Welcome to the Scugog Lake Stewards
Scugog Lake Stewards Inc. is an all volunteer group dedicated to sustaining and enhancing the health of Lake Scugog and its watershed through the promotion of PROJECTS, RESEARCH. EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP. It is a Registered Charitable Organization incorporated in 2003 and audited annually. Your involvement in our work, your actions and your knowledge are critical to the health of the lake.
OUR RESPONSES TO THE PROPOSAL BY THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT FOR THE CONSOLIDATION OF CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES
The following is a link to the Ontario Conservative Governments’ proposal regarding the consolidation of 36 Conservation Authorities into 7 much larger authorities. Scugog would be part of the Eastern Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority (as seen to the left) which would stretch our western borders all the way to the Quinte Region … a very diverse region including 48 municipalities, 7 current CA’s, and 16,100 sq. km. https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/025-1257
Scugog Lake Stewards’ submission regarding this proposal:
Our recommendation is that the province should put a pause on consideration to consolidation of Conservation Authorities. Instead, it should focus on the establishment of a central agency oversight model (as discussed) with immediate focus on addressing the noted issues of inconsistencies and fragmentation in program delivery and policy. ERO-submission-on-CA-regionalization-Final-(1)-PDF
Second submission as part of an important coalition of others:
The Scugog Lake Stewards are very proud to have had our President, Rob Messervey (Retired CAO Kawartha Region CA, Former GM Lower Trent Region CA, Former Manager of the Provincial Conservation Authorities Program of the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) be one of 8 developers of a well considered response to the Provincial Government’s proposal eventually signed by 74 largely ex CAO’s and former provincial staff involved with CA’s.
SCUGOG LAKE STEWARDS’ IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS 2025:
- Please read and enjoy our 2024 Annual Report. 2024 SLS Annual Report FINAL
- Our membership approved Financial Audit report: Scugog Lake Stewards Financial Statements December 2024 (1)
- This is our new Ontario By-law #1 and Letters Patent approved by members January 30, 2025 which fulfils the requirements of the New Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) . New By-Law No.1, Scugog Lake Stewards FINAL New letters patent: 2024.12.10 – DRAFT – Articles of Amendment |(For interest, the new ONCA replaced the old Ontario Corporations Act and applies to most nonprofits incorporated under Ontario law. ONCA provides a modern legal framework for not-for-profit corporations and
- SLS Draft AGM Minutes – Jan 30 2025 (1)Membership meeting specifically held to address our new by-law #1 as required by the new ONCA regulations and requirements.
- MINUTES AGM HELD APRIL 2024
- Board of Directors candidates 2025-2026. https://scugoglakestewards.com/about-the-lake/scugog-lake-stewards-board-directors/
- Our 2024 – 2026 Strategic Plan: SCUGOG LAKE STEWARDS INC. Strategic Plan 2024-2026 FINAL
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER OR BECOME A MEMBER:
Now you can sign up easily to receive our regular newsletter. Just go to the bottom of this or any page of this website and sign in, giving your name and email, OR become a member, at Ilovelakescugog.ca
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WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THE LAKE STEWARDS ARE WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT
As at April 26, 2025
Researching for the development of a possible Lake Capacity Plan to suit a shallow, warm water, highly developed lake such as Lake Scugog.- Collecting together all published and unpublished research data regarding Lake Scugog from all our partner institutions to ensure relevant information is not missed.
- Continuing to advocate for the Lake regarding possible increased shoreline development plans in vulnerable areas. (picture at right, mouth of Cawker’s Creek, site of planned Avenu Development.)
- Working with, and helping fund parts of the Ontario Tech. Biology Lab. macrophyte/chloride parallel studies of Lake Scugog and Lake Simcoe. Having researchers present their early findings to the public through a fall Science Social.
- Undertaking a Community Survey to identify what is of greatest importance regarding the lake and its preservation.
- Working closely and fund Kawartha Conservation’s Volunteer Community Science Nearshore Water Quality program for the Scugog Township shoreline of Lake Scugog. Conduct water quality research with the long standing ‘Lake Partner Program’ run by FOCA.
- Continuing to advocate for the best possible stormwater treatment before it reaches Lake Scugog.
- Advancing shoreline naturalization efforts through supplementary funding for native vegetation for shoreline restoration projects approved under the Scugog Water Fund
- Researching shoreline septic system health, and advocating regular tank clean outs, and knowledgeable management through a partnership with Durham Region Health.
- Studying and working towards controlling the invasive grass, phragmites; the #1 bad invasive in Canada.
- Researching methodologies to control invasive species in Lake Scugog such as Eurasian Watermilfoil, Starry Stonewort and Curly Leaf Pondweed including prevention of new introductions.
- Holding monthly educational pontoon boat trips on the lake to encourage direct understanding of the lake and its current state and management requirements.
- Working with and help fund Kawartha Conservation to construct fish spawning shoals in previously indicated areas around the shores of the lake and its tributaries.
- Studying all the effects that climate change has had on the lake, its life and its water quality.
- Working with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation community to include traditional ecological knowledge in how we manage Lake Scugog.
- Communicating lake information to the public on a daily/weekly basis through social media/our website/Lake Discovery Day/Meet me at the Market Days/Published Articles and Newsletters.
To become a member or donate: See: ilovelakescugog.ca
Click here to view the webcam mounted on the Port Perry Marina.
Our mission is to preserve, protect and enhance Lake Scugog. Like other lakes, our Lake Scugog faces the challenges of invasive species, sedimentation, water quality and lake level issues. It is our job to work with partners to ensure the lake remains healthy and attractive for future generations.
Rob Messervey, President