The total watershed area is 73 km² or 7,292 ha and the total watercourse length is 109 km.
Fleetwood Creek
Fleetwood Creek, located within the Oak Ridges Moraine, is a vital watercourse in the Kawartha region.Originating just north of Pontypool Road, the creek flows northward, eventually merging with the Pigeon River at Windy Ridge Conservation Area.
The Fleetwood Creek watershed encompasses approximately 73 square kilometers, featuring a total watercourse length of 109 kilometers.The landscape is predominantly covered by mixed forests, with 58% natural vegetation cover, including 957 hectares of forest interior and 202 hectares of deep forest interior.
Significant ecological features within the watershed include the Pigeon River #23 Complex, a Provincially Significant Wetland covering 939 hectares, and the Fleetwood Creek Headwaters, an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) candidate spanning 555 hectares.
Environmental assessments indicate that the surface water quality of Fleetwood Creek is rated as excellent, with total phosphorus concentrations meeting provincial guidelines.The health of benthic macroinvertebrate communities, as measured by the Family Biotic Index (FBI), is also considered excellent.Forest conditions within the watershed are rated as excellent, reflecting the area's rich natural heritage.
Understanding the characteristics and environmental conditions of Fleetwood Creek is essential for effective watershed management and conservation efforts, ensuring the preservation of its ecological integrity and the health of the broader Pigeon River system.
Watershed characteristics
Learn about the characteristics of the Fleetwood Creek watershed.
The dominant forest type is mixed forest including:
- Forest interior: 957 ha
- Forest deep interior: 202 ha
- 58% natural cover
Provincially Significant Wetlands: Pigeon River #23 Complex: 939 ha
Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) - Life Science
- Fleetwood Creek Headwaters (ANSI candidate): 555 ha
- Fleetwood Kames: 506 ha
ANSI - Earth Science: Omemee Esker South: 307 ha
Environmental conditions
The following grades show the environmental conditions for the Fleetwood Creek watershed.
| Indicator | Result | Grade | Status |
|
Total phosphorus |
0.019 mg/L |
A |
Excellent |
|
Benthic macroinvertebrates |
5.29 (FBI) |
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.
| Indicator | Area cover | Percent cover | Grade | Status |
|
Forest cover |
32.6 km² |
44.7% |
A |
Excellent |
|
Forest interior |
9.7 km² |
13.4% |
A |
Excellent |
|
Forested riparian cover |
3.6 km² |
56.5% |
B |
Good |
The combined forest conditions grade for Fleetwood Creek is ranked as excellent.
| Indicator | Area cover | Percent cover | Grade | Status |
|
Wetland cover |
8.8 km² |
12.0% |
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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