The latest set of Conservation Authority Watershed Report Cards were released across the province on March 22nd to coincide with World Water Day. Every five years, Conservation Authorities report on four resource categories: surface water quality, forest conditions, groundwater quality, and wetland cover. The 2023 Otonabee Conservation Report indicates that the state of natural resources in the local watershed region continue to be graded as excellent to fair.
ORCA’s report card gave waterways under their domain a grade of excellent to fair, with more developed watersheds including Cavan Creek, Squirrel Creek and the Otonabee River receiving the lower grade. Changes in water quality since the previous evaluation were identified in Cavan Creek, which received a grading fair, down from its previous “good” rating. Baxter Creek’s surface water retained its good evaluation. Subwatersheds across the Otonabee Region including Cavan and Baxter Creeks support cold-water habitat, making them less resilient to climate change and other disturbances.
Forests in the region were evaluated on three factors: forest cover, forest interior and forested shoreline cover. In the Forest Conditions category, Cavan Creek, along with Baxter Creek, earned top rating while Squirrel Creek was graded as poor. Overall, the evaluation concluded that forests in the Conservation Authority’s area are healthy, but noted threats of urbanization, climate change and other factors such as invasive species that can impact forest health. Continued effort is required to enhance and maintain healthy forests. ORCA’s annual tree planting program helps build forest coverage in the region. Despite their slow growth, forests provide environmental benefits that begin as soon as trees are planted, and the effect of changes in forest cover will begin to be noticed within five years.
Groundwater quality is precipitation that has infiltrated the ground to fill spaces and cracks in soil, sand, gravel and rock, and lies beneath the surface within saturated layers. Otonabee Conservation collects samples at six Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network wells throughout the watershed. Three of the six groundwater sampling sites in the ORCA region are around Squirrel Creek. Water from all six wells met the provincial standards over the evaluation period.
Approximately 35% of the residents in the Otonabee Region watershed are dependent on groundwater for drinking water. Groundwater feeds cold-water streams that provide habitat for trout and other cold-water species.
Wetlands are a critical component of healthy watersheds, providing habitat for birds, amphibians, and reptiles and contributing to resilience to climate change. They act as nature’s sponges, helping to reduce flooding by storing water and releasing it slowly during dry periods. Wetland plants also act as filters to improve water quality by removing contaminants from water. The Otonabee Region Watershed has 11% Wetland Cover; Environment Canada recommends maintaining a minimum 10%.
Watershed report cards are designed to monitor some of our key natural resources. Conservation Authorities design and implement watershed management programs in partnership with other agencies and all government levels to keep Ontario’s watersheds healthy. Watershed Report Cards can be used to target specific actions that can address issues and improve conditions.
Otonabee Conservation’s 2023 Watershed Report Card is available at otonabeeconservation.com. KG
