Nonquon River

The Nonquon River, located southwest of Lake Scugog, is a vital watercourse within the Kawartha region. Originating from the Oak Ridges Moraine, the river flows northward into the western basin of Lake Scugog, east of the town of Seagrave.

The Nonquon River watershed encompasses approximately 145 square kilometers, featuring a total watercourse length of 169 kilometers. The landscape is characterized by 39% natural vegetation cover, predominantly coniferous forests. This includes 916 hectares of forest interior and 123 hectares of deep forest interior, providing essential habitats for various plant and animal species.

Significant ecological features within the watershed include several Provincially Significant Wetlands, such as the Nonquon River #7 Wetland (1,974 hectares), the Nonquon River Headwater Wetland Complex (103 hectares), and the Nonquon River Mouth Wetland Complex (171 hectares). Additionally, Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) like the Nonquon Headwaters (612 hectares) and the Nonquon River Wetlands (2,480 hectares) highlight the region's ecological importance.

Environmental assessments indicate that the surface water quality of the Nonquon River is rated as fair, with total phosphorus concentrations averaging 0.045 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 also rated as fair, reflecting the need for conservation efforts to enhance the area's natural environment.

Understanding the characteristics and environmental conditions of the Nonquon River is essential for effective watershed management and conservation initiatives, ensuring the preservation of its ecological integrity and the health of the broader Lake Scugog ecosystem.