Kawartha Conservation Completes Collaborative Shoal Enhancement Projects to Support Fish Habitat on Lake Scugog

PORT PERRY, ON – This spring, Kawartha Conservation worked alongside a range of community partners, stewardship organizations, Indigenous representatives, volunteers, and participating property owners to complete a series of fish spawning shoal enhancement projects on Lake Scugog. The collaborative effort focused on improving aquatic habitat in select locations to support fish spawning, strengthen biodiversity, and contribute to the long-term health of the lake ecosystem.

The completed work enhanced historically important spawning areas by carefully expanding shoals using clean cobble substrate placed adjacent to existing habitat. By increasing the amount of coarse material available for fish reproduction, the project helps create protected spaces where eggs can develop, improves habitat resilience during changing water levels, and supports species that rely on shallow, rocky environments to spawn.

These projects were made possible through strong collaboration between Kawartha Conservation, the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, Scugog Lake Stewards, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, participating shoreline property owners, and local contractors and supporters. Together, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to stewardship and demonstrates how collaborative investment can deliver meaningful environmental outcomes.

Beyond the habitat improvements themselves, the project highlights the value of bringing together local knowledge, conservation science, and community participation to protect and enhance lake ecosystems.

The work also establishes a model for how future restoration initiatives can be advanced through partnership, coordination, and shared environmental goals.

“This work is about enhancing habitat in a way that supports the natural function of the lake,” said Brett Tregunno, Aquatic Biologist with Kawartha Conservation. “By carefully expanding existing shoals with clean cobble substrate, we are creating additional spawning opportunities for fish species that depend on shallow, rocky habitat. These enhancements help improve reproductive success while strengthening the long-term resilience of the lake’s aquatic ecosystem.”

Tregunno noted that shoal enhancement projects require careful planning and site-specific design to ensure habitat improvements complement existing lake conditions without disturbing sensitive areas.

“This project shows what is possible when organizations, communities, and landowners come together around a shared environmental goal,” said Nancy Aspden, Director of Integrated Watershed Management at Kawartha Conservation. “The partnerships behind this work were essential, not only in making the project happen, but in building a stronger foundation for future restoration efforts across the watershed. It demonstrates how collaboration can lead to meaningful, long-term environmental benefits.”

Kawartha Conservation extends its appreciation to all partners, volunteers, and participating property owners who contributed to the success of the project. Through collaboration and shared stewardship, the initiative demonstrates how local action and strong partnerships can help protect and enhance the health of important lake ecosystems for future generations.

For more information about Kawartha Conservation’s watershed programs and stewardship initiatives, visit kawarthaconservation.com.