Lake Nipissing Partners in Conservation

The Lake Nipissing Partners in Conservation (LNPC) are a volunteer, non-government organization with a mandate to conserve, protect, promote, and improve to quality of the Lake Nipissing ecosystem and its immediate environs. We do this by:
  • Participating in short and long-term management decisions regarding the lake;
  • Funding investigations regarding the Lake Nipissing ecosystem;
  • Public education initiatives;
  • Providing a conduit for the public to identify specific areas of concern for action.
Contact us: Jean-Marc Filion - 135 West Peninsula Rd, North Bay, ON P1B 8G4
LNPC, in cooperation with retired MNR biologist Harry Lumsden of the Ontario Trumpeter Swan Restoration Program, have now introduced 20 trumpeters to the Callander Bay area of Lake Nipissing. This is our contribution towards restoring these majestic birds both to the Lake Nipissing area and to Ontario as a whole.

Photos: Jean-Marc Filion






Past Accomplishments (LNPC)

In past years, the Lake Nipissing Partners have:
  • Helped to gather data for the 'Ministry of Natural Resources' which eventually led to the (MNR) institution of Walleye "limits" and "slot sizes" on Lake Nipissing, a necessary action to stop Walleye population depletion, and an attempt to protect the species during its reproductive phase;
  • Funded the MNR creel survey when past governments cut such essential programs;
  • Designed and sold "slot size" rulers. These rulers clearly indicate the 40 to 60cm range - to promote release of spawning size Walleye into the lake, thus encouraging anglers to voluntarily become responsible for their fishery. This is an effort to move towards establishing a sustainable fishery;
  • Designed and sold an "environmental map" of Lake Nipissing. Locations of features of ecological and historical interest are indicated on the map. This is both educational and promotes respect for the ecosystem. To obtain a map email Dr. Kevin O'Grady at kevric@sympatico.ca;
  • Subsequent to Kevin O'Grady and Jean-Marc Filion confirming in 1998 the presence of the zooplankton invader Bythotrephes longimanus (the spiny water flea), LNPC funded a two year zooplankton study on Lake Nipissing (summers 2000 / 2001) to attempt to predict the overall impact of this unwanted invader. Results of the study point to minimum impacts due to severe predation on the spiny water flea by abundant populations of various species of fish throughout the lake. Even though the spiny water water flea may not pose an immediate threat to the Lake Nipissing ecosystem it is INCUMBANT on all users of Lake Nipissing to do their UTMOST not to transport this organism to other lakes. Rinsing bilge waters etc. with a bleach solution is recommended prior to transferring boats from Lake Nipissing to other lakes.
  • Conducted annual shoreline and ice clean-ups at the end of ice-fishing season.
Contact us: Jean-Marc Filion - 135 West Peninsula Rd, North Bay, ON P1B 8G4
"The spiny water flea (Bythotrephes longimanus) shown to the right is now established in Lake Nipissing. LNPC-commissioned zooplankton studies point to minimal impact by this eurasian invader . . . phew !

Photo: Jean-Marc Filion		 Spiny water flea






HISTORY (LNPC)
     The Lake Nipissing Partners in Conservation were formed in 1992 (officially incorporated in 1993) under the leadership of Frank Marusich, with membership from tourist operator associations, fishing and hunting groups, First Nations, environmentalists and individual users of Lake Nipissing, as well as municipalities bordering Lake Nipissing. These groups recognized that responsibility for the protection of Lake Nipissing must rest with those who enjoy it, use it, and depend on it for their livelihood. Previous committees had been more focused on providing input into government decisions about the lake on specific issues, such as the fishery. The LNPC wanted more autonomy in making decisions about protecting the lake (Photo: Frank Marusich). Frank Marusich
     Ten years later, the Nipissing Partners have evolved into a vehicle for undertaking research, investigating issues of public concern, and public education. Our fundraising allows us to make our decisions on the priorities we give to research and public education initiatives independent of influence from others. We are focused on research, conservation and public education for Lake Nipissing. The entrance of other organizations, such as the Lake Nipissing Stewardship Council, that brings together stakeholders for management decisions about the lake, has facilitated this evolution.
Over the last several years Dr. Kevin O'Grady has made a particularly important volunteer contribution to Lake Nipissing by chairing both the Lake Nipissing Stewardship Council and the Lake Nipissing Partners in Conservation. Dr. Kevin O'Grady and sheephead
Contact us: Jean-Marc Filion - 135 West Peninsula Rd, North Bay, ON P1B 8G4