Hawkers Creek

Hawkers Creek, located north of Sturgeon Lake between Fenelon Falls and Bobcaygeon, is a vital watercourse contributing to the ecological health of the region. Flowing southward, the creek empties into the northeast arm of Sturgeon Lake, playing an important role in the area's hydrology and biodiversity.

The Hawkers Creek watershed spans approximately 52 square kilometers and features 88 kilometers of watercourses. The landscape is dominated by natural vegetation, with coniferous forests covering 59% of the area, including 560 hectares of forest interior and 101 hectares of deep forest interior. These habitats are essential for supporting local wildlife and maintaining ecological balance.

A highlight of the watershed is the Hawkers Creek Complex, a Provincially Significant Wetland covering 538 hectares. This wetland serves critical functions in flood regulation, water filtration, and providing habitat for diverse plant and animal species.

Environmental assessments have rated the surface water quality of Hawkers Creek as fair, with benthic macroinvertebrate community health scoring a Family Biotic Index of 5.68. The forest conditions within the watershed are rated as good, reflecting the area's overall environmental quality.

Hawkers Creek is an important natural resource within the Kawartha Lakes region, and continued monitoring and conservation efforts are vital to preserving its ecological integrity and the health of Sturgeon Lake's broader watershed.