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Research results of the Rideau
River Biodiversity Project have shown that biodiversity in this
section of the River is good.
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Fish were
most abundant and diverse in this section. Diversity peaked between
Kars and Burritts Rapids because of large cattail beds, inlets and
bays suitable for spawning. |
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Painted turtle,
Chrysemys picta. |
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A shortage
of safe nesting sites and nursery areas for frogs and turtles may
become critical as increased waterfront development eliminates suitable
areas. |
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During
the Project, the density of zebra
mussels, an invasive exotic species, was low to moderate near
Burritts Rapids. Density was higher between Kars and Long Island,
where it was moderate to high. |
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Throughout
the course of the Project, phosphorus
levels were moderately elevated in this section. |
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The
River's lowest levels of E. coli
were found in this section during the Project.
The levels of E. coli
were low enough to permit swimming on most days. |
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Blue iris
(Iris versicolor) at Baxter Conservation Area. |
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The Baxter Conservation Area wetlands
have extremely high aquatic plant diversity and abundance, and
support a variety of fish, frogs, turtles, native freshwater mussels
and birds.
- A musk
turtle, one of the rarest turtles in the Rideau River, was
found in this section. The researchers were delighted to learn
more about this turtle's distribution in the River.
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| See a detailed
map of the Rideau River between Hogs Back and the Rideau Falls. |
Between the Burritts Rapids lock station
and Kars the shore is lined by agricultural fields, forested areas,
parks and wetlands characterized by large expanses of cattails and
marshy inlets.
The shoreline between Kars and the Long Island
lock station is heavily developed by houses, cottages, manicured
lawns and retaining walls.
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