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…

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…

Map of water features in Muskoka.

Water in Muskoka – By the Numbers

By Rebecca Willison. Muskoka – That’s a lot of water – and it all matters! Most maps you see of Muskoka don’t include the full extent of our water resources,…

Caring for Muskoka waterways needs to be similar to how we care for our health.

The kind of integration that keeps our body healthy does not yet exist for managing the Muskoka Watershed. By Geoff Ross. Unless you have training as an ecologist, you may…

Neil Hutchinson

Living in our changing watershed: MWC looks at integration and relationships

This series will include essays on what we as citizens value in our watershed. By Neil Hutchinson. The 2023 Muskoka Watershed Report Card said we need to be wary of…

Bracebridge Bay - Photo by John McQuarrie

Integrated management of the Muskoka River Watershed: Time to get started!

Integrated Watershed Management requires a culture shift in the way we think but is a more effective way to manage our environment and economy. By Kevin Trimble. Muskoka Watershed Council…

IWM Homepage Slider Graphic

Is sustaining the environment really important in Muskoka?

By Dr. Peter Sale. Our municipalities state that conserving and sustaining our iconic environment is a key objective in their Official Plans. Candidates for municipal councils almost universally include the…

Aerial Photo of Huntsville

Our Changing Watershed: How well is our Muskoka environment doing?

In 2023, we see evidence of change according to report. By Peter Sale. Aerial photo of the Town of Huntsville. This summer, the Muskoka Watershed Council is releasing its 2023…