Natural Heritage
Natural heritage is an important part of the watershed’s economic base, the lifestyle of its residents and its environmental integrity. Access to and appreciation of nature also has significant community health benefits.
The Severn Sound watershed:
- Is the gateway to the Trent-Severn Waterway, receiving the discharge of the Severn River as it flows into Georgian Bay through the Sound.
- Forms the gateway to Georgian Bay’s 30,000 Islands and beyond.
- Lies on the divide between the Precambrian Shield and the Paleozoic geological regions, ranging from exposed bedrock to areas with over 200 meters of overburden.
- Contains 6 main rivers and creeks that drain into Severn Sound (Copeland Creek, Wye River, Hog Creek, Sturgeon River, Coldwater River, North River). Dozens of tributaries branch out from these rivers.
- Has four major wetlands – Copeland Forest, Matchedash Bay, Wye Marsh and Tiny Marsh – and many other provincially and locally significant wetlands.
- Has three large inland lakes: Bass Lake, Orr Lake and Little Lake.
- Includes hundreds of kilometers of extensive shoreline areas, inlets and bays along the Severn Sound coastline supporting one of the most divers ecological systems on the Great Lakes.