The Muskoka Water Strategy is a framework of integrated and strategic initiatives for the protection of Muskoka's water resources. The purpose of the strategy is to guide and minimize the impact of human activities on water resources; ensure human and environmental health; and preserve the quality of life in Muskoka.
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The District spearheads Muskoka's Water Strategy, through collaboration with the Muskoka Watershed Council and wide variety of stakeholders to protect Muskoka's water resources. Strategy Components The strategy consists of four broad components:
The strategy emphasizes relationship building and resource sharing with other organizations, as well as greater community involvement. As the strategy evolves, it will address any new issues or concerns for Muskoka's water resources and provide a structure for future initiatives. |
The District undertakes several monitoring programs to assess different aspects of Lake System Health, including chemical, biological and physical.
The Lake System Health Program incorporates the best available science and responds to emerging water quality issues, which in turn guides District policies to achieve a holistic and balanced approach to managing Muskoka’s watershed health and shoreline development.
The data collected through the Lake System Health Program is used to identify lakes that are considered vulnerable based on specific water quality indicators, such as confirmed blue-green algae blooms or increasing phosphorus levels. Causation studies may be undertaken for these lakes to identify the likely reason these lakes are experiencing a water quality issue.
Recreational Water Quality Monitoring |
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Biological Monitoring Program |
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Shoreline Land Use Surveys |
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Causation Studies |
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Stewardship and Education |
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