Friends of the Muskoka Watershed identifies key environmental issues that need tackling

Press release info with Chris edits and original audio recordings

Friends of the Muskoka Watershed has been on the frontlines of research, monitoring, and hands-on efforts to protect the environment in this region and beyond.

Their recent study finds and announcement at the charitable organization’s AGM on June 11 to combat seven key issues only further cements the FOTMW dedication to provide long-lasting positive environmental impacts.

With input from advisors, the board, local experts and using published literature, FOTMW evaluated 14 watershed threats to determine the top seven plans for FOTMW’s focus for the future.

The threats were evaluated for: severity, extent and trend; current government actions; and potential for local community action to help resolve the threat.

At the top of the list are plans to address calcium decline and increasing levels of road salt.

Neil Hutchinson joined Chris on his podcast to chat about road salt. Listen below.

Learn more about calcium decline, and how Daphnia play their part in monitoring watershed health by listening to Chris’ chat with Dr. Norman Yan.

The study of hazardous algal blooms and novel toxic chemicals are on the workplan too.

Tying that all together is a goal to motivate the community to participate in protecting Muskoka. Below is the full list of projects for the next year as announced by FOTMW:

1. Calcium decline has damaged Muskoka forests. We plan to involve the community in
   restoration using wood ash.
2. Calcium decline has reduced forest carbon capture. Working with university researchers, we will determine what impact healthier forests could have on climate change. How much more carbon will forests capture after ash additions?
3. Calcium decline in forests may increase the risk of spring floods. We will determine if an
   increase in calcium will increase forest transpiration, reducing the severity of spring floods.
4. Road salt is damaging many Muskoka lakes. We are identifying the source and raising
   awareness of the issue.
5. Hazardous algal blooms are on the rise. We plan to study their causes so we can better predict occurrences and investigate solutions.
6. Novel toxic chemicals may be damaging our lakes. We will determine if aquatic life is
   threatened and action is needed.
7. Public will and action are needed to protect the environment. Through Citizen Science and
   other projects, we will motivate, educate and provide opportunities for the community to
   participate in protecting Muskoka.
   
   For the full report on the above projects and issues to tackle, visit: https://fotmw.org/our-major-programs/

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