WHITEWATER REGION (Cobden) —
Muskrat Lake was the main topic of discussion at the Council meeting for the Township of Whitewater Region on Wednesday last week.
The Environmental Services Committee spoke about the Lake and two areas concerning the Cobden Marsh Trail Project. The committee was successful in getting the Council of the Township of Whitewater Region to adopt the 2018 Cobden Wastewater System Annual Report.
The report was submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks’ district office in Ottawa on March 28, 2019. Following Council’s adoption by resolution, copies of the annual report will be placed on the Township’s website. Hard copies will be made available to the public upon request.
It was urged by Janet Collins, Director of Public Works, for the Environmental Services Committee to receive a report titled Muskrat Lake Watershed, 2014-2017 Water Quality, prepared by Rebecca L. Dalton, Ph.D. The committee agreed to receive the report, as it has information which relates to the Muskrat Watershed Council and the Cobden Marsh Trail Project.
According to documentation, the Cobden Marsh is located at 1 Astrolabe Rd. in Cobden and is owned by the Township. Located within the marsh, is a walking trail. The Civitan Club brushed along the existing berm to create this walking trail beginning in 2008.
A boardwalk 80 meters in length was constructed between the south parking area and the south end of the berm. A foot bridge was also installed over the Muskrat River.
The second phase is also mentioned in the document. The circular part of the berm running east around the wetland, looping the trail, was to brush, fill the breaches, level and top with crushed limestone.
The Muskrat Watershed Council (MWC) was also mentioned, as they produced the, “What You Can Do For Muskrat Lake,” booklet. It is an excellent source of information for cottagers, homeowners, farmers, and municipalities. MWC’s water quality report was discussed, along with Muskrat Watershed Science Committee and the Muskrat Lake Association.
