In This Update Completed Lake Scugog Environmental Management Plan available for download Thank-you Check Your Watershed Day volunteers! Workshop participants take on invasive plants in Scugog Completed Lake Scugog Environmental Management Plan available for download Download Here (PDF, 4.2 MB) Find the latest research on the sources of nutrients within the Lake Scugog watershed and their impacts on the short and long-term health of the lake. We also provide a comprehensive set of strategies based on this research to reduce nutrient loading and help ensure the long-term environmental, economic and social sustainability of the lake and its resources. This will greatly benefit local communities and everyone downstream.   Our research shows that we all have a role to play in protecting Lake Scugog, and that there is no quick and easy solution. A wide range of approaches are required, which we are currently in the process of initiating, including the extension of 'early actions' such as the Scugog WATER Fund, Scugog Connections, the Shoreline Naturalization Program and the Urban Stewardship Program. We are available to make presentations to groups of 15 or more about how you can help with LSEMP implementation activities.   For more information, contact Dave Pridham, Manager, Environmental and Technical Services, at ext. 221 or dpridham@kawarthaconservation.com. For up-to-date information on our progress, please visit www.kawarthaconservation.com/lsemp. Thank-you Check Your Watershed Day volunteers! The data we collected will help keep our watersheds healthy The data collected by 25 volunteers during Check Your Watershed Day on July 17 is an important part of managing the health of the Oak Ridges Moraine and the streams and rivers that flow into Lake Scugog and the Scugog River. The participants took basic measurements, such as stream width, depth and flow, at various sites along East Cross Creek, Blackstock Creek and southern Lake Scugog tributaries. This information will help organizations, watershed managers and landuse planners protect the natural resources in these watersheds. Similar events also took place the same day in other watersheds connected to the Oak Ridges Moraine. A report containing all of the results will be made available in the coming months. Workshop participants take on invasive plants in Scugog Dave Pridham, Kawartha Conservation, leads a discussion on invasive plants. Lively discussion and interest in managing invasive plants made for a great workshop held recently in Port Perry. Many of the over 40 participants shared their experiences with invasive plants, and also heard presentations from Kawartha Conservation and Scugog Connections on the types of plants to watch out for and how to manage them safely. The Weed Inspector for the City of Kawartha Lakes and staff from Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority also participated in discussions. The greatest concern was with dog strangling vine and dangerous giant hogweed and wild parsnip, which have been found growing in the Scugog area. Workshop participants identify wild parsnip along the roadside and learn how it can be managed safely. Refreshments at the workshop were donated by Vos' Independent. Two participants also received beautiful flower planters provided by Century Home & Garden Greenhouses. Invasive plant resources: Giant hogweed Wild parsnip Ontario Invasive Plant Council Invading Species Awareness Program To report a sighting of giant hogweed or wild parsnip in Durham Region, please contact the Regional Weed Inspector with the location and description at the following email address: weeds@durham.ca (Photo attachments of the plant are welcome). In the City of Kawartha Lakes, please call 1-888-822-2225 or contact your local municipal service centre.