Lakehead Conservation compiled information on the Blende River watershed in Shuniah Township this year. Blende River flows from hills near Highway 11-17 and south to Lake Superior.

As has been done in our other studies, Conservation staff undertook water quality testing and sampling of the aquatic life. Staff collected information on land use, zoning, stream crossings and erosion sites to use on computerized watershed maps.

The river represents a healthy ecosystem. Residential development occurs along the highway and township roads. Only a handful of commercial properties are located within the watershed. Hydro corridors, the TransCanada Highway, a natural gas pipeline and two railway lines cross the watershed.

The report serves as baseline data that can be compared in the future to detect any changes in watershed characteristics.