Using Benthic Invertebrates to Determine Lake Health in Haliburton Highlands, Ontario

Using Benthic Invertebrates to Determine Lake Health in Haliburton Highlands, Ontario

Shelby Walters

Trent University, the Halls and Hawk Lakes Property Owners Association

Kaitlyn Fleming

2021-2022

Haliburton Highlands

Applied Biomonitoring

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.