Climate change

Climate change is of special importance to Lake Scugog. As temperatures have risen, this means that ice forms later in the season and leaves earlier in the year. This allows the lake to warm up faster and aquatic plants and algae to get an early start on their growth cycle. Most aquatic native species work within a certain temperature and water quality range. As some species find life more difficult, other species — some of which we do not want to encourage — thrive.

Reduction of Nutrient Loads

Nutrient loads entering the lake must be reduced. This means our local council must concentrate on better infrastructure and infrastructure management to improve stormwater before it runs off into the lake conforming to new standards that take greater risks of large storms into consideration. This means we all must be planting more native trees and restoring forests to absorb and process the nutrients, especially close to the shoreline of the Lake. This means that Health Departments must step up and find solutions for good septic systems on small lots — they do exist. This means that we have to stop using city landscaping ideas here in the country, no fertilizers needed for grass or perennial beds. Every one of us needs to keep the water that lands on our property; allowing that water to sink in to the soil and be cleaned and slowly released into the lake.  All of these things will not only help the lake but a healthy lake will add to our property values, our enjoyment and our pride.  See our video with Kawartha Conservation on good property design and maintenance for you and for the lake.