45 Years have gone by. And every time I drive 10 hours to Cobden, it’s a new experience, a wonderful experience. We bought a lakefront property from the Eckfords when I was a young man. For many years with no cottage, we stayed with friends so we could swim and fish in Muskrat Lake. We may have also enjoyed a pint or two! Recently, we built a modest cottage overlooking the lake, a dream come true!
But there have been changes on the Muskrat. Now I see No Swimming signs posted at the boat launch. Zebra mussels are pervasive, clinging to submerged rocks (they cut our hands when touched). What was once an incredible fishery has been diminished. The algae blooms are more frequent, smothering our once vibrant Muskrat Lake. The mouth of the Snake River was always a hotspot for Northern Pike. What a thrill to catch one fish after another! Not anymore. This area is blighted, devoid of any life we can detect. Haven’t caught a fish there for many years. Whatever is coming down the Snake River appears to be poisoning Muskrat Lake.
Having noticed only two letter writers in recent years concerning the condition of the Muskrat, I resisted writing at all. But seeing the decline has been heartbreaking. I’m an American and fully realize my status as a guest in your country, so I hope I haven’t offended anyone. Canadians are some of the nicest people in the world, though I don’t understand why something is not being done to save Muskrat Lake.
Drew Tyson
