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Time passes quickly. This second Newsletter of the Bras d'Or Stewardship Society arrives as the society completes its first year of life. To date the society has over 120 members that have joined since June of 1997. A strong membership base is the key to the long term success of the society.

We want to thank all of you who completed and returned the planning survey. Of 90 members as of Jan. 1, 1998, 45 returned the surveys for a 50% participation rate. This survey has been the basis from which the Board of Directors has structured an action plan for the society. Membership input is required to assist in formulating the direction of the society and important issues that concern us all.

Highlights since the January 1998 Newsletter focus on several fronts. Concerned individuals representing specific groups have made presentations to the board regarding raw sewage outflows into the Bras d'Or, threats of pollution from expanding aquaculture operation, the state of the Bras d'Or Lakes herring fishery, the ongoing disappearance of the "toothbrush islands" due to erosion and the high rate of subdivision of land parcels contiguous to the Bras d'Or Lakes. These issues all have ramifications effecting the integrity of the Bras d'Or Lakes and its watershed.We are pleased to acknowledge the successful completion of a two week student research project by five first year graduate students at Dalhousie University's School of Environmental and Resource Management. Their work is now encapsulated in a document entitled "TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WATER QUALITY IN THE BRAS D'OR LAKES". This undertaking will hopefully lead to further research projects by SRES students on important issues regarding the future of the Bras d'Or Lakes.

The contents of this important second Newsletter attest to the commitment of concerned members as to the need for responsible stewardship of the Bras d'Or and its watershed. Please feel free to send your concerns to the board of directors. Better still, we would appreciate your direct input into the Newsletters. It is through your participation that the Bras d'Or Stewardship Society will lead the way to conserving, protecting, and restoring the Bras d'Or Lakes.