Staples River

The Staples River is a notable watercourse located southwest of Balsam Lake in the Kawartha region. Originating near the intersection of Glenarm and Kirkfield roads, the river flows northward into Balsam Lake, contributing to the lake's hydrology and ecological diversity.

The Staples River watershed encompasses approximately 48 square kilometers, featuring a total watercourse length of 67 kilometers. The landscape is characterized by 33% natural vegetation cover, predominantly mixed forests. This includes 228 hectares of forest interior and 19 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 Balsam Lake 01 (367 hectares), Balsam Lake 07 Complex (100 hectares), Balsam Lake South Bay No.42 (10 hectares), and Staples Creek (34 hectares). Additionally, Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) like the Cobourg Hill No.1 Railway Cut (0.52 hectares) and Cobourg Hill No. Middle Road Cut (0.76 hectares) highlight the region's ecological importance.

Environmental assessments indicate that the surface water quality of the Staples River is rated as fair, with total phosphorus concentrations averaging 0.031 mg/L, slightly 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 poor, reflecting the need for conservation efforts to enhance the area's natural environment. 

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