Oak Ridges Moraine Watershed Planning
Background
The Oak Ridges Moraine is a significant landform stretching east-west for 160 km from Rice Lake to the Niagara escarpment. It was formed over 12,000 years ago from the melting of two large glaciers that deposited sand and gravel, creating the magnificent rolling hills, clear lakes and river valleys that we see today.
The rolling hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine
In the Kawartha Conservation watershed, the Oak Ridges Moraine extends across our southern boundary between Lake Scugog and Lake Ontario. It provides many important natural functions, including:
- Groundwater recharge
- Baseflow for streams
- Drinking water supply
- Wildlife corridors
- Large woodlands and interior forest
- Recreational opportunities
- Natural heritage and scenic values
In 2001, the provincial government passed the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, followed by the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (ORMCP). The Act and Plan were established to protect the natural ecosystem and functions of the moraine. The ORMCP requires all upper tier municipalities to produce watershed plans for streams that have headwaters in the Oak Ridges Moraine if development is to occur.
On behalf of the Region of Durham, we are developing watershed plans for Nonquon River, Blackstock Creek, East Cross Creek and unnamed tributaries south of Lake Scugog. Through these watershed plans, we are assessing the current environmental health of the watershed by looking at:
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Our management recommendations will be based on the current conditions of each watershed, and developed in collaboration with various levels of government and local stakeholders.
As part of the watershed planning process, we are currently seeking input from residents and property owners in the areas where we are developing plans. Contact Andrew Hibma at the bottom of the page.
Current watershed planning activities
Nonquon River
A report has been drafted which characterizes the river and surrounding land. It provides details on water quality and quantity, forest cover, ecosystem health, climate, fish habitat, cultural history, geology, ground water and land use. A Technical Review Committee and Community Advisory Committee are using this information to develop management recommendations.
If you would like to join the Community Advisory Committee, please contact Kawartha Conservation below.
Help guide planning activities in the Nonquon River watershed by filling out a survey.
Blackstock Creek
Research is being conducted for a Characterization Report.
East Cross Creek
Research is being conducted for a Characterization Report. See more about the East Cross Creek Aquatic Resources Management Plan.
Help guide planning activities in the East Cross Creek watershed by filling out a survey.
Lake Scugog Tributaries
Research is being conducted for a Characterization Report.
Oak Ridges Moraine Functions
The sand and gravel that make up the Oak Ridges Moraine allow water to easily penetrate into the ground. Precipitation that falls on the moraine reaches the water table faster than in other areas where the soils may be less permeable. For this reason, there are very few streams found on the actual moraine. Instead of flowing across the land, surface water tends to flow into the ground. This inflow adds to the groundwater ensuring there is adequate supply for use and maintaining natural systems.
Water that moves into the moraine also contributes to many of the major river systems flowing south into Lake Ontario and North into Lake Scugog and Lake Simcoe .
Water that penetrates the moraine travels downward until it hits a less penetrable layer, forcing the water to travel laterally. The water then comes out of the moraine providing for the headwaters of many creeks and rivers such as the Nonquon River, East Cross Creek and the Pigeon River. Stream baseflow is important because it provides water throughout the year, even when there is no precipitation.
The creeks and rivers fed by the Oak Ridges Moraine support some of the most significant fish populations in Ontario. On the north side of the moraine are Brook Trout, and on the south side are Salmon and Steelhead. These fisheries contribute immensely to Ontario 's recreational fishery – and supporting industries.
The Oak Ridges Moraine acts as an aquifer that stores water underground. This aquifer supplies drinking water to over 250,000 people. Water from the moraine is also used for agriculture, golf courses and ski resorts.
Wildlife corridors and other natural areas
Many wildlife species require connected habitat to thrive. The connections between smaller patches of habitat are called corridors. The Oak Ridges Moraine provides many corridors which connect to the watersheds flowing off of it and naturally vegetated stream valleys between Lake Ontario , the moraine, Kawartha Lakes, Lake Simcoe and beyond. Small, isolated islands of natural habitat rarely contain all the features needed by certain species, especially those with less mobility.
Large woodlands and forest interior
Much of southern Ontario 's forest cover is now comprised of small, scattered woodlands separated by agricultural land, our expansive transportation network and residential areas. Large, continuous woodlands are now very rare in southern Ontario , with those on the moraine being the most significant remaining forests within the GTA. These woodlands provide a unique type of habitat referred to as ‘forest interior.'
An interior forest is surrounded by 100 metres or more of woodland. It provides a specialized habitat for a large number of woodland plants and many species of birds – including migratory warblers and thrushes. A small 10 acre (4 hectare) woodlot will contain less than 1 acre of interior habitat. Nesting pairs of some bird species require up to 5 acres of such habitat for their home range, and will not tolerate other nesting pairs of the same species within their range.
The unique landscape of the Oak Ridges Moraine provides many recreational opportunities that are area close to the majority of Southern Ontario 's population. Some of these opportunities include skiing, golfing, sight seeing, fishing and hiking. An accessible trail system for non-motorized uses is being established across the whole moraine.
Fleetwood Creek Natural Area, Durham East Cross Forest Conservation Area and Pigeon Rivers Headwaters Conservation Area offer spectacular recreational opportunities on the Oak Ridges Moraine, which include non-motorized activities such as hiking, cross country skiing and wildlife viewing.
Cultural heritage and scenic vistas
The societal values of the Oak Ridges Moraine are significant. Located within an hour of downtown Toronto , and stretching across the northern portion of the Greater Toronto Area, the moraine is readily accessible to millions. Families and other day-trippers regularly take this short drive to see the fall colours, take in the rural and forested landscape, as well as stop off at the many farmers' markets and restaurants in the small moraine communities.
For more information, please contact:
Kawartha Conservation
705.328.2271
Additional information about the Oak Ridges Moraine
- Conservation Authorities Moraine Coalition
- Oak Ridges Moraine - Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
- Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation
- STORM Coalition
- Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust
- Oak Ridges Trail Association
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