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Events and Issues facing Star Lake

Issues | Events

Check these pages if you're looking for older updates.

Issues and Events 2022 (or older) | Issues and Events 2023 | Issues and Events 2024


Current Issues - Spring 2025

May 23, 2025 Update

Wildfires continue to threaten southeastern Manitoba, much of the Park is still closed. The WCA is posting regular updates on the fire situation: Whiteshell Cottagers' Association Website.


May 6, 2025 Update

General state of things: the ice is off the lake and there appears to have been no damage to docks on the south side of Star. (Hope things are good on the north side.) As of May 5 the ice is off Falcon and West Hawk lakes, too. It is extremely dry right now and Parks has posted back country vehicle access and burning restrictions. Please be careful.

Below is basically an update to the April 21 Update: I heard back from our Parks Specialist in answer to my email of early this spring.

Old dock crib removals: Parks is developing a plan for the removal, but any work has to wait for fish spawning to be completed. (Don't know how long that will delay the beach docks going back in.)

Mineral explorations: no applications for further work has been received.

Hunting map: no word yet on when a proper map will be available. (It is my intention to raise this issue later this summer and inform the media if the issue has not been resolved. This is not a hunting ethics issue, it is a safety issue.)

Lake outlet: work has been done to clear the culverts under Hwy 44 and the outlet structure has been modified somewhat, the measuring stick has been moved. The lake is still above its summer level, but the outflow is good right now. Here's a couple of images, both from May 5:

April 21
Click for larger image.

April 21
Click for larger image.

General request for "surprises": I asked if there was anything else going on that Star Lakers should be aware of, and the answer was "no". But a link was provided regarding the Hwy 1 twinning project, something we all should be keeping a eye on: Hwy 1 Twinning Conceptual Design Study.


April 21, 2025 Update

Update Request to Parks - Earlier in April I sent an email to our Whiteshell Park Specialist asking for an update on a number of issues including: the state of capping of the old mine shafts (which does appear to be completed - see below), any requests for further mineral explorations, replacement of the erroneous Whiteshell Hunting Map, or any other impending developments or activities that would impact Star Lake. In particular I requested information on the removal of the old dock cribs at the pubic beach. I was told last autumn that the dangerous old cribs would be removed this spring. I have not received an answer back yet.

You can view the update and video of the state of things at the beach docks at this link: Underwater view of old dock cribs.

(I am still having issues with Bell MTS email so have not been able to email to folks on the contact list.)

Ice on the lake - As of April 21 most of the lake is still ice-covered. But I suspect the ice will come off within the next week.

April 21
Click for larger image.

April 21
Click for larger image.

Lake Level - I visited the lake outlet on April 21. Beavers have partially blocked the culverts at Hwy 44 again and the water level from the control structure downstream to Hwy 44 is quite high. I will be forwarding this update to Parks, but if anyone visits the site again, please send an update.

April 21
Click for larger image.

April 21
Click for larger image.

April 21
Click for larger image.

Mine Issues - Capping the exposed mine shafts south of Star Lake has been completed. (Refer to the updates from 2023 and 2024, links above). Work to install the large concrete covers over the old shaft openings has left the access roads and general areas in somewhat of a mess though. Folks that walk or bike up this way may want to avoid the area for a while. Weather and nature should return the roads to usable in time, (though the area could benefit from additional mediation and cleanup).

(I've added a little update on the Mining Issues page, too, regarding McFarlane Lake Mining's situation.)

 

April 21
Click for larger image.

April 21
Click for larger image.

April 21
Click for larger image.

April 21
Click for larger image.

Roadside Brush Clearing - Parks has had the roadsides along sections of the Blk 4,5,6 entry road cleared over the winter with the big "whopper chopper". I know removal of the roadside brush is important for visibility and road safety, but it does leave an unsightly mess.

 

April 21
Click for larger image.

Osprey News - Sadly, the Osprey nest in the Hydro tower along the Blk 4,5,6 entry road is gone. It appears to have collapsed over winter, I did find the sticks and debris from the nest below the pole. Fortunately, the older nest, also located on a Hydro tower further west, is still there, with an occupant!, though it does appear to be in poor repair. Hopefully our resident Ospreys will fix up the older nest or perhaps build a new one? Maybe we'll get some chicks this year.

 

April 21
Click for larger image.

April 21
Click for larger image.


January 2025 - Update

Nothing much to report right now. Just wanted folks to know I'm having issues with BellMTS email (still!). I'm currently unable to send out mass emails to the email contact group. Hopefully I'll get it fixed soon and will send out a test email to the group.


StarEvents at Star Lake

Star Lake Days - Star Lake Days are back for 2025, (Date TBA)!
Follow the updates on the Star Lake FaceBook page.

Star Lake Family Fun Day for 2025: (to come)

Meteor Fest - TBA

Beaver Days - TBA

Star Very SmallSend information about events at this email link:

Information about Events


StarIssues Facing Star Lake

In this section I want to raise issues that may impact cottagers at Star Lake. For now, these are just topics to think about. I'm going to post some of my own thoughts later on, but I'd welcome your input/feedback.

Star Very SmallSend suggestions, thoughts, and information via email at this link:

Ideas for the Issues Section

(Please remember, if you want anything posted to this site you must be willing to have your name included.)


Star Very SmallSome things to think about:

Star Very SmallGot something to add to these thoughts? Send it along via the email link above.

Star Very SmallAnd, please remember, the way to deal with any issue, controversy or complaint is through communication, consideration and respect for others.


The annoying ad below just lets me keep track of how much traffic this page receives.


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