The total watershed area is 26 km² or 2,605 ha and the total lake area is 14 km².
Cameron Lake
Cameron Lake, located west of Fenelon Falls in the Kawartha Lakes region, is a vital component of the Trent-Severn Waterway.Spanning approximately 14 square kilometers, the lake receives water from the Canadian Shield through the Burnt River, Balsam Lake, and various surrounding creeks and rivers.Water exits Cameron Lake via Fenelon Falls, flowing into Sturgeon Lake.
The Cameron Lake watershed covers an area of 26 square kilometers and features a diverse landscape that includes mixed forests and significant wetlands. Notably, the region encompasses Provincially Significant Wetlands such as Balsam Lake 15, Cameron Lake No.6, and Pearns Creek, which provide essential habitats for a variety of plant and animal species.
Environmental assessments indicate that Cameron Lake maintains good surface water quality, with total phosphorus levels meeting provincial guidelines.The surrounding forest conditions are also rated as good, reflecting ongoing efforts to preserve the area's natural environment.
Cameron Lake offers numerous recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and hiking, allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty and ecological significance of the Kawartha region.
Watershed characteristics
Learn about the characteristics of the Cameron Lake watershed.
The dominant forest type is mixed forest including:
- Forest interior: 47 ha
- Forest deep interior: 16 ha
- 31% natural cover
Provincially Significant Wetlands
- Balsam Lake 15: 205 ha
- Cameron Lake No.6: 7 ha
- Pearns Creek: 0.01 ha
Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) - Life Science: Burnt River Mouth Wetlands: 165 ha
Environmental conditions
The following grades show the environmental conditions for the Cameron Lake watershed.
| Indicator | Result | Grade | Status |
|
Total phosphorus |
0.010 mg/L |
B |
Good |
| Indicator | Result | Grade | Status |
|
Benthic invertebrates |
2.44 |
A |
Excellent |
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.
| Indicator | Area cover | Percent cover | Grade | Status |
|
Forest cover |
7.8 km² |
30.7% |
B |
Good |
|
Forest interior |
1.2 km² |
2.9% |
D |
Poor |
|
Forested riparian cover |
0.7 km² |
28.8% |
C |
Fair |
The combined forest conditions grade for Cameron Lake is ranked as fair.
| Indicator | Area cover | Percent cover | Grade | Status |
|
Wetland cover |
3.7 km² |
14.6% |
A |
Excellent |
Contact Us
Kawartha Conservation
277 Kenrei Road
Lindsay, ON K9V 4R1
Tel: 705.328.2271
Fax: 705.328.2286
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