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.