Lake Scugog Environmental Management Plan

The Township of Scugog initiated the Lake Scugog Environmental Management Plan (LSEMP) in 2003 in response to public concern about water quality degradation, overabundant algae and aquatic plant growth, and a reduction in fish populations in Lake Scugog. This project is led by Kawartha Conservation and is funded through the Region of Durham, the Township of Scugog and the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Increasing urban development and agricultural activities have led to excessive levels of nitrogen and phosphorus entering the lake. Nitrogen and phosphorus are the two main chemical elements responsible for the process of eutrophication and the overabundant growth of aquatic plants and algae in the lake.

Local community groups, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of the Environment, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the health unit are also contributing to this project.

Primary Objectives

• To improve water quality in the lake and its tributaries
• To prevent further lake eutrophication through decreasing phosphorus and nitrogen loads

Priority Tasks

• to evaluate current state of the Lake Scugog ecosystem and to define problem areas
• to identify sources and to measure amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen entering and leaving Lake Scugog
• to recommend remedial measures to reduce inputs of phosphorus and nitrogen
• to take remedial action towards restoring the lake’s environmental health