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Blackstock Creek

Blackstock Creek, located south of Lake Scugog near the hamlet of Blackstock, is an important part of the Kawartha Conservation watershed. Originating from the Oak Ridges Moraine, the creek flows northward into Lake Scugog, serving as a vital watercourse within the region. Spanning approximately 38 square kilometers, the watershed is characterized by a mix of natural features, including mixed forests, wetlands, and areas of ecological significance.

The area supports diverse natural habitats, with notable features such as the Lake Scugog Marsh (Osler Marsh) and other Provincially Significant Wetlands. These ecosystems provide critical habitats for local wildlife and play an essential role in maintaining water quality and biodiversity. The watershed also includes areas of deep forest interior, contributing to its ecological richness.

Blackstock Creek and its surrounding landscape reflect the dynamic relationship between natural processes and human activity. Efforts to monitor and protect water quality, as well as forest conditions, are key to ensuring the long-term health of this important watershed. Blackstock Creek is not only a lifeline for its immediate surroundings but also a contributor to the greater Lake Scugog ecosystem, making it a focus for conservation and stewardship efforts.

A shaded creek flowing through a green forest

View Map Of

Blackstock Creek

Watershed characteristics

Learn about the characteristics of the Blackstock Creek watershed.

The total watershed area is 38 km² or 3,787 ha and the total watercourse length is 60 km.

The dominant forest type is mixed forest including:

  • Forest interior: 147 ha
  • Forest deep interior: 45 ha
  • 33% natural cover

Provincially Significant Wetlands

  • Lake Scugog Marsh (Osler Marsh): 417 ha
  • Lake Scugog Wetland #37: 180.48 ha

Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) - Life Science: Scugog Marsh: 5.38 ha

Additional

  • Greenbelt protected countryside: 25.94 km²
  • Significant Woodlands (Durham Region Only): 698.69 ha
  • Significant Ecological Areas (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Foestry) Other Identified Wetlands: 153.55 ha
  • Environmentally Sensitive Areas: 43.77 ha

Environmental conditions

The following grades show the environmental conditions for the Blackstock Creek watershed.

Surface water quality
Indicator Result Grade Status

Total phosphorus

0.049 mg/L

C

Fair

The surface water quality grade was based on total phosphorous (TP) and/or benthic macroinvertebrates (aquatic insects) family biotic index (FBI). The provincial water quality objective for TP in rivers and streams is 0.03 mg/L and 0.02 mg/L in lakes. These guidelines were set because levels highter than these guildelines provide conditions for nuisance algae and aquatic plant growth. A TP value below 0.03 mg/L (rivers) or 0.02 (lakes) meets the provincial guidelines and is in the B (good) or A (excellent) grade range, while the result for benthic macroinvertebrates must be 5.00 or lower to receive a B (good) or A (very good to excellent) grade.

Forest conditions
Indicator Area cover Percent cover Grade Status

Forest cover

9.4 km²

24.7%

C

Fair

Forest interior

1.9 km²

5.1%

D

Poor

Forested riparian cover

1.3 km²

38.6%

C

Fair

The combined forest conditions grade for Blackstock Creek is ranked as fair.

Wetland conditions
Indicator Area Cover Percent Cover Grade Status

Wetland cover

3.5 km²

9.3%

B

Good

 

 

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