This Youth Environmental Leadership award was created in memory of Brooks White, one of the co-founders and original board members of the Lake of Bays Renewable Energy Corporation (LOBREC). Brooks was an avid environmentalist concerned for the future of the planet and anxious to help make societal change around protecting the the one planet we have.
Noah Gonthier of Baysville is the first winner of the $500 award. Congratulations Noah!
Noah (centre) received the award at his home in Baysville from Melinda Zytaruk (right), also a founding director and the President of LOBREC, and Helen White (left), Brook’s lifetime partner. The award was presented on May 3rd, with appropriate social distancing precautions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Brooks White Youth Environmental Leadership Award for 2020
Environmental Topic of Concern: Coastal Erosion
The erosion of shoreline is a environmental issue in our community that impacts fish spawning areas, aquatic vegetation and loss of habitat for many wildlife species. These things could also lead to a decrease in property values. Shoreline erosion is caused by a few factors in the township of Lake of Bays including: human activities such as digging, building and removal of vegetation. Shoreline erosion is also caused by residential and industrial development in vulnerable areas such as lakefront and riverfront lots. If we do not take care of our shoreline then the lakes have a greater risk of harmful substances entering the lake and a greater threat of algae bloom in the lake. Lake of Bays thrives on the tourists, cottagers, and homeowners who choose to live and vacation here because of the lakes, wildlife and naturally beautiful setting.
We can fix this environmental issue by limiting the building of boathouses, start planting more natural vegetation on our shorelines and slowing down while boating near shores. If we end shoreline erosion we can continue to enjoy our lakefront and riverfront properties while being environmentally friendly.