Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation
  • The Water
  • Our Work
    • A Sustainability Plan
      • Canada Phosphorus Target Consultation
      • Domestic Phosphorus Management Planning
    • Watershed Forum
      • Sponsors
      • Forum Organizing Committee
      • Kallemeyn Award
      • Wilson Stewardship Award
      • Proceedings Archive
    • Ask an Expert
    • International Coordination
      • International Joint Commission
      • International Multi-Agency Agreement
      • International Watershed Coordination
    • Research Partnerships
      • ECCC Nutrient Science
    • Documents
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Donate
  1. Home
  2. ECCC Science

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) Rainy River-Lake of the Woods Watershed Science Program 2016-2020

An integrated research and monitoring approach addressing water quality conditions and algal blooms in the Lake of the Woods watershed

ECCC’s Rainy River-Lake of the Woods Science Program focuses on enhanced monitoring and improving our understanding of lake conditions and processes. This work will inform solutions to improve water quality, and in particular, approaches to minimize harmful algal blooms.

Since 2016, ECCC researchers have been in the field conducting research to identify the causes and consequences of nutrient enrichment and harmful algal blooms. Researchers have also been building watershed and lake models to help predict the lake’s response to potential phosphorus reduction strategies.

ECCC researchers are collaborating with other agencies and organizations on both sides of the border to support the integration of all science activities and knowledge needed for the sound management of water quality in the Lake of the Woods.

For further information on ECCC’s Science program, please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Water Quality Monitoring in the Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River

P9130029 640pxThere are 2 main projects occurring in the basin. One project is focused on collecting water quality information throughout the Lake of the Woods in the spring and late summer. In addition, water quality information is gathered at key points along the Rainy River throughout the year.

The second project uses an automated water sampler on the Pinewood R. and collects samples at regular time intervals during ice free conditions. Data from this project will contribute to the larger tributary monitoring effort by Catherine Eimers at Trent University.

Read more …

Development of remote sensing tools to identify and monitor algal blooms

Sat 2019 10 20Satellites provide frequent lake-wide observations which enable the detection and tracking of algal blooms on Lake of the Woods. Satellite images and derived bloom products allow us to study the day to day variability of algal blooms on the lake, inter-annual spatial and temporal trends in bloom severity, and further our understanding of the processes acting to drive their occurrence.  Satellite imagery will allow early detection of what are often highly dynamic surface blooms, identifying regions of potential concern requiring more targeted observations. 

Read more …

Algae Studies

thumb Algae1 640The goal of the project is to improve understanding of nutrient dynamics and cyanobacterial and harmful algal bloom (cHAB) occurrences on Lake of the Woods. The focus will be on researching sources, causes, transport, composition, and toxicity of cHABs and improve monitoring throughout Lake of the Woods. Results will document the status, trends, and drivers of blooms, and the risk they may pose, to inform on appropriate management and mitigation strategies.

Read more …

Internal loading from sediments in Lake of the Woods

The project aims to determine the amounts of nutrients, such as phosphorus, that are found in the Lake of the Woods from within the lake and through shoreline erosion. In combination with other studies looking at nutrients coming from rivers and streams, the results will provide a better understanding of sources of nutrients and help guide management to improve water quality in the Lake of the Woods.The results will added to the integrated model for US and Canadian watershed inflows to Lake of the Woods, which will assist to replicate and predict water movement and quality.

Read more …

Loading of nutrients from cottages and other developments to the nearshore of Lake of the Woods

sampling nearshore water near KeewatinThis project assesses whether shoreline developments in Lake of the Woods cause nutrients such as phosphorus, to enter the lake, potentially leading to harmful algal blooms. The focus is nutrients entering from septic systems in areas near the lake. Groundwater and surface water samples are analyzed for various indicators of water quality, including nutrients and wastewater tracers. Comparison of analyses of septic wastewater and groundwater indicate that much of the phosphorus is removed as the wastewater seeps below ground and flows toward the lake. Modeling and interpretation of the data is ongoing.

Read more …

Integrated modelling of Lake of the Woods and tributaries

model prelimresults 300The project aims to develop an integrated model for US and Canadian watershed inflows to Lake of the Woods, to replicate and predict water movements and quality. The model will build a connection between the land and water to better understand the cause and effect of algal blooms. It will determine the effectiveness of risk reduction strategies on the water quality in Lake of the Woods, and help predict the lake's response to climate change.

Read more …

September 29, 2025

2025 Ask An Expert Full Series Lineup

The 2025 series of free “Ask An Expert” webinars returns this fall! Please register for sessions of your choice using the links below. 

If you have ideas for future topics or speakers, please email us with your suggestions! 

 

October 16 @ 1:00 pm CST: "Understanding Bitumen’s Impact on Freshwater"

Dr. Vince Palace (IISD - Experimental Lakes Area)

Register Now!


October 28 @ 1:00 pm CST: "Microplastics and Freshwater Health: Insights from the pELAstic Project"

Dr.Chelsea Rochman (University of Toronto)

Register Now!


November 4 @ 12:00 pm CST: "Microplastics and Freshwater Health: Lessons from the Great Lakes"

Dr. Karen Kidd (McMaster University), Dr. Eden Hataley (Royal Canadian Military College), Dr. Rebecca Rooney (University of Waterloo)

Register Now!


November 21 @ 1:00 pm CST: "Updates on Aqatic Invasive Species (AIS): Zebra Mussels and Decontamination Practices"

Brendan Spearin (Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada), Chris Herc & Michaela Novak (Grand Council Treaty #3 Territorial Planning Unit)

Register Now!


November 25 @ 1:00 pm CST: "A Compelling Story of Successes in Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention"

Doug Jensen (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)

Register Now!


December 2 @ 1:00 pm CST: "Algae and Ice: Exploring the Science and Story"

Dr. Andrew Bramburger (Environment and Climate Change Canada) and Andrew Budziak (Royal Canadian Geographical Society / National Geographic Society Explorer)

Register Now!


Read more …
April 8, 2025

2025 Forum Presentation Recordings Available Now!

Over the two days of the 2025 International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Forum, we heard from nearly two dozen presenters. Missed the event or want to refresh your memory on these presentations? Now you can take in most of the talks as video recordings, available on our website at the link below! 

video 2025 Watershed Forum

March 7, 2024

2025 Wilson Stewardship Award - Doug Franchot

Doug Franchot was awarded the 2025 Wilson Stewardship Award.

The Wilson Stewardship Award is presented by the Foundation to individuals, groups, or projects that have made significant contributions to environmental stewardship in the Rainy-Lake of the Woods watershed through:

  • Education, outreach, civic engagement and participation in stewardship initiatives or program development.
  • Projects or programs focused on protection, restoration, preservation or reduction of environmental impact and development of sustainable practices.

This award is named in honour of its first recipient, Gerry Wilson, in recognition of her contributions to lake stewardship including development of volunteer monitoring programs, civic engagement and education and cooperative approaches between the public, universities and government agencies.

Doug was honoured with this international award in recognition of his exceptional legacy of volunteerism, stewardship, and education across the Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed as a founding member of the Heart of the Continent Partnership, the former Chair University of Minnesota / Northeast Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnership (RSDP) and the Chair of the Koochiching Extension Committee/Koochiching County Board.

Doug has contributed in support of Voyageurs National Park, provided service as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Voyageurs Conservancy and has been a member on the Voyageurs Conservancy Science and Policy Committee.

More recently, Doug’s service and support has been extended to the International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board where he serves as a member, a committee member, and the Community Advisory Group co-chair. Doug was commended for his broad knowledge of the issues facing our watershed, as a valuable resource for stewardship, governance, and public education in our watershed, and for his excellence in connecting partners, advocates, visitors, and volunteers throughout the Rainy-LOW watershed to make our region a better place.

For more information about the Wilson Stewardship Award see: www.lowwsf.com/wilson-award.  

 

Subscribe

Our Work

  • A Sustainability Plan
  • Watershed Forum
  • Ask an Expert
  • International Coordination
  • Research Partnerships
  • Documents

Contact Info

Box 112
Kenora, Ontario P9N 3X1
Canada
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Copyright © Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation 2017
Website Developed and Hosted by JustinWiebe.ca