2018 Quaternary Watershed Report Cards

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2018 Muskoka Watershed Report Card

Quaternary Watershed:

BIG EAST RIVER

The Muskoka Watershed Report Card is a science-based evaluation of the health of Muskoka’s watersheds. It is produced by Muskoka Watershed Council every four years, with 2018 being the fifth Report Card. The Report Card provides a snapshot of watershed health by evaluating 8 indicators, 4 of which measure the health of the watershed, and 4 that consider potential threats.

Quaternary Watersheds of Muskoka

Big East River Watershed Stats: Total Area

# of Lakes

(hectares)

Largest Lake

(over 8 hectares)

% Crown Land

64,699

McCraney Lake (342 ha)

47

39

# of Dams 4

% Wetland 5

% Protected Area

(provincial parks, crown nature reserves, local land trusts)

34

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


Big East River Watershed

Total Phosphorous

Calcium

Not Stressed

Not Stressed

5 Lakes 3 Lakes 1 Lake NOT STRESSED STRESSED VULNERABLE

(>2.0 mg /L) 8/8 sampled lakes in the Big East River Watershed have steady phosphorous concentrations.

Benthic Macroinvertebrates

(1.5-2 mg /L) (<1.5 mg /L)

Interior Forest Not Stressed

Typical

# of Lakes Sampled: 19 15% Extremely Atypical 10% Atypical 73% Typical

58%OF LAND

Invasive Species

IS INTERIOR FOREST

Not Stressed

37,305

Invasive species reported in this watershed: • • • •

HECTARES OF INTERIOR FOREST

Japanese Knotweed Rainbow Smelt Rusty Crayfish Spiny Waterflea

Species At Risk Not Graded

Fragmentation

There are 46 species at risk in the Muskoka Watershed and Broad Beech Fern is one of them!

Vulnerable

Size of Patches: 200 - 499 ha 500 - 4,999 ha 5,000 - 9,999 ha 10,000+ ha

79% OF LAND

IS NATURAL AREA

21% OF LAND

Climate Change Vulnerable

Lakes in Muskoka today have appoximately 3 weeks less winter ice cover than in 1975. Summer water temperatures in Muskoka’s lakes are 0.5 °C warmer on average than in 1980.

IS FRAGMENTED

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


2018 Muskoka Watershed Report Card

Quaternary Watershed:

DEE RIVER

The Muskoka Watershed Report Card is a science-based evaluation of the health of Muskoka’s watersheds. It is produced by Muskoka Watershed Council every four years, with 2018 being the fifth Report Card. The Report Card provides a snapshot of watershed health by evaluating 8 indicators, 4 of which measure the health of the watershed, and 4 that consider potential threats.

Quaternary Watersheds of Muskoka

Dee River Watershed Stats: Total Area

# of Lakes

(hectares)

Largest Lake

(over 8 hectares)

14, 869

Three Mile Lake (900 ha)

7

# of Dams 0

% Wetland 11

% Crown Land 3

% Protected Area

(provincial parks, crown nature reserves, local land trusts)

0

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


Dee River Watershed

Total Phosphorous

Calcium

Not Stressed

Not Stressed

2 Lakes 2 Lakes 0 Lakes NOT STRESSED STRESSED VULNERABLE

(>2.0 mg /L) 4/4 sampled lakes in the Dee River Watershed have steady phosphorous concentrations.

Benthic Macroinvertebrates

(1.5-2 mg /L) (<1.5 mg /L)

Interior Forest Vulnerable

# of Lakes Sampled: 1

The sampled lake is categorized as typical, however a minimum of 3 sampled lakes is required for a quaternary watershed grade.

47% OF LAND

IS INTERIOR FOREST

Invasive Species

6,470

Not Stressed

Invasive species reported in this watershed: • • • •

HECTARES OF INTERIOR FOREST

Species At Risk

Phragmites Giant Hogweed Japanese Knotweed Spiny Waterflea

Not Graded

There are 46 species at risk in the Muskoka Watershed and the Bobolink is one of them!

Fragmentation Vulnerable

Climate Change Size of Patches:

Vunerable

200 - 499 ha 500 - 4,999 ha 5,000 - 9,999 ha 10,000+ ha

70% OF LAND

IS NATURAL AREA

Lakes in Muskoka today have appoximately 3 weeks less winter ice cover than in 1975. Summer water temperatures in Muskoka’s lakes are 0.5°C warmer on average than in 1980.

30% OF LAND

IS FRAGMENTED

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


2018 Muskoka Watershed Report Card

Quaternary Watershed:

GIBSON RIVER

The Muskoka Watershed Report Card is a science-based evaluation of the health of Muskoka’s watersheds. It is produced by Muskoka Watershed Council every four ye The Report Card provides a snapshot of watershed health by evaluating 8 indicators, 4 of which measure the health of the watershed, and 4 that consider potential threats.

Quaternary Watersheds of Muskoka

Gibson River Watershed Stats: Total Area (hectares)

18,591

# of Dams 0

Largest Lake Gibson Lake (200 ha)

% Wetland 17

# of Lakes

(over 8 hectares)

% Crown Land

10

32

% Protected Area

(provincial parks, crown nature reserves, local land trusts)

38

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


Gibson River Watershed

Total Phosphorous

Calcium

Not Stressed

Not Stressed

4 Lakes 1 Lake NOT STRESSED VULNERABLE

(>2.0 mg /L)

0 STRESSED Lakes

(1.5-2 mg /L) (<1.5 mg /L)

4/5 sampled lakes in the Gibson River Watershed have steady phosphorous concentrations.

Interior Forest Vulnerable

Benthic Macroinvertebrates # of Lakes Sampled: 1

The sampled lake is categorized as typical, however a minimum of 3 sampled lakes is required for a quaternary watershed grade.

Invasive Species Not Stressed

Invasive species reported in this watershed:

45% OF LAND

IS INTERIOR FOREST

8,421 HECTARES OF INTERIOR FOREST

• • •

Phragmites Giant Hogweed Spiny Waterflea

Species At Risk Not Graded

Fragmentation Vulnerable

There are 46 species at risk in the Muskoka Watershed and the Cerulean Warbler is one of them!

Climate Change Vulnerable

Size of Patches: 200 - 499 ha

Lakes in Muskoka today have appoximately 3 weeks less winter ice cover than in 1975.

500 - 4,999 ha 5,000 - 9,999 ha 10,000+ ha

85% OF LAND

IS NATURAL AREA

15% OF LAND

Summer water temperatures in Muskoka’s lakes are 0.5 °C warmer on average than in 1980.

IS FRAGMENTED

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


2018 Muskoka Watershed Report Card

Quaternary Watershed:

HOLLOW RIVER

The Muskoka Watershed Report Card is a science-based evaluation of the health of Muskoka’s watersheds. It is produced by Muskoka Watershed Council every four years, with 2018 being the fifth Report Card. The Report Card provides a snapshot of watershed health by evaluating 8 indicators, 4 of which measure the health of the watershed, and 4 that consider potential threats.

Quaternary Watersheds of Muskoka

Hollow River Watershed Stats: Total Area (hectares)

40,863

# of Dams 3

Largest Lake Kawagama Lake (12400 ha)

% Wetland 4

# of Lakes

(over 8 hectares)

% Crown Land

43

61

% Protected Area

(provincial parks, crown nature reserves, local land trusts)

14

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


Hollow River Watershed

Total Phosphorous

Calcium

Not Stressed

Vulnerable

0 Lakes 5 Lakes 0 Lakes NOT STRESSED STRESSED VULNERABLE (>2.0 mg /L)

5/5 sampled lakes in the Hollow River Watershed have steady phosphorous concentrations.

(1.5-2 mg /L) (<1.5 mg /L)

Interior Forest

Benthic Macroinvertebrates

Not Stressed

Typical

# of Lakes Sampled: 5

100% Typical

58% OF LAND

Invasive Species

IS INTERIOR FOREST

Not Stressed

21,107

Invasive species reported in this watershed:

HECTARES OF INTERIOR FOREST • •

Rusty Crayfish Spiny Waterflea

Species At Risk Not Graded

There are 46 species at risk in the Muskoka Watershed and the Least Bittern is one of them!

Fragmentation Vulnerable

Climate Change Vulnerable Size of Patches: 200 - 499 ha 500 - 4,999 ha 5,000 - 9,999 ha 10,000+ ha

84% OF LAND

IS NATURAL AREA

16% OF LAND

Lakes in Muskoka today have appoximately 3 weeks less winter ice cover than in 1975. Summer water temperatures in Muskoka’s lakes are 0.5°C warmer on average than in 1980.

IS FRAGMENTED

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


2018 Muskoka Watershed Report Card

Quaternary Watershed:

KAHSHE RIVER

The Muskoka Watershed Report Card is a science-based evaluation of the health of Muskoka’s watersheds. It is produced by Muskoka Watershed Council every four years, with 2018 being the fifth Report Card. The Report Card provides a snapshot of watershed health by evaluating 8 indicators, 4 of which measure the health of the watershed, and 4 that consider potential threats.

Quaternary Watersheds of Muskoka

Kahshe River Watershed Stats: Total Area

# of Lakes

(hectares)

Largest Lake

(over 8 hectares)

% Crown Land

24,619

Kahashe Lake (830 ha)

20

28

# of Dams 0

% Wetland 12

% Protected Area

(provincial parks, crown nature reserves, local land trusts)

16

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


Kahshe River Watershed

Total Phosphorous

Calcium

Not Stressed

Not Stressed

9 Lakes 0 Lakes 1 Lake NOT STRESSED STRESSED VULNERABLE

(>2.0 mg /L) 9/9 sampled lakes in the Kahshe River Watershed have steady phosphorous concentrations.

(1.5-2 mg /L) (<1.5 mg /L)

Interior Forest

Benthic Macroinvertebrates

Not Stressed

Atypical

# of Lakes Sampled: 3 66% Atypical 33% Typical

40% OF LAND

Invasive Species

IS INTERIOR FOREST

Not Stressed

9,302

Invasive species reported in this watershed:

HECTARES OF INTERIOR FOREST • • •

Phragmites Japanese Knotweed Spiny Waterflea

Species At Risk Not Graded

There are 46 species at risk in the Muskoka Watershed and the Peregrine Falcon is one of them!

Fragmentation Vulnerable

Size of Patches: 200 - 499 ha 500 - 4,999 ha

Climate Change Vulnerable

5,000 - 9,999 ha 10,000+ ha

74% OF LAND

IS NATURAL AREA

26% OF LAND

Lakes in Muskoka today have appoximately 3 weeks less winter ice cover than in 1975. Summer water temperatures in Muskoka’s lakes are 0.5°C warmer on average than in 1980.

IS FRAGMENTED

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


2018 Muskoka Watershed Report Card

Quaternary Watershed:

LAKE OF BAYS

The Muskoka Watershed Report Card is a science based evaluation of the health of Muskoka’s watersheds. It is produced by Muskoka Watershed Council every four years, with 2018 being the fifth Report Card. The Report Card provides a snapshot of watershed health by evaluating 8 indicators, 4 of which measure the health of the watershed, and 4 that consider potential threats.

Quaternary Watersheds of Muskoka

Lake of Bays Watershed Stats: Total Area

# of Lakes

(hectares)

Largest Lake

(over 8 hectares)

% Crown Land

38,526

Lake of Bays (750 ha)

25

24

# of Dams

1 (Baysville)

% Wetland 6

% Protected Area

(provincial parks, crown nature reserves, local land trusts)

1

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


Lake of Bays Watershed

Total Phosphorous

Calcium

Not Stressed

Not Stressed

7 Lakes 5 Lakes 2 Lakes NOT STRESSED STRESSED VULNERABLE

(>2.0 mg /L) 15/15 sampled lakes in the Lake of Bays Watershed have steady phosphorous concentrations.

(1.5-2 mg /L) (<1.5 mg /L)

Interior Forest

Benthic Macroinvertebrates

Not Stressed

Typical

# of Lakes Sampled: 4

100% Typical

57%

Invasive Species Not Stressed

IS INTERIOR FOREST

17,295

Invasive species reported in this watershed: • • • •

Phragmites Purple Loosestrife Giant Hogweed Japanese Knotweed

• • •

Rainbow Smelt Garlic Mustard Spiny Waterflea

HECTARES OF INTERIOR FOREST

Species At Risk Not Graded

There are 46 species at risk in the Muskoka Watershed and the Bald Eagle is one of them!

Fragmentation Vulnerable

Size of Patches: 200 - 499 ha 500 - 4,999 ha 5,000 - 9,999 ha

Climate Change Vulnerable

10,000+ ha

Lakes in Muskoka today have appoximately 3 weeks less winter ice cover than in 1975.

73% OF LAND

IS NATURAL AREA

27%

OF LAND IS FRAGMENTED

Summer water temperatures in Muskoka’s lakes are 0.5 °C warmer on average than in 1980.

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


2018 Muskoka Watershed Report Card

Quaternary Watershed:

LITTLE EAST RIVER

The Muskoka Watershed Report Card is a science based evaluation of the health of Muskoka’s watersheds. It is produced by Muskoka Watershed Council every four years, with 2018 being the fifth Report Card. The Report Card provides a snapshot of watershed health by evaluating 8 indicators, 4 of which measure the health of the watershed, and 4 that consider potential threats.

Quaternary Watersheds of Muskoka

Little East River Watershed Stats: Total Area

# of Lakes

(hectares)

Largest Lake

(over 8 hectares)

9,604

Lake Waseosa (165 ha)

13

# of Dams 0

% Wetland 7

% Crown Land 9

% Protected Area

(provincial parks, crown nature reserves, local land trusts)

7

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


Little East River Watershed

Total Phosphorous

Calcium Not Stressed

Not Stressed

7 Lakes 2 Lakes 1 Lake NOT STRESSED STRESSED VULNERABLE (>2.0 mg /L)

8/9 sampled lakes in the78% Little East River Watershed have steady phosphorous concentrations.

(1.5-2 mg /L) (<1.5 mg /L)

Interior Forest

Benthic Macroinvertebrates

Vulnerable

Typical

# of Lakes Sampled: 9 11% Atypical 11% Extremely Atypical 78% Typical

49% OF LAND

Invasive Species

IS INTERIOR FOREST

Not Stressed

Invasive species reported in this watershed: • • •

Rainbow Smelt Rusty Cray Fish Spiny Waterflea

4,745

HECTARES OF INTERIOR FOREST

Species At Risk Not Graded

Fragmentation Vulnerable

Size of Patches:

There are 46 species at risk in the Muskoka Watershed and the Monarch Butterfly is one of them!

200 - 499 ha 500 - 4,999 ha 5,000 - 9,999 ha 10,000+ ha

Climate Change Vulnerable

Lakes in Muskoka today have appoximately 3 weeks less winter ice cover than in 1975.

67% OF LAND

IS NATURAL AREA

33%

OF LAND IS FRAGMENTED

Summer water temperatures in Muskoka’s lakes are 0.5 °C warmer on average than in 1980.

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


2018 Muskoka Watershed Report Card

Quaternary Watershed:

LOWER BLACK RIVER

The Muskoka Watershed Report Card is a science based evaluation of the health of Muskoka’s watersheds. It is produced by Muskoka Watershed Council every four years, with 2018 being the fifth Report Card. The Report Card provides a snapshot of watershed health by evaluating 8 indicators, 4 of which measure the health of the watershed, and 4 that consider potential threats.

Quaternary Watersheds of Muskoka

Lower Black River Watershed Stats: Total Area (hectares)

50,816

# of Dams 0

Largest Lake Riley Lake (150 ha)

% Wetland 10

# of Lakes

(over 8 hectares)

% Crown Land

23

41

% Protected Area

(provincial parks, crown nature reserves, local land trusts)

49

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


Lower Black River Watershed

Total Phosphorous

Calcium

1 Lake

The 1 sampled lake in the Lower Black River Watershed has steady phosphorous concentrations. However, a minimum of 3 sampled lakes is required for a quaternary watershed grade.

Benthic Macroinvertebrates

NOT STRESSED

mg

0 Lakes 0 Lakes STRESSED VULNERABLE mg

mg

Interior Forest Vulnerable

# of Lakes Sampled: 0

A minimum of 3 sampled lakes is required for a quaternary watershed grade. LAND 40% OF

Invasive Species

IS INTERIOR FOREST

Not Stressed

18,287

Invasive species reported in this watershed:

HECTARES OF INTERIOR FOREST •

Phragmites

Species At Risk Not Graded

Fragmentation

There are 46 species at risk in the Muskoka Watershed and the

Vulnerable Size of Patches:

is one of them!

200 - 499 ha 500 - 4,999 ha 5,000 - 9,999 ha 10,000+ ha

Climate Change Vulnerable

Lakes in Muskoka today have appoximately 3 weeks less winter ice cover than in 1975.

89% OF LAND

IS NATURAL AREA

11% OF LAND

Summer water temperatures in Muskoka’s lakes are 0.5°C warmer on average than in 1980.

IS FRAGMENTED

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


2018 Muskoka Watershed Report Card

Quaternary Watershed:

MARY LAKE Quaternary Watersheds of Muskoka

The Muskoka Watershed Report Card is a science based evaluation of the health of Muskoka’s watersheds. It is produced by Muskoka Watershed Council every four years, with 2018 being the fifth Report Card. The Report Card provides a snapshot of watershed health by evaluating 8 indicators, 4 of which measure the health of the watershed, and 4 that consider potential threats.

Mary Lake Watershed Stats: Total Area (hectares)

66,344

# of Dams 6

Largest Lake Mary Lake (1,566 ha)

% Wetland 11

# of Lakes

(over 8 hectares)

% Crown Land

45

5

% Protected Area

(provincial parks, crown nature reserves, local land trusts)

1

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


Mary Lake Watershed

Total Phosphorous

Calcium

Not Stressed

Not Stressed

10 Lakes 4 Lakes 2 Lakes NOT STRESSED STRESSED VULNERABLE (>2.0 mg /L)

16/16 sampled lakes in the Mary Lake Watershed have steady phosphorous concentrations.

(1.5-2 mg /L) (<1.5 mg /L)

Interior Forest

Benthic Macroinvertebrates

Not Stressed

Typical

# of Lakes Sampled: 15 20% Extremely Atypical

80% Typical

54% OF LAND

Invasive Species

IS INTERIOR FOREST

Vulnerable

32,826

Invasive species reported in this watershed: • • • • • •

Phragmites Giant Hogweed Japanese Knotweed Rainbow Smelt Rusty Cray Fish Spiny Waterflea

HECTARES OF INTERIOR FOREST

Species At Risk Not Graded

Fragmentation

There are 46 species at risk in the Muskoka Watershed and the Butternut Tree is one of them!

Vulnerable

Size of Patches:

Climate Change Vulnerable

200 - 499 ha 500 - 4,999 ha 5,000 - 9,999 ha 10,000+ ha

74% OF LAND

IS NATURAL AREA

26%

OF LAND IS FRAGMENTED

Lakes in Muskoka today have appoximately 3 weeks less winter ice cover than in 1975. Summer water temperatures in Muskoka’s lakes are 0.5 °C warmer on average than in 1980.

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


2018 Muskoka Watershed Report Card

Quaternary Watershed:

MOON RIVER

The Muskoka Watershed Report Card is a science based evaluation of the health of Muskoka’s watersheds. It is produced by Muskoka Watershed Council every four years, with 2018 being the fifth Report Card.

Quaternary Watersheds of Muskoka

The Report Card provides a snapshot of watershed health by evaluating 8 indicators, 4 of which measure the health of the watershed, and 4 that consider potential threats.

Moon River Watershed Stats: Total Area (hectares)

71,588

# of Dams 5

Largest Lake Healey Lake (760 ha)

% Wetland 11

# of Lakes

(over 8 hectares)

% Crown Land

37

49

% Protected Area

(provincial parks, crown nature reserves, local land trusts)

17

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


Moon River Watershed

Total Phosphorous

Calcium

Not Stressed

Not Stressed

13 Lakes 3 Lakes 1 Lake NOT STRESSED STRESSED VULNERABLE (>2.0 mg /L)

24/24 sampled lakes in the Moon River Watershed have steady phosphorous concentrations.

(1.5-2 mg /L) (<1.5 mg /L)

Interior Forest

Benthic Macroinvertebrates

Vulnerable

Typical

# of Lakes Sampled: 3 66% Typical 33% Extremely Atypical

42% OF LAND

Invasive Species

IS INTERIOR FOREST

Vulnerable

29,778

Invasive species reported in this watershed: • • • • •

Phragmites Purple Loosestrife Japanese Knotweed Rainbow Smelt Rusty Cray Fish

• • • •

Spiny Waterflea Eurasian Water Milfoil Giant Hogweed Round Goby

HECTARES OF INTERIOR FOREST

Species At Risk Not Graded

There are 46 species at risk in the Muskoka Watershed and the Common Five-lined Skink is one of them!

Fragmentation Vulnerable

Size of Patches: 200 - 499 ha 500 - 4,999 ha 5,000 - 9,999 ha 10,000+ ha

Climate Change Vulnerable

Lakes in Muskoka today have appoximately 3 weeks less winter ice cover than in 1975.

78% OF LAND

IS NATURAL AREA

22%

OF LAND IS FRAGMENTED

Summer water temperatures in Muskoka’s lakes are 0.5 °C warmer on average than in 1980.

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


2018 Muskoka Watershed Report Card

Quaternary Watershed:

LAKE MUSKOKA Quaternary Watersheds of Muskoka

The Muskoka Watershed Report Card is a science based evaluation of the health of Muskoka’s watersheds. It is produced by Muskoka Watershed Council every four years, with 2018 being the fifth Report Card. The Report Card provides a snapshot of watershed health by evaluating 8 indicators, 4 of which measure the health of the watershed, and 4 that consider potential threats.

Lake Muskoka Watershed Stats: Total Area

# of Lakes

(hectares)

Largest Lake

(over 8 hectares)

43,039

Lake Muskoka (10000 ha)

30

# of Dams 2

% Wetland 8

% Crown Land 6

% Protected Area

(provincial parks, crown nature reserves, local land trusts)

6

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


Lake Muskoka Watershed

Total Phosphorous

Calcium

Not Stressed

Not Stressed

12 Lakes 3 Lakes 2 Lakes NOT STRESSED STRESSED VULNERABLE (>2.0 mg /L)

17/17 sampled lakes in the Lake Muskoka Watershed have steady phosphorous concentrations.

(1.5-2 mg /L) (<1.5 mg /L)

Interior Forest Vulnerable

Benthic Macroinvertebrates Typical

# of Lakes Sampled: 10 10% Atypical 90% Typical

37%

Invasive Species Vulnerable

IS INTERIOR FOREST

Invasive species reported in this watershed: • • • • • •

OF LAND

Phragmites Purple Loosestrife Giant Hogweed Japanese Knotweed Rainbow Smelt Spiny Waterflea

12,010

HECTARES OF INTERIOR FOREST

Species At Risk Not Graded

There are 46 species at risk in the Muskoka Watershed and the Black Tern is one of them!

Fragmentation Stressed

Size of Patches: 200 - 499 ha 500 - 4,999 ha 5,000 - 9,999 ha

Climate Change Vulnerable

10,000+ ha

Lakes in Muskoka today have appoximately 3 weeks less winter ice cover than in 1975.

57% OF LAND

IS NATURAL AREA

43% OF LAND

Summer water temperatures in Muskoka’s lakes are 0.5 °C warmer on average than in 1980.

IS FRAGMENTED

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


2018 Muskoka Watershed Report Card

Quaternary Watershed:

NORTH MUSKOKA RIVER

The Muskoka Watershed Report Card is a science based evaluation of the health of Muskoka’s watersheds. It is produced by Muskoka Watershed Council every four years, with 2018 being the fifth Report Card. The Report Card provides a snapshot of watershed health by evaluating 8 indicators, 4 of which measure the health of the watershed, and 4 that consider potential threats.

Quaternary Watersheds of Muskoka

North Muskoka River Watershed Stats: Total Area

# of Lakes

(hectares)

Largest Lake

(over 8 hectares)

24,890

Clearwater Lake (85 ha)

21

# of Dams 5

% Wetland 9

% Crown Land 8

% Protected Area

(provincial parks, crown nature reserves, local land trusts)

0

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


North Muskoka River Watershed

Total Phosphorous

Calcium

Not Stressed

Vulnerable

4 Lakes 2 Lakes 3 Lakes NOT STRESSED STRESSED VULNERABLE

(>2.0 mg /L) (1.5-2 mg /L) (<1.5 mg /L)

9/9 sampled lakes in the North Muskoka River Watershed have steady phosphorous concentrations.

Benthic Macroinvertebrates

Interior Forest Vulnerable

Typical

# of Lakes Sampled: 3 66% Typical 33% Extremely Atypical

46%

IS INTERIOR FOREST

Invasive Species Not Stressed

Invasive species reported in this watershed: • • • •

Phragmites Purple Loosestrife Japanese Knotweed Rusty Cray Fish

• • •

OF LAND

Spiny Waterflea Giant Hogweed Round Goby

11,505

HECTARES OF INTERIOR FOREST

Species At Risk Not Graded

Fragmentation

There are 46 species at risk in the Muskoka Watershed and the Eastern Hog-nosed Snake is one of them!

Vulnerable

Size of Patches: 200 - 499 ha 500 - 4,999 ha 5,000 - 9,999 ha 10,000+ ha

62%

OF LAND IS NATURAL AREA

38%

OF LAND IS FRAGMENTED

Climate Change Vulnerable

Lakes in Muskoka today have appoximately 3 weeks less winter ice cover than in 1975. Summer water temperatures in Muskoka’s lakes are 0.5 °C warmer on average than in 1980.

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


2018 Muskoka Watershed Report Card

Quaternary Watershed:

OXTONGUE RIVER

The Muskoka Watershed Report Card is a science based evaluation of the health of Muskoka’s watersheds. It is produced by Muskoka Watershed Council every four years, with 2018 being the fifth Report Card.

Quaternary Watersheds of Muskoka

The Report Card provides a snapshot of watershed health by evaluating 8 indicators, 4 of which measure the health of the watershed, and 4 that consider potential threats.

Oxtonge River Watershed Stats: Total Area

# of Lakes

(hectares)

Largest Lake

(over 8 hectares)

% Crown Land

60,716

Burnt Island Lake (966 ha)

38

28

# of Dams 5

% Wetland 5

% Protected Area

(provincial parks, crown nature reserves, local land trusts)

69

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


Oxtongue River Watershed

Total Phosphorous

Calcium

Not Stressed

Vulnerable

1 Lake

2 Lakes 2 Lakes STRESSED VULNERABLE

NOT STRESSED

mg

6/6 sampled lakes in the Oxtongue River Watershed have steady phosphorous concentrations.

mg

mg

Interior Forest Not Stressed

Benthic Macroinvertebrates Typical

LAND 54% OF

# of Lakes Sampled: 10

IS INTERIOR FOREST

10% Atypical

31,897

10% Extremely Atypical

HECTARES OF INTERIOR FOREST 80% Typical

Invasive Species Not Stressed

Invasive species reported in this watershed: •

Japanese Knotweed

Species At Risk Not Graded

There are 46 species at risk in the Muskoka Watershed and the Eastern Foxsnake is one of them!

Fragmentation Vulnerable

Size of Patches: 200 - 499 ha 500 - 4,999 ha 5,000 - 9,999 ha 10,000+ ha

Climate Change Vulnerable

Lakes in Muskoka today have appoximately 3 weeks less winter ice cover than in 1975.

77% OF LAND

IS NATURAL AREA

23% OF LAND

Summer water temperatures in Muskoka’s lakes are 0.5°C warmer on average than in 1980.

IS FRAGMENTED

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


2018 Muskoka Watershed Report Card

Quaternary Watershed:

LAKE ROSSEAU

The Muskoka Watershed Report Card is a science based evaluation of the health of Muskoka’s watersheds. It is produced by Muskoka Watershed Council every four years, with 2018 being the fifth Report Card. The Report Card provides a snapshot of watershed health by evaluating 8 indicators, 4 of which measure the health of the watershed, and 4 that consider potential threats. Quaternary Watersheds of Muskoka

Lake Rosseau Watershed Stats: Total Area (hectares)

42,583

# of Dams 2

Largest Lake Lake Rosseau (5,500 ha)

% Wetland 5

# of Lakes

(over 8 hectares)

% Crown Land

52

12

% Protected Area

(provincial parks, crown nature reserves, local land trusts)

2

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


Lake Rosseau Watershed

Total Phosphorous

Calcium

Not Stressed

Not Stressed

11 Lakes 1 Lake 1 Lake NOT STRESSED STRESSED VULNERABLE (>2.0 mg /L)

14/14 sampled lakes in the Lake Rosseau Watershed have steady phosphorous concentrations.

Benthic Macroinvertebrates

(1.5-2 mg /L) (<1.5 mg /L)

Interior Forest Vulnerable

Typical

# of Lakes Sampled: 10 20% Atypical 10% Extremely Atypical 70% Typical

43%

Invasive Species Vulnerable

IS INTERIOR FOREST

11,789

Invasive species reported in this watershed: • • •

Phragmites Giant Hogweed Japanese Knotweed

• • •

Rainbow Smelt Rusty Cray Fish Spiny Waterflea

HECTARES OF INTERIOR FOREST

Species At Risk Not Graded

There are 46 species at risk in the Muskoka Watershed and the Lake Sturgeon is one of them!

Fragmentation Stressed

Size of Patches: 200 - 499 ha 500 - 4,999 ha 5,000 - 9,999 ha 10,000+ ha

Climate Change Vulnerable

Lakes in Muskoka today have appoximately 3 weeks less winter ice cover than in 1975.

59%

OF LAND IS NATURAL AREA

41%

OF LAND IS FRAGMENTED

Summer water temperatures in Muskoka’s lakes are 0.5 °C warmer on average than in 1980.

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


2018 Muskoka Watershed Report Card

Quaternary Watershed:

ROSSEAU RIVER

The Muskoka Watershed Report Card is a science based evaluation of the health of Muskoka’s watersheds. It is produced by Muskoka Watershed Council every four years, with 2018 being the fifth Report Card. The Report Card provides a snapshot of watershed health by evaluating 8 indicators, 4 of which measure the health of the watershed, and 4 that consider potential threats.

Quaternary Watersheds of Muskoka

Rosseau River Watershed Stats: Total Area (hectares)

12,969

# of Dams 0

# of Lakes

Largest Lake Cardwell Lake (200 ha)

% Wetland 15

(over 8 hectares)

% Crown Land

7

29

% Protected Area

(provincial parks, crown nature reserves, local land trusts)

7

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


Rosseau River Watershed

Total Phosphorous

Calcium

The 1 lake sampled in the Rosseau River Watershed has steady phosphorous concentrations. However, a minimum of 3 sampled lakes is required for a quaternary watershed grade.

0 Lakes 0 Lakes 1 Lake NOT STRESSED STRESSED VULNERABLE mg

mg

mg

Interior Forest Not Stressed

Benthic Macroinvertebrates Unfortunately, there is no recent benthic data on lakes in the Rosseau River Watershed.

Invasive Species

61%

Not Stressed

OF LAND

IS INTERIOR FOREST

There have been no reports of invasive species in the Rosseau River watershed.

7,861

HECTARES OF INTERIOR FOREST

Species At Risk Not Graded

Fragmentation Not Stressed

Size of Patches: 200 - 499 ha 500 - 4,999 ha 5,000 - 9,999 ha

There are 46 species at risk in the Muskoka Watershed and the Blanding’s Turtle is one of them!

Climate Change Vulnerable

10,000+ ha

Lakes in Muskoka today have appoximately 3 weeks less winter ice cover than in 1975.

92% OF LAND

IS NATURAL AREA

8% OF LAND

Summer water temperatures in Muskoka’s lakes are 0.5°C warmer on average than in 1980.

IS FRAGMENTED

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


2018 Muskoka Watershed Report Card

Quaternary Watershed:

SEVERN RIVER

The Muskoka Watershed Report Card is a science based evaluation of the health of Muskoka’s watersheds. It is produced by Muskoka Watershed Council every four years, with 2018 being the fifth Report Card.

Quaternary Watersheds of Muskoka

The Report Card provides a snapshot of watershed health by evaluating 8 indicators, 4 of which measure the health of the watershed, and 4 that consider potential threats.

Rosseau River Watershed Stats: Total Area

# of Lakes

(hectares)

Largest Lake

(over 8 hectares)

% Crown Land

70,112

Six Mile Lake (1,358 ha)

18

56

# of Dams 0

% Wetland 18

% Protected Area

(provincial parks, crown nature reserves, local land trusts)

14

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


Severn River Watershed

Total Phosphorous

Calcium

Not Stressed

Not Stressed

16 Lakes 0 Lakes 0 Lakes NOT STRESSED STRESSED VULNERABLE mg

15/16 sampled lakes in the Severn River Watershed have steady phosphorous concentrations.

mg

mg

Interior Forest Stressed

Benthic Macroinvertebrates Typical

# of Lakes Sampled: 6 83% Typical

17% Atypical

Invasive Species Stressed

Invasive species reported in this watershed: • • • •

Phragmites Purple Loosestrife Eurasian Water Milfoil Giant Hogweed

• •

Japanese Knotweed Round Goby

LAND 17% OF

IS INTERIOR FOREST

11,412

HECTARES OF INTERIOR FOREST

Species At Risk Not Graded

Fragmentation Vulnerable

There are 46 species at risk in the Muskoka Watershed and the Eastern Musk Turtle is one of them!

Climate Change Vulnerable Size of Patches: 200 - 499 ha

Lakes in Muskoka today have appoximately 3 weeks less winter ice cover than in 1975.

500 - 4,999 ha 5,000 - 9,999 ha 10,000+ ha

61% OF LAND

IS NATURAL AREA

39% OF LAND

Summer water temperatures in Muskoka’s lakes are 0.5°C warmer on average than in 1980.

IS FRAGMENTED

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


2018 Muskoka Watershed Report Card

Quaternary Watershed:

SKELETON RIVER

The Muskoka Watershed Report Card is a science based evaluation of the health of Muskoka’s watersheds. It is produced by Muskoka Watershed Council every four years, with 2018 being the fifth Report Card. The Report Card provides a snapshot of watershed health by evaluating 8 indicators, 4 of which measure the health of the watershed, and 4 that consider potential threats.

Quaternary Watersheds of Muskoka

Skeleton River Watershed Stats: Total Area

# of Lakes

(hectares)

Largest Lake

(over 8 hectares)

% Crown Land

9,247

Skeleton Lake (2,100 ha)

11

16

# of Dams 0

% Wetland 6

% Protected Area

(provincial parks, crown nature reserves, local land trusts)

0

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


Skeleton River Watershed

Total Phosphorous

Calcium

Not Stressed

Not Stressed

5 Lakes 0 Lakes 0 Lakes NOT STRESSED STRESSED VULNERABLE mg

6/6 sampled lakes in the Skeleton River Watershed have steady phosphorous concentrations.

Benthic Macroinvertebrates

mg

mg

Interior Forest Not Stressed

# of Lakes Sampled: 2

Both lakes are categorized as typical, however, a minimum of 3 sampled lakes is required for a quaternary watershed grade. LAND 54% OF

Invasive Species Stressed

IS INTERIOR FOREST

3,662

Invasive species reported in this watershed: •

Phragmites

HECTARES OF INTERIOR FOREST

Species At Risk Not Graded

Fragmentation

There are 46 species at risk in the Muskoka Watershed and the Eastern Wolf is one of them!

Vulnerable Size of Patches: 200 - 499 ha 500 - 4,999 ha

Climate Change

5,000 - 9,999 ha

Vulnerable

10,000+ ha

Lakes in Muskoka today have appoximately 3 weeks less winter ice cover than in 1975.

72% OF LAND

IS NATURAL AREA

28% OF LAND

Summer water temperatures in Muskoka’s lakes are 0.5°C warmer on average than in 1980.

IS FRAGMENTED

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


2018 Muskoka Watershed Report Card

Quaternary Watershed:

SOUTH MUSKOKA RIVER

The Muskoka Watershed Report Card is a science based evaluation of the health of Muskoka’s watersheds. It is produced by Muskoka Watershed Council every four years, with 2018 being the fifth Report Card. The Report Card provides a snapshot of watershed health by evaluating 8 indicators, 4 of which measure the health of the watershed, and 4 that consider potential threats.

Quaternary Watersheds of Muskoka

South Muskoka River Watershed Stats: Total Area (hectares)

35,570

# of Dams 5

Largest Lake Wood Lake (385 ha)

% Wetland 12

# of Lakes

(over 8 hectares)

% Crown Land

27

15

% Protected Area

(provincial parks, crown nature reserves, local land trusts)

2

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


South Muskoka River Watershed

Total Phosphorous

Calcium

Not Stressed

Not Stressed

9 Lakes NOT STRESSED

mg

18/18 sampled lakes in the South Muskoka River Watershed have steady phosphorous concentrations.

Benthic Macroinvertebrates

3 Lakes 4 Lakes STRESSED VULNERABLE mg

mg

Interior Forest Not Stressed

Typical

# of Lakes Sampled: 7 85% Typical 15% Atypical

LAND 55% OF

Invasive Species

IS INTERIOR FOREST

Not Stressed

19,180

Invasive species reported in this watershed: • • •

HECTARES OF INTERIOR FOREST

Phragmites Purple Loosestrife Japanese Knotweed

Species At Risk Not Graded

Fragmentation Vulnerable Size of Patches:

There are 46 species at risk in the Muskoka Watershed and the Spotted Turtle is one of them!

200 - 499 ha 500 - 4,999 ha

Climate Change

5,000 - 9,999 ha

Vulnerable

10,000+ ha

Lakes in Muskoka today have appoximately 3 weeks less winter ice cover than in 1975.

76% OF LAND

IS NATURAL AREA

24% OF LAND

Summer water temperatures in Muskoka’s lakes are 0.5°C warmer on average than in 1980.

IS FRAGMENTED

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


2018 Muskoka Watershed Report Card

Quaternary Watershed:

UPPER BLACK RIVER

The Muskoka Watershed Report Card is a science based evaluation of the health of Muskoka’s watersheds. It is produced by Muskoka Watershed Council every four years, with 2018 being the fifth Report Card. The Report Card provides a snapshot of watershed health by evaluating 8 indicators, 4 of which measure the health of the watershed, and 4 that consider potential threats.

Quaternary Watersheds of Muskoka

Upper Black River Watershed Stats: Total Area

# of Lakes

(hectares)

Largest Lake

(over 8 hectares)

% Crown Land

38,995

Raven Lake (13.5 ha)

17

76

# of Dams 0

% Wetland 7

% Protected Area

(provincial parks, crown nature reserves, local land trusts)

11

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


Upper Black River Watershed

Total Phosphorous

Calcium

Not Stressed

Stressed

2 Lakes 5 Lakes 4 Lakes NOT STRESSED STRESSED VULNERABLE mg

10/10 sampled lakes in the Upper Black River Watershed have steady phosphorous concentrations.

Benthic Macroinvertebrates

mg

mg

Interior Forest Not Stressed

Atypical

# of Lakes Sampled: 4 50% Typical

50% Atypical

LAND 59% OF

Invasive Species

IS INTERIOR FOREST

Not Stressed

23,201

Invasive species reported in this watershed: • • •

HECTARES OF INTERIOR FOREST

Phragmites Giant Hogweed Japanese Knotweed

Species At Risk Not Graded

Fragmentation Vulnerable Size of Patches:

There are 4 species at risk in the Muskoka Watershed and the Branched Bartonia is one of them!

200 - 499 ha 500 - 4,999 ha 5,000 - 9,999 ha

Climate Change Vulnerable

10,000+ ha

Lakes in Muskoka today have appoximately 3 weeks less winter ice cover than in 1975.

86% OF LAND

IS NATURAL AREA

14% OF LAND

Summer water temperatures in Muskoka’s lakes are 0.5°C warmer on average than in 1980.

IS FRAGMENTED

Dive deeper into the story map at www.muskokawatershed.org/reportcard-story-map


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