Photo of Finn MacDonald, Taryn van Kooten and Om Patel at MSE2024 – Resilience

It really is possible to take proper care of the Muskoka we love?

By Peter Sale. Finn MacDonald, Taryn van Kooten and Om Patel from Gravenhurst High School, three of the four students who were featured at MSE2024 – Resilience in Bracebridge. Those…

Photo by John McQuarrie

‘We all agree we love Muskoka’: A common vision for Muskoka’s natural environment.

We cannot thrive without understanding how ecological forces, including human actions, shape the world we live in. By Neil Hutchinson. Our past two articles have highlighted the need for setting…

Example chart of monitoring cycles

Environmental Monitoring and Reporting is Not Enough.

The establishment of thresholds that trigger subsequent action is critical to protect the features of Muskoka that we value. By Keith Somers. Most people can identify the features of Muskoka…

Shape the future of our watersheds: Register for the sixth Muskoka Summit on the Environment

By Peter Sale. Take a moment to imagine what you want the Muskoka landscape to look like in forty years — what do you see? For most of us who…

Camping photo by Barb Hutchinson

‘So what?’ The role of adaptive management in the Muskoka watershed.

The process is not trivial, but has the merit (and the need for) involving all interests in the watershed working together in a process of integrated watershed management. By Neil…

Wetland Photo - John McQuarrie

The future Muskoka I would like to see.

By Jeff Lehman. The Muskoka watershed is surely among the most loved environments in our country. Millions of visitors cannot be wrong in finding something truly special — and those…

Save the date ad for the 2024 Muskoka Summit on the Environment

It’s Back, Better than Ever: Muskoka Summit on the Environment 2024

Take a moment to imagine what you want the Muskoka landscape to look like in forty years—what do you see? Join Muskoka Watershed Council on October 4th to shape that…

Photo of a bonfire

Balancing fire protection, recreational esthetics and ecological health

Conifers are more susceptible to wildfire, but the fortunate mix of deciduous trees in our Muskoka forests creates a more resilient ecosystem. By Richard Lammers. Will the warming climate in…

Photo of the Bracebridge Falls

The future Muskoka I would like to see.

In my future Muskoka, buildings are constructed to the greenest standards available, and pedestrians and cyclists rule. By Dr. Peter Sale. The many waterfalls of Muskoka are already providing green…

Attendees at the Municipal IWM Conference held on February 9, 2024

Science is easy, it’s bringing people together to fight environmental problems that’s the difficult part.

Those who say we should delay environmental action until the science is clear are usually seeking to stall action. By Geoff Ross. Participants listen to speakers at the Municipal IWM…

MoReCo Lake Management Framework

Might the time be here for community engagement in lake management?

Lake health is guaranteed by vigilance — by monitoring indicators of current and emerging threats. By Dr. Norman Yan An old lake management model from 30 years ago didn’t make the light…

Flooded Area Photo in Bracebridge Bay

What actions must be taken for Muskoka’s community climate plan?

Muskoka has now experienced more frequent and intense rainfall events, and these increase the risks of flooding, erosion and water quality issues. By Glenn Cunnington. Climate change is no longer…