Dog Lake Watershed Riparian and Aquatic Assessment

The West Interlake Watershed Conservation District (WIWCD) has been actively involved in improving the health of the watersheds within the Interlake Region of Manitoba (Figure 1). In 2009 and 2010, the WIWCD completed watershed assessments on the Swan Creek and the Lake Francis Watersheds, respectively (Lowdon 2009 & 2010). Riparian, instream fish habitat, and water quality conditions were the primary parameters examined along with better understanding fish utilization of the tributaries within the watersheds. Utilizing the information collected, the WIWCD has started to tackle the high priority projects identified within the two surveys to help restore healthy riparian zones and improve the water quality conditions currently found with the Conservation District.

The WIWCD, with the assistance from the Manitoba Fisheries Enhancement Fund (FEF), initiated this assessment to gain a better understanding of those issues potentially affecting water quality, in-stream habitat, and the riparian health of the tributaries and drains found within the Dog Lake Watershed. The overall goal of the WIWCD is to design an integrated watershed management plan, in cooperation with all municipalities and area residents, to improve the function of each watershed within the conservation district (Figure 1 & 2). The WIWCD encourages sustainable development practices to assist in creating a healthy watershed, ultimately benefiting all user-groups.

The primary objective of this project was to provide a comprehensive overview of the riparian zones and aquatic habitat conditions found within the Dog Lake Watershed. The assessment was to identify areas within the watershed in need of habitat protection, rehabilitation and/or enhancement. Furthermore, the project will enhance measures in developing a watershed management plan to improve water quality and provide a foundation for understanding the state of the fishery and riparian conditions within the Dog Lake Watershed.

READ Report (Prepared by AAE Tech Services Inc.)

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