Martin Creek South

Martin Creek South is a notable watercourse located southwest of Cameron Lake in the Kawartha region. Originating near the western end of Chambers Road, the creek flows northeast, passing under Highway 35, and empties into Cameron Lake at Sacket Bay.

The Martin Creek South watershed encompasses approximately 42 square kilometers, featuring a total watercourse length of 43 kilometers.The landscape is characterized by 52% natural vegetation cover, predominantly mixed forests.This includes 703 hectares of forest interior and 79 hectares of deep forest interior, providing essential habitats for various plant and animal species.

Significant ecological features within the watershed include the Cameron Lake No.6 Provincially Significant Wetland, covering 1,269 hectares, and the Martin Creek Swamp, an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) spanning 1,447 hectares. These areas play a crucial role in maintaining regional biodiversity, water quality, and flood regulation.

Environmental assessments indicate that the surface water quality of Martin Creek South is rated as fair, with total phosphorus concentrations averaging 0.041 mg/L, exceeding the provincial objective of 0.03 mg/L for rivers and streams.The health of benthic macroinvertebrate communities, as measured by the Family Biotic Index (FBI), is considered fair.Forest conditions within the watershed are rated as good, reflecting the area's rich natural heritage.

Understanding the characteristics and environmental conditions of Martin Creek South is essential for effective watershed management and conservation efforts, ensuring the preservation of its ecological integrity and the health of the broader Cameron Lake ecosystem.