2026 Work in progress

WHAT THE LAKE STEWARDS ARE WORKING ON.

As at:  July 4, 2026

  • Prepared responses and advocated at the municipal, regional and provincial level for the best interests for the  management of the lake and its watershed:  Successful municipal rejection of the Avenu Properties MZO application, response to the provincial government re. consolidation of the conservation authorities, Township large scale Fill By-Law, report for the municipality on infill housing around the lake, report on the use of the herbicide ProcellaCOR FX in the lake and response to the municipality regarding the permit to take water — 1078815. Now looking at 2 infill sites for compliance with the new Township bylaw.
  • Helped fund 3 new fishing shoals with Kawartha Conservation in the Winter. They proved to be being used this spring.
  • Collecting together all published and unpublished research data regarding Lake Scugog from all our partner institutions to ensure relevant information is not lost.
  • Working with Hutchinson Environmental Services to develop a Lake Capacity Plan for Lake Scugog specifically based on the considerable base of research about the lake. This plan will be a first look at warm water lakes generally, but will look at Lake Scugog in particular and will point out areas that are especially vulnerable. This plan will be presented to municipal and regional governments to guide thinking regarding further development and mitigation of existing problems.
  • Undertaking a Community Survey to identify what is of greatest importance regarding the lake and its preservation in order to guide and 2026-2029 Strategic Plan. (www.LakeScugogSurvey.ca)
  • Hold a minimum of 3 Science Socials to help the community understand the newly determined science about the lake, — the focal point of our economy. (See one advertising poster at right)
  • Actively advocating for wintertime reduction of salt use by the private contractors, homeowners and the municipality, giving alternative solutions. Advocating for the reduction of fertilizers and pesticides for the health of the lake.
  • Funding Kawartha Conservation’s Volunteer Community Science Nearshore Water Quality testing program at 8 nearshore sites in the Scugog Township section of Lake Scugog. These sites include 3 stormwater outfall points to test water quality for total suspended solids, nutrients, chlorides and Oxygen.
  • Conducting mid-lake water quality research with the FOCA Lake Partner Program.
  • Continuing to advocate for the best possible stormwater treatment before it reaches Lake Scugog.  This includes continuing to advocate strongly for the most effective and least expensive new solution for silt, nutrients, chloride and other pollutants emanating from the dual stormwater outlets at Baagwating Park.
  • Advocating shoreline septic system health, and advocating regular tank clean outs, and knowledgeable management through a partnership with Durham Region Health.
  • Strongly advocating the control of invasive Phragmites grass, the #1 bad invasive in Canada, especially at the Kinsmen’s Beach shoreline.
  • Researching methodologies to control invasive species in Lake Scugog such as Eurasian Watermilfoil, Starry Stonewort and Curly  Leaf Pondweed including prevention of new introductions. This included the installation of 4 new clean, drain, dry signs and lesser known boat launch sites over and above previous signs. (see photo at left)  Issuing a public statement indicating the herbicide ProcellaCOR FX is not suitable for Lake Scugog.
  • Holding 3 educational pontoon boat trips per season on the lake with scientists paired with members of the SLS board of Directors, North Durham Nature board members and the Township environmental advisory committee  to encourage direct understanding of the lake and its current state and management requirements.
  • Communicating lake information to the public on a daily/weekly basis through speaking at public meetings, making alliances with other environmental organizations and universities, social media/our website/Lake Discovery Day/Meet me at the Market Days/Published Articles and Newsletters. (We have more than 1,750 followers on social media, and over 160,000 viewers per month on average.)
  • Developing new scholarships for local high school graduates interested following careers in watershed water science.
  • Working on the Scugog Water fund Committee, the Low Water Committee and the shoreline naturalization stewardship program of Kawartha Conservation.
  • Hosting a Webcam constant video of lake conditions  on this website.