Where community meets conservation
Over 60 years of protecting lakes and building community in the Redstone group of lakes, Haliburton.
About the Redstone Lake Cottagers Association
For over 60 years, the RLCA has been the dedicated guardian of the lakes nestled in the heart of Haliburton's wilderness. Our volunteer-driven community is united by a shared commitment to preserving these natural treasures for current and future generations.
Our Protected Lakes
From Redstone Lake to Little Redstone, Pelaw, Bitter, Tedious (Long), Burdock, and Coleman Lakes, our stewardship extends across seven interconnected waters that form a remarkable ecosystem in the heart of Haliburton's wilderness.
Our Mission in Action
Three pillars that drive our conservation efforts
Making a Difference
Every volunteer hour, every conservation initiative, and every community action contributes to our lakes' protection. From organizing lake cleanups to advocating for environmental policies, our members actively shape the future of these waters.
Join a community that believes individual actions create collective impact.
Water Quality Excellence
Our comprehensive monitoring program tracks the health of all seven lakes through regular testing, scientific analysis, and collaboration with environmental experts. We measure everything from phosphorus levels to invasive species presence.
Transparency and science guide our conservation decisions.
Welcoming New Cottagers
New to lake life? We're here to help you become an environmental steward from day one. Our comprehensive guide covers everything from septic system care to invasive species prevention, ensuring you can enjoy and protect these waters.
Every new cottager is a potential lake champion.
Water Level & Lake Health
Live conditions and nearly 30 years of water quality data for our seven lakes
Lake Health
Essential Lake Protection Guidelines
Critical information every lake user should know
CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY Your Boat
Invasive species like zebra mussels travel by boat — and it's the law in Ontario to CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY before moving between waterbodies. That includes moving between our own seven lakes, and it especially matters for rented boats or boats arriving from out of town.
Learn More About Prevention →Watch Your Wake
Boat wakes erode shorelines, muddy fish habitat and can swamp loon nests right at the waterline. Keep to 10 km/h within 30 metres of shore, take big wakes to deep open water, and be #WakeAware around paddlers and swimmers.
Learn About Wake Safety →Maintain Your Septic System
A failing septic system leaks the nutrients that feed algae blooms. Pump every 3–5 years, use phosphate-free detergents, and know the warning signs — Dysart et al now runs a mandatory inspection program for waterfront systems.
Septic Care Guide →Protect Natural Shorelines
Native shoreline vegetation holds the bank together, filters runoff before it reaches the lake, and even keeps the geese away. Start with a small no-mow buffer — and remember shoreline vegetation within 30 metres of the water is protected by county by-law.
Naturalization Tips →Fish Responsibly
Our deep, cold lakes are prime lake trout water — a fishery found in only 1% of Ontario lakes. Know the Zone 15 seasons and limits (many lake trout lakes have their own rules), never move live bait between waterbodies, and handle released fish with care.
Fishing Guidelines →Get the Lead Out
A single lost lead sinker is enough to kill an adult loon. Switch to steel, tin, tungsten or bismuth tackle — and trade in your old lead at our tackle exchange for a free limited-edition custom lure.
About the Campaign →News & Events
Stay connected with community events and conservation insights
July 2026
Concert on the Lake
Community Event2026 Annual General Meeting
Annual MeetingLatest News
2026 AGM Recap: A New Name for Our Association
July 14, 2026Members approved changing our name to the Redstone Area Lakes Association (RALA), affirmed the 2026–27 board, and heard from Haliburton Forest, our Lake Steward, and keynote speaker Dani Lindamood of Water Watchers.
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Concert on the Lake
June 8, 2026Date: July 4, 2026 @ 1:30 pm Location: The dock of Brian & Kristina Davidson on Redstone Lake (see mapattached) Band: Riff Raff featuring Rick Litwin, who cottages on Kelly Lake in the Haliburton Forest Genre: Classic…
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The Redstone Sandbar and Blueberry Island
October 17, 2025The emergence of the sandbar at the north end of Redstone Lake has been a sign that summer has reached its apex, and fall is not far away. For many years Redstone, Little Red, and Pelaw cottagers have gathered on the…
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Off-season storage of docks on public land
August 14, 2025A letter received by the RLCA from the Dysart et al Enforcement Officer: From: Dysart et al By-Law [email protected]: August 5, 2025 at 12:44:30 PM EDTSubject: Storage of Docks on Public Land During Off Season…
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2025 FOCA AGM & Spring Seminar
March 14, 2025The FOCA AGM & Spring Seminar was held on March 1, 2025. Here is a copy of the Event Summary which includes session overviews and links to PDF copies of all the slides shown during the event.
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Shoreline naturalization with Abbey Gardens
April 20, 2024A natural shoreline is the lake’s best defence: native plants hold the bank together, filter runoff before it reaches the water, and bring back habitat. Here’s how to naturalize yours — with local help from Abbey…
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