NHSRS - All Core Features

Last data update: October 30, 2018 A polygon network spanning across the Lake Simcoe watershed containing natural heritage features that have been identified as critical to the NHS whose protection and longevity are imperative to ecosystem functions and services of the Lake Simcoe watershed. The criteria for these core feature are laid out in the NHSRS document however includes features such as significant woodland, wetlands, natural areas abutting Lake Simcoe, fish habitat and watercourses, and significant valleylands. Please refer to the Natural Heritage System and Restoration Strategy for information. Data collection methods: Ortho-photography from 2013, LSRCA's landcover layer from 2015, and field truth surveys from 2016 and 2017. Landcover and ortho-imagery initially used is now outdated. Refer to section 3.3 in the LSRCA's NHSRS: https://lsrca.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Natural-Heritage-Systems-Restoration-Strategy-opt.pdf

Seven components have been combined to comprise this 'all in one' polygon of the NHS Core.
Information regarding the creation of each component (Watercourse and Fish Habitat, Natural Areas Abutting Lake Simcoe , Shoreline, Wetlands, Woodlands, Valleylands , ANSI) is available upon request.