Otonabee Conservation 2023 Watershed Report Card
Otonabee Conservation 2023 Watershed Report Card
Otonabee Conservation 2023 Watershed Report Card
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WHERE
ARE WE?
Otonabee Conservation was established in 1959 and is a member of Conservation Ontario. There are
36 conservation authorities across the province that protect the environment on a watershed basis.
Land and water resources are interconnected, so managing these resources on a watershed basis
is recognized as the best way to protect the environment.
What is a Watershed?
A watershed is an area of land drained by a creek or stream into a river, which then drains
into a body of water such as a lake or pond. Everything in a watershed is connected.
Our actions upstream can affect conditions downstream. Data from 12 subwatersheds
with the Otonabee Region watershed was used to report on the indicators below.
Why Measure?
Measuring helps us better
understand our watershed. We can
target our work where it is needed Groundwater Surface Water Forest Wetland
and track progress. We measured: Quality Quality Conditions Conditions
GRADING
A Excellent
3
GRADE
Otonabee Conservation
SURFACE WATER QUALITY B
Surface water is found in our lakes, rivers, creeks, streams, and wetlands. It is a key component
of our environment and contributes to human health, wildlife habitat, and the economy.
Two indicators were used to assess surface water quality: phosphorus and benthic
macroinvertebrates (small aquatic organisms living in bottom sediments).
Phosphorus is a nutrient that occurs both naturally and from human activities. At high levels
it can trigger algae blooms, choke waterways with plants, and deplete oxygen levels in water.
• More developed
subwatersheds received
lower grades, indicating that
urbanization may be impacting
surface water quality.
watershedcheckup.ca 4
GRADE
Otonabee Conservation
FOREST CONDITIONS B
Forests provide many benefits including habitat, clean air and water, reduced flooding and
erosion, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Forests also make watersheds more resilient to
climate change impacts. Forest health can be negatively impacted by urbanization, agriculture,
invasive species, and disease.
Three indicators were used to assess forest conditions: forest cover, forest interior, and
forested riparian (shoreline) cover.
Environment Canada recommends a minimum of 30% forest cover to sustain the natural
biodiversity and environmental services that forests provide.
Forest interior is the area located 100 metres or more from the forest edge,
providing shelter for sensitive species - a minimum of 10% is recommended.
• 50% of subwatersheds
received an A grade for
forest conditions.
watershedcheckup.ca 5
Otonabee Conservation * NOT
GRADED
GROUNDWATER QUALITY
Groundwater is precipitation that has infiltrated the ground to fill spaces and cracks in soil,
sand, gravel, and rock. It is found beneath the earth’s surface within saturated layers of
porous rock or sediment called aquifers, which are an important source of drinking water.
Groundwater plays an important ecological role by replenishing wetlands, creeks, streams,
rivers, and lakes.
Nitrogen occurs naturally in groundwater as nitrate and nitrite. Additional sources of nitrogen
can include septic systems and fertilizer. The Ontario Drinking Water Quality Guideline for
nitrate and nitrite (as nitrogen) is 10 mg/L.
watershedcheckup.ca 6
Otonabee Conservation * NOT
GRADED
WETLAND COVER
Wetlands are a critical component of a healthy watershed that is resilient to climate change.
They contribute to a healthy watershed by providing habitat for birds, amphibians, and
reptiles, including Species at Risk. Wetlands are nature’s sponges, helping to reduce flooding
by storing water and releasing it slowly during dry periods. Wetland plants also act as filters to
improve water quality by removing contaminants from water.
Wetlands throughout the Otonabee Region watershed are determined using Provincial
data and air photos. Wetlands are evaluated with criteria from the Ontario Wetland
Evaluation System, which is a standardized, science-based ranking system used to
determine their significance.
• Otonabee Conservation
owns over 2,500 hectares
of wetland including 17
different Provincially
Significant Wetlands.
watershedcheckup.ca 7
DID YOU
KNOW?
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HOW CAN WE
ENHANCE THE
WATERSHED?
• If you own a well, make sure it is in good condition with regular inspections.
Land Stewardship
• Participate in a community clean up or tree planting event.
• Get outside and visit a Conservation Area, park, or local natural area.
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CLIMATE
CHANGE &
PUBLIC HEALTH
Climate Change
Climate change introduces stressors on our watershed including drought, flooding, disease,
invasive species, and more frequent extreme weather events.
The four indicators measured in this watershed report card are affected by climate change
in some of the following ways:
Public Health
Healthy ecosystems are essential for human health and provide many benefits.
It is widely known that we gain physical and mental health benefits from having access
to natural areas and biodiversity. Otonabee Conservation’s programs support resilient
ecosystems and contribute to healthy forests, water, wetlands, and people.
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Do you have questions not answered by this summary document?
Please contact us for more information:
Otonabee Conservation
250 Milroy Drive, Peterborough, ON K9H 7M9
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: otonabeeconservation.com
Phone: 705-745-5791
The Watershed Report Card is available online and in other formats upon request.