melts and all the winter’s waste is revealed. Litter can become problematic for wildlife as it may be accidentally ingested, or cause entanglements. Waste that is left for long periods of time can begin to degrade and cause unwanted chemicals and microplastics to move through the environment. So always use designated waste receptacles, and if you don’t see one nearby, just hold onto your items and dispose of them properly the next time you get the opportunity.
Ice Skating & Hockey
For the safety of yourself and others, it is important to keep minimum ice thickness recommendations for your activity in mind. For foot traffic and light activities such as skating and ice fishing, the ice should be at least 6 inches (15cm) thick. For snowmobiles and light ATVs (less than 500kg) the ice should be at least 10 inches (25cm) thick. KEEP OFF ice less than 4 inches (10cm) thick.
Pigeon Lake has beautiful skating areas that are maintained by local property owners and volunteers. If you’re planning to do some skating at Pigeon Lake, ensure that you are respectful of the Summer Villages and their residents. Please adhere to rules and regulations relating to vehicle speed and parking, and always make sure to access the skateway via designated access points located on public property. Skaters should avoid cutting through private lots or disrupting heavily vegetated areas. As always, remember to use the proper waste receptacles and don’t allow for litter to be left on the ice, or accumulate on the nearby shoreline.
When playing hockey on wild ice, always remember to be aware of wildlife and avoid accidents involving animals and flying pucks. Additionally, you should ensure that pucks are all accounted for. If you lose one in the nearby bushes, try to find it before leaving for the day.
Check out the Pigeon Lake Skateway website for specific information and updates on conditions!
Snowmobiles
For the safety of yourself and others, it is important to keep minimum ice thickness recommendations for your activity in mind. For foot traffic and light activities such as skating and ice fishing, the ice should be at least 6 inches (15cm) thick. For snowmobiles and light ATVs (less than 500kg) the ice should be at least 10 inches (25cm) thick. KEEP OFF ice less than 4 inches (10cm) thick.
Snowmobiles offer a fun and unique way of getting around during the winter months. New technologies have made these machines much more environmentally friendly than they used to be, but it’s still important to take a few things into account before heading out for a ride. One of the biggest concerns with snowmobiles is the potential issues with wildlife. Always ensure that you are on the lookout for wildlife, and if you do encounter an animal make sure to give plenty of space and allow them to pass by safely before you continue ahead. Try to stick to pre-existing trails and pathways to prevent damage to vegetation and animal habitat that is hidden by the snowpack. Another great reminder is to “leave tracks, not trash” so always remember that what you bring out, should come back with you and be disposed of properly.
Sled maintenance is another key consideration. Not only is it important to the environment, but also to your wallet! Take steps to ensure that all maintenance and fueling is done in a proper facility so as to avoid spills or leaks that could result in fluids leaching into the environment. Do what you can to prevent your machine from making excessive amounts of noise. Noise can frighten wildlife and cause them to act unpredictably.