South Lake Scugog

The South Scugog Tributaries are a network of watercourses located just south of Lake Scugog, bordered by the Nonquon River to the west, Blackstock Creek to the east, and the Oak Ridges Moraine to the south. These tributaries flow northward off the Oak Ridges Moraine into Lake Scugog through several unnamed creeks and rivers.

The watershed of the South Scugog Tributaries covers approximately 84 square kilometers, with a total watercourse length of 167 kilometers. The area is characterized by 47% natural vegetation cover, predominantly deciduous forests. This includes 921 hectares of forest interior and 237 hectares of deep forest interior, providing essential habitats for various plant and animal species.

Significant ecological features within the watershed include the Lake Scugog Marsh (Osler Marsh), a Provincially Significant Wetland covering 2,137 hectares, and the Scugog Marsh, an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) spanning 2,271.2 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 the South Scugog Tributaries is rated as fair, with total phosphorus concentrations averaging 0.048 mg/L, exceeding the provincial objective of 0.03 mg/L for rivers and streams. Wetland conditions within the watershed are rated as excellent, with a 25% wetland cover, highlighting the area's rich natural heritage.

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