New Multi-Year Lake Health Monitoring Project Launches Across the Kawartha Lakes

Kawartha Conservation has officially launched a comprehensive, five-year Lake Health Monitoring Project that will provide valuable insights into the health of 11 key lakes in our watershed. Running from 2025 through 2029, the project is designed to support long-term lake stewardship and inform future planning and management efforts.

The monitoring program will take place annually between May and October, focusing on a range of critical lake health indicators. These include water quality metrics such as phosphorus and chloride levels, water clarity, the extent of aquatic plant growth, and the condition of shoreline vegetation. Data will be compared against provincial and federal benchmarks to help evaluate the ecological health of each lake.

This year, monitoring efforts will begin with five lakes: Sturgeon, Balsam, Cameron, Pigeon, and Scugog. Alongside water quality testing, aquatic plant surveys will be conducted on Sturgeon Lake and the north end of Lake Scugog to assess biodiversity and identify the presence of invasive species.

To maximize resources and ensure consistency, the program will follow a rotating schedule - conducting full monitoring cycles in Years 1, 3, and 5 of the project. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of how lake conditions evolve over time, enabling more effective and responsive lake management.

By collecting robust scientific data, the Lake Health Monitoring Project will help build a stronger foundation for conservation decisions, foster healthier lakes, and support the many people, communities, and ecosystems that rely on these freshwater resources.