The Farlain Lake Community Association is the recipient of the prestigious 2020 Annual Achievement Award presented by the Federation of Ontario Cottagers Association (FOCA).

The award was accepted by Elizabeth Di Chiara, FLCA President, at FOCA’s March 7, 2020 Annual General Meeting and Spring Seminar on behalf of all the FLCA volunteers, friends of Farlain Lake, and FLCA’s partners who have worked so hard and supported us in our Eurasian watermilfoil management program. Peter Andrews was also recognized by Elizabeth for his initiative, leadership and amazing commitment to the EWM program.  The Award, shown here with Elizabeth and Pete, is proudly displayed at the FLCA’s kiosk at the boat launch on Andrew Drive.

FOCA is comprised of over 500 member associations (e.g. cottage associations, lake associations, etc.) and 84 of them were represented at the 2020 AGM and spring seminar.  This special Annual Achievement Award is presented to one member association each year that best meets specific criteria. The FLCA’s activities were considered to be consistent with FOCA’s vision of Protecting Thriving and Sustainable Waterfronts In Ontario. FLCA’s EWM management activities and achievement were recognized for environmental stewardship, research and/or education, and innovations and successes that were in line with FOCA’s mission.  The Award celebrates the successes of the FOCA community and encourages peer sharing of best practices.

Further acclaim was bestowed on the FLCA by the guest speaker whose presentation titled A Tale of Two Invasive Species: Starry Stonewort and Eurasian Watermilfoil in Ontario Lakes followed the FOCA Achievement Award presentation to the FLCA. Dr. Andrea Kirkwood, Faculty of Science, Ontario Tech University stated that FLCA was the ‘gold standard of EWM management.’

The FLCA and its volunteers are being recognized as being the best of the best in the field of invasive aquatic plant management. Your dedication and passion to protecting our lake is sincerely valued and appreciated not only within our community but beyond as well!!

THANK YOU AND CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!