About

Image of Island Lake that says "KLSA's Mission"

Mission Statement

The Kawartha Lake Stewards Association (KLSA) is a volunteer, non-profit, community science organization composed of seasonal and year-round residents focused on lake water quality and lake health in the Kawarthas. Formed in 2000 after the Walkerton Ontario E.coli incident, we conduct E.coli water sampling in lakes directly and indirectly along the Trent-Severn Waterway. KLSA also conducts other projects and research related to the health of the Kawartha lakes.

 

Our Mission is to conduct research in areas of concern, support activities that improve lake health, and educate the public about the importance of protecting the Kawartha Lakes.

Go to Lakes
A stylized icon of the Kawartha Lakes

KLSA Lakes

Lakes within our area of interest are categorized into three groups: Trent-Severn Waterway  (TSW) lakes, feeder lakes, and associate lakes. This categorization of lakes is useful in that it recognizes the ecological distinctiveness of lakes on the Trent-Severn Waterway versus those that have a varying amount of influence on the TSW and those that are in a very similar climate and geological zone but hydrologically disconnected from the TSW. It doesn’t preclude future program partnerships involving lakes in any of these categories between lake associations and KLSA. In fact, there may be more Associate Lakes in the future.

TSW Lakes : These are lakes on the Trent-Severn Waterway between Mitchell Lake and Katchewanooka Lake inclusive where KLSA has existing or potential program partnerships.
  • Mitchell Lake
  • Pigeon Lake
  • Stony Lake
  • Balsam Lake
  • Buckhorn Lake
  • Clear Lake
  • Cameron Lake
  • Lower Buckhorn Lake
  • Katchewanooka Lake
  • Sturgeon Lake
  • Lovesick Lake
  • Shadow Lake
  • Emily Lake
  • Chemong Lake
  • Silver Lake
  • Little Bald Lake
  • Mississagua Lake
  • Four Mile Lake
  • Big Bald Lake
  • Upper Stoney Lake
  • Lake Scugog
  • Sandy Lake
  • Moore Lake
  • Julian Lake
  • White Lake
  • Coon Lake
  • Big Cedar Lake
A stylized icon representing a group of Directors

Board of Directors

KLSA is led by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for planning and implementing KLSA programs and for governance and financial management of the organization.

Ed Leerdam, Chair/Treasurer

Nogies Creek

Robert Bailey, Vice-Chair

Lower Buckhorn Lake

Sheila Gordon-Dillane, Secretary

Pigeon Lake

Brett Tregunno, Director

Omemee

Kim Ong, Director

Stony Lake

Jacqui Milne, Director

Nogies Creek

Roland van Oostveen, Director

Chemong Lake

Kaleigh Mooney, Director

Peterborough

A stylized icon of shaking hands

Collaboration and Partnership

From its very inception, KLSA recognized the greatest impact could be achieved only by working closely with like-minded volunteers and organizations. 

Local Associations Icon

Local Organizations

We have relationships with the Stony Lake Heritage Foundation, the Coalition for Equitable Water Flow, the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations, PLiiNK, OFAH Invasive Species Awareness Program, Alliance of Clear/Stoney/White/Lovesick Lakes Cottage and Road Associations, The Land Between, Turtle Guardians, Ontario Tech University, Trent University, Fleming College, Kawartha Land Trust, Lake Scugog Stewards, and North Kawartha Lake Stewards Association.

Township Icon

Townships

We have garnered support from the Townships of Selwyn and Douro-Dummer, the Municipality of Trent Lakes ,and the City of Kawartha Lakes, and serve on the Municipality of Trent Lakes’ Environmental Advisory Committee.

Government Icon

Government

Our collaborative efforts include working with federal and provincial government agencies such as the Trent-Severn Waterway (Parks Canada), the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Conservation Authorities

Project Partners

We have undertaken joint efforts with Kawartha and Otonabee Conservation Authorities, Queen’s University, the Environment Council for Clear, White, and Ston(e)y Lake, the Starry Stonewort Collaborative, Watersheds Canada and serve on the Kawartha Conservation Authority’s Community Implementation Advisory Group. Many community and lake associations throughout the Kawarthas participate in our programs and financially support KLSA.

Student Programs Icon

Advisors

KLSA’s scientific advisors have included Dr.Paul Frost, David Schindler Endowed Professor of Aquatic Science, Trent University; Dr. Eric Sager, Coordinator of the Ecological Restoration Program Fleming College, and Adjunct Professor, Trent University; and Dr. Andrea Kirkwood, Associate Professor, Ontario Tech University.

Student Mentorship

KLSA is committed to providing meaningful mentorship opportunities for students. Through hands-on volunteer positions and internships, KLSA helps students gain practical experience in environmental stewardship. KLSA also supports academic growth by publishing research papers in our Lake Water Quality Report, offering a platform for students to share their work with the broader community.

Privacy Policy

In accordance with Federal Privacy Legislation the Kawartha Lake Stewards Association has an appointed Privacy Officer and a Privacy Policy. To review the complete policy

Read more
Scroll to Top