Returning Natural Depth

Returning Port Perry Bay to a navigational depth

The Lake Scugog Enhancement Project restores Lake Scugog’s appearance by removing invasive plant materials and deepening a variety of locations in Port Perry Bay to a navigational depth (1.8 metres or 6 feet).

Around Port Perry Bay and the municipal boat launch, dredgate will be moved from the bay to the engineered wetland, resulting in a more diverse habitat and more recreational access to Lake Scugog.

Controlling vegetation

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Lake Scugog Enhancement Project removes and sequesters nutrient-laden muck from the lake’s bottom by dredging selected areas in Port Perry Bay.

The lake’s aquatic plant growth is commonly perceived as excessive, because Lake Scugog is nutrient rich and conducive to increased aquatic plant and algae growth.

An overabundance of plants and algae growth significantly reduce the amount of dissolved oxygen available for fish, which can occur when massive amounts of plant material decompose and oxygen-consuming microorganisms feed on the decaying matter.

The Lake Scugog Enhancement Plan includes an ongoing aquatic management plan.

Boating and recreation

A deeper Port Perry Bay leads to more recreational opportunities on Lake Scugog. At a navigational depth (1.8 metres or 6 feet), sailing, kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing, power boating and water skiing are more possible.

At an improved depth, boaters from other areas of the Kawarthas may visit Lake Scugog, as well. More nautical interest generates increased slip and boat rentals for marinas around the lake, as well as shopping and dining in downtown Port Perry.

Repurposing dredgate for the engineered wetland

Another advantage to dredging a localized area of Lake Scugog is the amount of dredged material it provides for the creation of the engineered wetland. The dredgate is filled with excellent nutritional materials ideal for creating the wetland.

Pumping the muck from the lake into the wetland significantly reduces the project’s cost, mitigating the need to ship the material offsite.

Fish habitats / fishing, Community use

Lake Scugog is home to a variety of fish, including muskellunge, smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, carp, bluegill, pumpkinseed and black crappie.

Port Perry Bay’s greater depth will provide more diverse fish and other species habitat especially in winter in that area. The increased depth may also contribute to better dissolved oxygen levels.

Join us in enhancing a vibrant, healthy and fun Lake Scugog

The success of this project requires contributions from many, including governments, foundations, businesses and personal charitable donations.

We are looking for visionaries to join us in caring deeply about Lake Scugog, its ecosystem and the people in its community. Join the Township of Scugog’s journey in environmental leadership and in its commitment to the communities in Scugog.

Get involved today. Contact us at

Phone: 416-409-8296

Email:   lsepfundraising@gmail.com