Sturgeon Lake is located in the central region of the City of Kawartha Lakes. The main water sources for Sturgeon Lake are the Scugog River, flowing in from the south, and Cameron Lake flowing in from the northwest, with the balance coming from the several other small creeks and rivers. Water flows out the northeastern arm of the lake at Bobcaygeon into Pigeon Lake. Sturgeon Lake is part of the Trent Severn Waterway.
View a map of the Sturgeon Lake Watershed
Watershed characteristics
Learn about the characteristics of the Sturgeon Lake watershed.
Watershed size |
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The total watershed area is 144 km² or 14,372 ha and the total lake area is 46 km². |
Natural vegetation cover |
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The dominant forest type is coniferous forest including:
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Significant natural sites |
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Provincially Significant Wetlands
Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) - Life Science: Martin Creek Swamp: 0.31 ha ANSI - Earth Science
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Environmental conditions
The following grades show the environmental conditions for the Sturgeon Lake watershed.
| Indicator | Result | Grade | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
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Total phosphorus |
0.016 mg/L |
B |
Good |
| Indicator | Result | Grade | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Total phosphorus |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
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Benthic macroinvertebrates |
5.96 (FBI) |
D |
Fairly poor |
The surface water quality grade was based on total phosphorous (TP) and/or benthic macroinvertebrates (aquatic insects) family biotic index (FBI). The provincial water quality objective for TP in rivers and streams is 0.03 mg/L and 0.02 mg/L in lakes. These guidelines were set because levels highter than these guildelines provide conditions for nuisance algae and aquatic plant growth. A TP value below 0.03 mg/L (rivers) or 0.02 (lakes) meets the provincial guidelines and is in the B (good) or A (excellent) grade range, while the result for benthic macroinvertebrates must be 5.00 or lower to receive a B (good) or A (very good to excellent) grade.
| Indicator | Area cover | Percent cover | Grade | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Forest cover |
37.4 km² |
26.0% |
B |
Good |
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Forest interior |
5.6 km² |
3.0% |
D |
Poor |
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Forest riparian cover |
6.40 km² |
35.6% |
C |
Fair |
The combined forest conditions grade for Sturgeon Lake is ranked as fair.
| Indicator | Area cover | Percent cover | Grade | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wetland cover |
15.1 km² |
10.5% |
B |
Good |