WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - WATER SAFETY - April 17, 2026

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - WATER SAFETY
DATE: APRIL 17, 2026
TIME:  10:30 am

Message sent on the basis of information received from:

Based on information from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources - Surface Water Monitoring Centre, Kawartha Conservation is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety, in effect until April 21, 2026.

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FLOOD WATCH – LAKE SHORELINE NOTICE - April 13, 2026

FLOOD WARNING - LAKE SHORELINE NOTICE
DATE: APRIL 13, 2026
TIME:  3:25 pm

Message sent on the basis of information received from:

Based on updated information from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources - Surface Water Monitoring Centre, Kawartha Conservation is upgrading from a Flood Watch – Lake Shoreline Notice to a Flood Warning - Lake Shoreline Notice on Monday April 13, 2026, through to Tuesday, April 21, 2026. This Flood Warning applies to the shoreline areas of the following waterbodies:

  • Balsam Lake
  • Cameron Lake
  • Sturgeon Lake
  • Pigeon Lake
  • Lake Scugog
  • Crystal Lake
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Trail and Facility Conditions Update - Ken Reid Conservation Area

Due to saturated ground conditions, localized flooding, and additional rainfall in the forecast, portions of Ken Reid Conservation Area are currently impacted.

Effective immediately:

  • The Pond Loop Trail is temporarily closed
  • All other trails are flooded or partially flooded and should be used with caution

Ken Reid Conservation Area will remain open; however, visitors are advised to use caution when accessing the property and be aware of wet and flooded trail conditions throughout the site.

Conditions will continue to be monitored throughout the week, and impacted areas will reopen as conditions improve and it is safe to do so.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to protect visitor safety and park infrastructure during this period of wet weather.

Citizen Science

Citizen science is a collaborative effort where the public participates in scientific research. At Kawartha Conservation, we work with Citizen Scientists on a number of different programs. If you are interested in participating in one of the following programs, please sign up below. This data collection can cover a wide range of fields at Kawartha Conservation. Citizen science projects benefit from the large number of participants, allowing researchers to gather information over vast areas or for extended periods. In addition to aiding scientific discovery, citizen science also fosters public engagement with science and educates participants about the scientific process.

At Kawartha Conservation, we work with Citizen Scientists on a number of areas in various environmental monitoring projects and programs such as water quality, frog and amphibian surveys, bird surveys and many other applications.
Current projects

Learn about the current citizen science conservation projects.

The Community Science Program is an exciting initiative by Kawartha Conservation that invites you to take an active role in protecting the lakes we cherish. This program focuses on nearshore water quality on waterbodies within Kawartha Lakes, including Balsam, Cameron, Sturgeon, Pigeon, and Lake Scugog (the north end of the lake).

As a Community Science Program volunteer, you will collect water samples which will be used to analyse E.coli, nitrates, total phosphorus, and chloride, while also recording important water quality parameters such as water temperature and conductivity.

Sampling takes place once a month from May to September, and participation is designed to fit into your routine seamlessly: just prepare your samples and leave them at your front door for Kawartha Conservation staff to pick up in the morning.

Volunteers are fully supported with all the training and equipment needed to participate. By joining, you’ll contribute to vital water quality research and help create a healthier future for our lakes. Your efforts will provide key insights into seasonal trends and help inform management decisions to protect our beautiful lakes.

This is your chance to get involved and make a meaningful impact. Sign up today and join a community of citizen scientists working together to preserve the beauty and health of our waters for generations to come.

Read our 2025 Community Science Report

Read our 2024 Community Science Report.

For more information contact:

Galen Yerex 
Floodplain Mapping/GIS Technician
gyerex@kawarthaconservation.com
705-328-2271 ext. 237

Links to external Citizen Science programs

Through education, research, advocacy, and hands-on stewardship, KLSA works to protect the Kawartha Lakes, enhance water quality, and support sustainable practices. Our efforts help to ensure the long-term ecological balance of the lakes, making them a vibrant resource for future generations.

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has partnered with the Federation of Cottagers Association to collect important water quality data on inland lakes from May to October of each year. This long term monitoring program has been ongoing since 2002.

Lake Partner Program Data

Ontario Nature is the leader in this citizen science based data collection program. The program welcomes birder skills of all levels to count as many different species, and individuals of those species, as possible over the course of a single day. The data is entered into a provincial database. 

Contact Us

Kawartha Conservation
277 Kenrei Road
Lindsay, ON K9V 4R1
Tel: 705.328.2271
Fax: 705.328.2286

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