Lakehead Conservation compiled information on several watersheds within our jurisdiction this year. Ten small watersheds east of the MacKenzie River in Shuniah Township were studied. The creeks start in the hills north of Highway 11-17 and flow 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 watercourses overall represent healthy ecosystems. Residential development occurs along the highway and numerous sideroads that lead down to the shoreline. Only a handful of commercial properties are located within the watersheds. Hydro corridors, the TransCanada Highway, a natural gas pipeline and two railway lines cross the watersheds.

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