The total watershed area is 10 km² or 976 ha and the total watercourse length is 27 km.
Rutherford Creek
Rutherford Creek is a tributary located on the northwestern arm of Sturgeon Lake, between Fenelon Falls and Bobcaygeon, extending north to the intersection of Cedar Tree and Bulmers roads. The creek flows southward into Sturgeon Lake, contributing to the lake's hydrology and ecological diversity.
The Rutherford Creek watershed encompasses approximately 10 square kilometers, with a total watercourse length of 27 kilometers. The landscape is characterized by 56% natural vegetation cover, predominantly coniferous forests. This includes 36 hectares of forest interior and 1.8 hectares of deep forest interior, providing essential habitats for various plant and animal species.
Environmental assessments indicate that the surface water quality of Rutherford Creek is rated as fairly poor, with a Family Biotic Index (FBI) score of 6.2, reflecting the health of benthic macroinvertebrate communities. Forest conditions within the watershed are rated as good, highlighting the area's rich natural heritage.
Understanding the characteristics and environmental conditions of Rutherford Creek is essential for effective watershed management and conservation efforts, ensuring the preservation of its ecological integrity and the health of the broader Sturgeon Lake ecosystem.
Watershed characteristics
Learn about the characteristics of the Rutherford Creek watershed.
The dominant forest type is coniferous forest including:
- Forest Interior (100 m): 36 ha
- Forest Interior (200 m): 1.8 ha
- Natural Cover: 56%
None
Environmental conditions
The following grades show the environmental conditions for the Rutherford Creek watershed.
| Indicator | Result | Grade | Status |
|
Total phosphorus |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Benthic macroinvertebrates |
6.2 (FBI) |
D |
Fairly poor |
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 |
4.0 km² |
41.1% |
A |
Excellent |
|
Forest interior |
0.5 km² |
4.6% |
D |
Poor |
|
Forested riparian cover |
0.7 km² |
52.4% |
B |
Good |
The combined forest conditions grade for Rutherford Creek is ranked as good.
| Indicator | Area cover | Percent cover | Grade | Status |
|
Wetland cover |
1.7 km² |
17.2% |
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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