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Open houses on future of Lake Scugog Kawartha Conservation will be holding open houses around Lake Scugog later this month, to present strategies that will help create a healthy future for Lake Scugog and the surrounding watershed. These strategies are based on research findings in a completed draft of the Lake Scugog Environmental Management Plan (LSEMP), which will also be presented. The LSEMP was initiated in 2004 in response to public concerns about elevated levels of phosphorous and nitrogen resulting in degraded water quality, aquatic plant growth and a reduction in fish populations. Five years of monitoring and research were undertaken to develop an accurate picture of where these nutrients have been coming from and how much from each source. Ultra Violet Systems Reverse Osmosis Systems lron/Sulphur/Gas Removal Pumps & Pressure Systems Chlorination & Removal Replacement Filters & Bulbs Service & Repair to All Makes Drilled and Dug Water Well Services Inspections * Upgrades * Decommissioning * Chlorination 36 FOCUS - MARCH 2010 Kawartha Conservation found that agriculture is responsible for 23% of the phosphorous entering Lake Scugog. The good news is that agriculture comprises 53% of the land use in the Lake Scugog water- shed, making it responsible for a lower amount of phosphorous per hectare compared to other sources. Recognizing the progress of this sector over the years, a strategy has been developed to help continue the reduction of nutrient loading from agricultural lands. Kawartha Conservation also identified and measured several other sources of nutrients for which strategies have been developed. These sources include natural sources, responsible for 21.4% of the phosphorous entering Lake Scugog; urban runoff (3.56% of land use), responsible for 18.2%; atmospheric deposition, for 19%; septic systems, for 9.7%; rural road runoff (1.3% of land use), for 6.4%; and the Port Perry Sewage Treatment Plant, for 18%. “The quality and level of re- search in the LSEMP is impressive,” says Rob Messervey, Kawartha Conservation CAO. “It provides a good, solid foundation for moving forward on actions that will effec- tively address the problems.” Open houses will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at each of the fol- lowing dates and locations: * Monday, March 8: Caesarea Community Hall, 3554 Regional Rd. 57, Caesarea ° Tuesday, March 9: Little Britain Community Centre, 9 Arena Rd., Little Britain Wednesday, March 10: Latcham Centre, 121 Queen St., Port Perry During each open house, a brief presentation on the research and strategies will take place at 7 p.m. and again at 8 p.m. There will also be displays and opportunities to talk with Kawartha Conservation staff. More information about the LSEMP can be found at www. kawarthaconservation.com/Isemp.