During the summer of 1970, two intensive bacteriological surveys of Kushog Lake showed the lake to be acceptable for total body contact recreational use. This document is about these study's and more.
Kennisis Lake Shoreline Inventory Project - Phase 2
Author
Amy Tenbult
Host Organization
Kennisis Lake Cottage Owners Association, Cameron Douglas and Jim Prince
Supervising Faculty
Tom Whillans, Environmental and Resource Science/Studies
Reference Number
TP-661
Date
2012
Location of Document
Online
Subject
Environmental Science/Studies
Abstract
The purpose of this project is to perform an inventory of the shoreline on Kennisis Lake using the previously developed and updated "Shoreline Classification Scorecard." This inventory will allow changes to the shoreline and development to be documented over time and the connection to water quality to be monitored. This project will provide KLCOA with information about the overall status of shoreline health on Kennisis Lake as well as help encourage cottagers to take an interest in their impact.
Angelo Pilolla, Brittany Latimer, Vedant Paresh Badheka, Andrew Bunn
Host Organization
Miskwabi Area Community Association, Peter Dilworth
Supervising Faculty
Tom Whillans, Environmental and Resource Science/Studies
Date
2021
Location of Document
on-line
Area
Haliburton County
Subject
Environmental Science, Limnology
Abstract
Lakes in the Haliburton area have experienced an unprecedented amount of Blue-Green Algae blooms that threaten the various lake's water quality. This paper has two main objectives: the first is to identify the various reasons why blue-green algae blooms occur and their impact, the second is to provide various strategies to mitigate blooms. To answer the objective an extensive literature was conducted, this paper attempts to answer the object with published information. Various methods will be discussed in mitigating blooms, such as chemical and physical removal options and prevention strategies.
Fred and Pearl Barry Wetland Reserve Monitoring Protocol
Author
Brandon Johnson, Jasmin Wakeling, Emily Hall, Claire Vandervoort, Alex Atkins
Host Organization
Haliburton Highlands Land Trust (HHLT), Ralph Baehre & Shelley Hunt
Supervising Faculty
Tom Whillans
Reference Number
4936
Date
April 2023
Location of Document
Online
Area
Haliburton Highlands Land Trust (HHLT), Haliburton County,
Subject
Wetland monitoring
Abstract
The Fred & Pearl Barry Wetland Reserve is a 100 acre property that includes
approximately 62 acres of wetland. It was donated to HHLT in 2012 by Dennis Barry.
The property is located at the southern end of South Lake, in the Township of Minden
Hills, Haliburton. The area is located at the headwaters of the provincially significant
wetland, the Kendrick Creek Wetland Complex, which feeds into the Irondale and Burnt
Rivers. In 2021, in cooperation with Glenside Ecological Services LTD this wetland
reserve was designated within a large wildlife corridor, The Highlands Corridor, and was
recognized to have features that are resilient to the effects of climate change. The
wetland reserve’s land was donated in 2012 by Dennis Barry through the Government
of Canada’s Ecological gifts program (HHLT, 2023). Unfortunately, due to the relative
sensitivity of the wetland and the mixed terrain that can pose safety risks to humans, it
is not available to the public
Gull Lake is an inland lake located in Northern Ontario in Haliburton County. The Gull Lake Cottage Association (GLCA) is concerned with the overall water quality of the lake as there has been increased shoreline development. According to Karr and Chu (1999), biological monitoring, measuring and evaluating the condition of a living system, or biota, is the first step in protecting life in waters or anywhere else. Biological evaluations and criteria can redirect management programs towards restoring the maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of aquatic systems. Three sites were chosen along the lake from distance end to end and sampled using the kick and sweep method. Assessments of species richness, species composition, relative abundances of species, and feeding relationships among resident organisms are the most direct measures of determining biological conditions within Gull Lake.
Amphipods were found to be the most dominate species at each site, representing over 50% of the benthic community. Results from functional feeding group analyses revealed that all sampling sites are collector-dominated, representing almost 80% of the benthic community, and were composed primarily of Amphipods. Site 1 was found to have the highest species richness and abundance across the three sites. Sites 2 and 3 species richness and abundance are relatively similar and not far from that of site 1. Based on the results of the Hilsenhoff Biotic Index, water quality is "fair" as determined by macroinvertebrate species assemblages. Studies have found that recolonization of other macroinvertebrates was reduced when Amphipod numbers were high indicating predation or some form of competitive exclusion (Waters, 1964) which could potentially explain why there are such large numbers of Amphipods found across sites sampled on Gull Lake. It is important that factors (such as landscape-level factors such as land use/cover, surficial geology, and surface area or geographic factors such as latitude (Richards et al,. 1997)) are further looked into in order to develop the real reasons as to why Amphipods are in such high abundance within Gull Lake.
Economic Valuation of Water Quality in the Muskoka Region
Author
Evan MacDonald, Nicholas Lymer, Tim Bourne and Alexis Godlington
Host Organization
Muskoka Water Shed Council, Judi Brouse
Supervising Faculty
Tom Whillans, Environmental and Resource Science/Studies
Reference Number
TP-650
Date
2012
Location of Document
Online
Area
Muskoka
Subject
The influences of water quality on the value of waterfront properties.
Abstract
This research project aimed to investigate the influences of water quality on the value of waterfront properties. To do so many different aspects and their associated variables were examined in an attempt to find a correlation between these factors and waterfront values. This project reduced the area being investigated into three watersheds containing different levels of water quality as described by The Muskoka Watershed Report Card 2010. For each of the 3 watersheds lakes were picked that represented varying levels of water quality data. The six lakes this study examined were: Mainhood Lake, Three Mile Lake, Lake Joseph, Ada Lake, Little Long Lake, and Skeleton Lake. To see if there is a correlation between waterfront property values with water quality, a multifaceted approach was incorporated. The specific areas investigated were: water clarity, drinking water quality, fishing preferences, and what factors drive property values.
TP_4830 Lake Kashagawigamog Biomonitoring Report - Invasive Species
Author
Mallory Simpson, Alex Walsh
Subject
Lake Kashawigamog, with over 2000 acres of water, is the central lake in a five lake chain that although surrounded by deciduous and coniferous forest, has its shoreline developed by cottages and resorts. The purpose of this project is to identify the threat of invasive species, their concentration to help improve future water quality management plans for The Lake Kashawigamog Organization (LKO). Six invasive species were recorded using a number of different sampling methods. After reviewing the threat of each individual invading species, recommendations are made on how to properly proceed with managing each of the invasive species in order to maintain a healthy lakes system.
Benthic Project: Water Quality Assessment for Kabakwa Lake
Author
Mandi McMullen
Host Organization
Trent University
Supervising Faculty
Dr. Kaitlyn Fleming
Date
December 2021
Area
Kabakwa Lake
Subject
Benthic Biomonitoring
Abstract
In Kabakwa Lake of Haliburton, Ontario, benthic invertebrate samples were collected via Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network protocol. The purpose of collecting benthic macroinvertebrates was to contribute to a long-term benthos biomonitoring program. Long-term benthic collections for Kabakwa Lake were collected for the first time for 2021. Benthic collections provide insight on the present water quality and if the waterbody is affected by pollution. These can then help build management actions to prevent further contamination of the sites.
The aim of this report will be addressed and accomplished through researching various characteristics (e.g. seasonal water level fluctuations and nutrient composition) of Horseshoe Lake and apex predatory fish that were identified by HLPOA. The report will first review the partnership programs involved in monitoring the health of Horseshoe Lake, particularly through analyzing parameters like total phosphorus (TP), calcium, turbidity, etc. Studies done on oligotrophic lakes with similar characteristics will also contribute to determining the survivability of certain apex predatory fish. The report will then review the life history of the apex predatory fish, which will help determine what type of lake ecosystems they can best adapt to. The effects of fishing pressures will also be identified for the purpose of contributing an understanding of tolerance levels of these fish. Lastly, an analysis of the benefits of wetlands for the survivability of these fish species will be provided to help determine if the provincially significant wetland (PSW) located within Horseshoe Lake will contribute to fish health.
Answers a wide range of questions focusing on: physical characteristics of water both above and below ground; the uses we make of it; how we share and manage it.
Primer also suggests what individuals can do to help conserve water for our use and that of future generations.
Marked recent increases of colonial scaled chrysophytes in boreal lakes: implications for the management of taste and odour events
Author
Paterson, A., Cumming, B., Smol, J., and Hall, R.
Date
2004
Location of Document
E-610
Subject
From the February 2004 issue of Freshwater Biology. Discusses the negative implications of stressors such as climate change, acid rain, and ozone depletion on boreal lakes.
Scaled Chrysophytes as Indicators of Water Quality Changes Since Preindustrial Times in the Muskoka-Haliburton Region, Ontario, Canada
Author
Paterson, M., Cumming, B., Smol, J., and Hall, R.
Date
2001
Location of Document
E-608
Subject
Scaled chrysophytes preserved in
]]>https://database.ulinks.ca/items/show/4926
Ontario: A Baseline Study Utilizing
Benthic Macroinvertebrates]]>2022-07-13T13:32:46-04:00
Title
Evaluation of the Health of Halls Lake,
Ontario: A Baseline Study Utilizing
Benthic Macroinvertebrates
Author
Rhianne Crowther
Host Organization
Trent University, The Halls and Hawk Lakes Property Owners Association
Supervising Faculty
Dr. Kaitlyn Fleming
Date
December 2021
Location of Document
Online
Subject
Environmental Science
Abstract
Through assessing the quality of Halls Lake, we hope to develop a more thorough understanding of its health. We further hope to contribute to baseline data that can be used for long term studies and assessment of Halls Lake by the HHLPOA. While this lake has been sampled in previous years, there is currently not enough data to draw conclusions on any trends in water quality. Therefore, the goal of this study is not only to assess current water quality health, but to add to lake data so that trends and conclusions can be made in the future.
A preliminary report presenting the background information on lakeshore development. Report analyzes land use, and presents the findings from the Land Use Model.
Objective is to assist council in the formulation of policies and regulations aimed at
Using Benthic Invertebrates to Determine Lake Health in Haliburton Highlands, Ontario
Author
Shelby Walters
Host Organization
Trent University, the Halls and Hawk Lakes Property Owners Association
Supervising Faculty
Kaitlyn Fleming
Date
2021-2022
Area
Haliburton Highlands
Subject
Applied Biomonitoring
Abstract
Trent University has partnered with U-Links Centre for Community-Based Research to prepare this study for the Halls & Hawks Lake Property Owner’s Association. The association, which released its initial Lake Management Plan in 2006, has identified the need for a long-term benthos biomonitoring program. This biomonitoring program is intended to assist the association and community partners in gaining a better understanding of the health of their lakes and to provide baseline data for future studies. The Halls & Hawks Lake Property Owner’s Association defines their vision as “a place where water quality, wildlife habitat, natural beauty, recreational opportunities, peace and tranquility are maintained and improved for present and future generations to enjoy” in their 2006 Lake Management Plan Executive Summary.
Trent University, Gull Lake Cottagers Association, Mike Thorne
Supervising Faculty
Brendan Hickie
Date
2021-2022
Location of Document
Online
Area
Gull Lake
Abstract
The research aimed to achieve a better understanding of the overall health of Gull Lake as it stands currently. In addition, the results of this project will contribute to the baseline data required to produce any trends in the benthic composition necessary to gain a better understanding of Gull Lake’s long-term health. This project is the third study to be completed out of a total of 5 studies for 2 the purpose of creating a baseline data set to be used for identifying any significant changes in Gull Lake’s biological health in the future as well as help to establish best management practices.
Tom Whillans, Environment and Resource Science/Studies
Reference Number
TP-4851
Date
2019
Area
Haliburton County
Abstract
Wetlands are a vital part of Canada's, especially Haliburton County's local natural heritage, thus The Haliburton Highlands Land Trust is working to maintain these important habitats. The purpose of this report is to identify five main types of wetlands in this geography and demonstrate how important they are to wildlife and humans alike. Management strategies are explored for each specific type of wetland and recommendations as to how the Land Trust can protect these areas while utilizing there natural beauty is explored.
Impacts of Marinas on the Water Quality and Aquatic Ecosystems of Stoney Lake
Author
Taylor Howe and Charlotte Bastien
Supervising Faculty
Professor Tom Whillans
Date
February 2022
Location of Document
Online
Area
Stoney Lake
Subject
Impacts of Marinas on Water Ecosystems
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to determine the impacts recreational marinas have on the water quality and aquatic ecosystems of Stoney Lake. The construction of marinas, maintenance of vessels and buildings, as well as increased boat traffic all contribute to the impacts. The key risks posed by marinas that are explored include water toxicity, pollutant concentrations in aquatic organisms, increased erosion rates, eutrophication, pathogen levels and spreading of invasive species. This research provides recommendations to mitigate these potential effects as well as future research and monitoring that is needed to address the problems identified.
Environmental Science / Studies Water Science Chemistry
Abstract
This project examines water quality parameters for Kennisis Lake. The data examined related to phosphorus, Chlorophyll-A, Secchi depth, and brief discussion of other factors such as macrophytes. The data is represented graphically, and discussed throughout the body of the report. Results are not a cause for great concern. However, lag times between changes in the watershed and changes observed in water quality are to be expected.