Sturgeon Lake

Sturgeon Lake, situated in the central region of the City of Kawartha Lakes, is an integral part of the Trent-Severn Waterway. The lake receives inflows primarily from the Scugog River to the south and Cameron Lake to the northwest, with additional contributions from several smaller creeks and rivers. Water exits the lake through its northeastern arm at Bobcaygeon, flowing into Pigeon Lake.

The Sturgeon Lake watershed encompasses approximately 144 square kilometers, with the lake itself covering about 46 square kilometers. The area is characterized by 33% natural vegetation cover, predominantly coniferous forests. This includes 225 hectares of forest interior, providing essential habitats for various plant and animal species.

Significant ecological features within the watershed include several Provincially Significant Wetlands, such as Anstonia and Sandy Point (52 hectares), Ellery Bay (76 hectares), Emily Creek No. 2 (76 hectares), Nogies Creek Mouth (1.13 hectares), Sturgeon Lake No. 27 (252 hectares), and Sturgeon Lake No. 26 (453 hectares). Additionally, the Martin Creek Swamp, an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI), spans 0.31 hectares, highlighting the region's ecological importance.

Environmental assessments indicate that the surface water quality of Sturgeon Lake is rated as fair, with total phosphorus concentrations averaging 0.025 mg/L, meeting the provincial objective of 0.02 mg/L for lakes. 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 Sturgeon Lake is essential for effective watershed management and conservation initiatives, ensuring the preservation of its ecological integrity and the health of the broader Trent-Severn Waterway system.