Press Release
Memphremagog Conservation

Weir Memorial Park Corporation, the municipality of Ogden and Memphremagog Conservation Inc. are happy to announce an important renaturalization project on the shores of Lake Memphremagog.

The Weir Memorial Park Corporation and MCI are responsible for the landscaping work on the beach of Weir Park. Volunteers will begin the renaturalization work on the shore by planting a variety of around ten indigenous species of vegetation adapted to this type of environment.

Ogden councillor Pierre Larocque unloading black earth. (Photo: Matthew Farfan)

The MDDEP (Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs) has issued the necessary authorizations for the ground work on the stabilization of the shore.

The shores of the beach extend along 192 meters (634 feet) and the work will be done on a section of 100 meters (333 feet). The first phase will be completed this fall. It includes the groundwork and most of the planting. MCI will finish the project with a second phase of planting next Spring.

The total cost is estimated at $10 000 (CDA) financed through contributions of the Caisse populaire de Stanstead, MCI and the municipality of Ogden, which is overseeing the promotion of the project. The $7 500 (CDA) from the Caisse Populaire de Stanstead will be used for the protective rehabilitation of the shore. MCI will assume the costs of two professionals for the supervision of the landscaping and the choice of plants.

With the 2004 and 2005 Healthy Lake studies financed by MCI and produced by RAPPEL, scientists have validated the fact that Memphremagog Lake is ageing too fast. The main causes are:

• run-offs of sediments and nutrients from the artificialization of lake shores and from tributaries ;
• the impact of human activities on the lake’s equilibrium.

Ogden ’s mayor, Mr. Michael Sudlow said: "This project highlights the importance of human intervention in helping nature to repair damage to the lake, mostly as a result of human actions. It demonstrates the will of MCI and the Municipality of Ogden to combat over-sedimentation-with its consequent rampant aquatic plant growth- and the outbreaks of algae, which transform the waters of the lake from "refreshing " to merely "tempting". Hopefully, this project will serve as an example for others to copy in minimizing erosion and chemical pollution of our lakes, streams and even drainage ditches."

We want to thank all the volunteers for their work. They are the key to a successful renaturalization project.

Planting the first willow tree! (Photo: Matthew Farfan)

MCI’s president Gisèle Lacasse Benoit declared: "The Ogden community is innovative. We hope this experience will be repeated in the future in different sectors of Lake Memphremagog’s watershed. It should give ideas to local leaders and residents along the shores and the tributaries to start their own projects for a healthy Lake Memphremagog."

About Weir Memorial Park : The Weir family provided the funds for the creation of Weir Memorial Park. The Park, which is owned by Weir Memorial Park Corporation, provides services to the citizens of Ogden, Stanstead, Stanstead Est and the Canton de Stanstead. It is the only public access to the lake for the people of the area. The park is managed by the City of Ogden. It hosts a public beach, a campground, a snack-bar and a municipal wharf with a boat ramp.

About Memphremagog Conservation Inc  : MCI is a 39 year old non-profit organization working for the environmental conservation and the preservation of the natural beauty of Memphremagog Lake and its surroundings. Managed by volunteers and supported by its members, MCI is working hard to make sure that all residents of the region can benefit from a healthy lake in harmony with nature.

Information: Gisèle Lacasse Benoit, (819) 868-1369.