Emily Creek

Emily Creek is a significant watercourse situated between Pigeon Lake and Sturgeon Lake in the Kawartha region. The creek flows northward, passing through the communities of Downeyville and Dunsford, before emptying into the eastern arm of Sturgeon Lake.

The Emily Creek watershed encompasses an area of approximately 161 square kilometers, featuring a total watercourse length of 229 kilometers. The landscape is predominantly covered by coniferous forests, with 40% natural vegetation cover, including 1,335 hectares of forest interior and 52 hectares of deep forest interior.

Notable ecological features within the watershed include several Provincially Significant Wetlands, such as Emily Creek No.2 (1,964.43 hectares), Emily Creek No.8 (266.82 hectares), and Stoney Creek Headwaters (195.35 hectares).Additionally, the area encompasses the Emily River Swamp, an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) covering 1,724.58 hectares.

Environmental assessments indicate that the surface water quality of Emily Creek is rated as good, with total phosphorus concentrations averaging 0.025 mg/L, meeting provincial guidelines.The health of benthic macroinvertebrate communities, as measured by the Family Biotic Index (FBI), is considered fair, with a score of 5.68.Forest conditions within the watershed are rated as fair, while wetland conditions are rated as excellent, reflecting the area's rich natural heritage.

Understanding the characteristics and environmental conditions of Emily Creek is essential for effective watershed management and conservation efforts, ensuring the preservation of its ecological integrity and the health of the broader Kawartha Lakes system.