Environment
Our environmental team is always hard at work. Help us by learning more about Lake Hughes' invasive species, water quality, boating regulations, and more. Read a summary of 2024 environmental news here.
For additional information and documentation, visit the CRE Laurentides Environmental Network.
Invasive Species
Japanese Knotweed, an extremely invasive plant, has been identified at Lake Hughes. Eurasian Water-Milfoil, although not identified, poses a risk to the lake. Learn more about these species and how to identify them.
Eurasian Water-Milfoil
Eurasian Water-Milfoil has vine-like stems and feather-like leaves growing below the water’s surface with flower spikes emerging above the surface. Once introduced into a lake, this species grows rapidly and aggressively, making it virtually impossible to eradicate and extremely difficult and costly to control.
For more information about the species, how to identify it and prevent it from spreading, check out the guide below.
Japanese Knotweed
Japanese Knotweed has green, spade-shaped leaves arranged in an alternating pattern on a reddish zig-zag twig with small whitish flowers. If you identify this plant on your property, please contact us for control measures.
For more information about the species, how to identify it and prevent it from spreading, check out the guide below.
Water Quality
Eutrophication / Lake Aging
Lakes age naturally over hundreds or thousands of years. This phenomenon is called eutrophication. Natural eutrophication can be accelerated by shoreline development and human activities; not only at the lake, but also in the watershed. Premature aging is one of the main problems affecting our lakes.
See below for lake aging (trophic level) assessments and other information.
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Drinking Lake Water
Untreated lake water is not safe to drink. There is no way to tell whether the water contains bacteria, viruses and parasites only by looking. Health Canada recommends that we assume that all water is contaminated and must be disinfected before use.
Road salt
The use of large quantities of salt on the roads has harmful effects on the environment. The salt seeps into the ground and then runs off towards the lakes and waterways.
The effects on the lake environment can be diverse. So far, chlorides in the water are within normal limits. See below for more details.
Boats & Fishing
Watercrafts
Only residents’ watercrafts are welcome on Lake Hughes. We do not promote transferring watercrafts from one lake to another. The best way to protect our lake from invasive species is to prevent its arrival.
For more information on boat cleaning and the types of watercrafts we allow on the lake, visit the link below.
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Aquatic plants
No invasive or suspicious aquatic plants have been identified on Lake Hughes.
Visit the link below to view our most recent Aquatic Plant & Algae Survey results and observations.
Fishing
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We are fortunate that Lake Hughes is one of the few remaining trout fisheries in the lower Laurentians. That said, our lake trout and brook trout populations are very fragile. Our small lake cannot support the liberal fishing limits set by the provincial government. Over the past few years, we have been stocking catchable size brook trout to supplement any natural reproduction that may be occurring.
The Lake Hughes association therefore asks all members and guests to fish responsibly and practice catch and release. However, if members or their guests wish to keep a trout for their table, we strongly recommend you limit your catch to one or two trout per week. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Harmonious Lakeside Living
The Lake Hughes Association and the residents have agreed on measures and recommendations to protect our lake and promote peaceful and respectful community living. We encourage all residents and visitors to respect the following guidelines. Visit the following link for an extensive list of guidelines.
We are also aware of the Domaine Évoluvie development at Lake Hughes and concerns were presented to the Municipality in March of 2024. Click here for our full list of concerns.
No fireworks
As beautiful as they are in the sky, fireworks are banned on and around Lake Hughes. They have a terrible impact on the environment especially when they end up at the bottom of the lake. Fireworks are toxic, a fire hazard, a major source of noise pollution and are detrimental to all animals and wildlife.
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Outdoor bonfires
Before lighting a campfire, always check the SOPFEU roadside signs or consult the website to see if fires are permitted (blue-green zone). Consult the Municipality for a permit if necessary. Outdoor fires in the 15 m shoreline protection zone are prohibited.
Septic systems
Septic systems should always be used according to the capacity of the tank. Homeowners should always recognize the limits of their septic system and inform guests on proper use. For further guidelines, visit the Lakeside Living Info Sheet.
Highly maintained systems can also help with climate change, see how.
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Shoreline management
Shoreline management is completely under the jurisdiction of the municipalities.
Learn more about the importance of shoreline buffer zones in regards to climate change.
Noise & light pollution
Remember that noise travels far and is amplified across water. Excessive night lighting can spoil the view of the night sky and have a negative impact on wildlife. Please be considerate of your neighbours!
Click here for more information on light pollution.
Harmless cleaning products
Please choose biodegradable cleaning products that will not be harmful to our lake. Only products with the "EcoLogo" symbol are certified for reduced environmental impact.