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Shoreline
The Importance of Healthy Shorelines
Healthy shorelines are absolutely essential for the vibrant of our lakes and waterways!
They act as nature's filter for pollutants, safeguard against erosion, and create perfect habitats for an array of fish and wildlife.
Shorelines are among the most ecologically dynamic spots on our planet! They teem with life, from plants and microorganisms insects, amphibians, birds, mammals, and fish. The first 10-15 meters of land around lakes and rivers a whopping 90% of lake life, providing a nurturing environment where these creatures are born, raised, and thrive. Plus, these areas boast up to 500% more compared to land further away from the water!
The Functions of a Healthy Shoreline
Help Maintain Clean Water/Water Quality
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The shoreline vegetation that is present on your property is vital in retaining, treating, and filtering surface runoff before it can reach the water. Runoff can contain pollutants such as fertilizers, pesticides, sediment, manure, pet feces, trash, motor fluids (oil, grease, gas), and road salt. These various pollutants have negative effects on our waterways with nutrients acting as fertilizers and stimulating algae and plant growth; pathogens can contaminate your drinking water and sediment impacts fish habitat and nursery areas.
Prevent Soil Erosion
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Shoreline vegetation and plants help keep soil in place with their underground root systems and prevent topsoil from being exposed and washed away.
Reduce Impacts of Flooding
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Well‐vegetated shorelines provide barriers against moving water by slowing the movement of water downstream, and by reducing the force, height, and volume of floodwaters. This allows them to spread out horizontally across the floodplain therefore reducing the potential of damage to your property.
Provide Wildlife with Food and Habitat
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As mentioned above, shorelines are vital to many different animals throughout their development and life. Shorelines protect wildlife from weather and predators; woody debris, such as tree trunks or roots in the water provide cover for fish to hide, basking areas for turtles, and resting sites for waterfowl.
For more info on the Importance of Healthy Shorelines
Also check out Watersheds Canada site in Planing for our Shorelands
Shoreline Develpment
Ontario Regulation 153/06 prohibits or restricts development and site alterations near water and wetlands to protect you and the public from flooding, erosion and other hazards.
You may require a permit from the MVCA if your project is:
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in the channel of a watercourse or drain, in a lake, pond or a wetland
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within 15 m of a floodplain, slope and meander hazard
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within 120 m of a provincially significant wetland
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within 30 m of all other wetlands greater than 0.5 ha.
Activities requiring approval within regulated areas include:
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construction, reconstruction or placing a building or structure of any kind
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any change to a building or structure that changes its use, increases its size or increases the number of dwelling units
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grading of the site
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temporary or permanent placing, dumping or removal of material originating on site or elsewhere
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alteration to watercourses (including municipal drains); bridges, culverts and other infrastructure; and channel and shoreline alterations
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all works in the water, e.g. docks, boathouses, dredging, etc.
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filling, construction or alteration of floodplains, wetlands, shorelines and waterbodies can result in increased upstream or downstream flooding, reduced water quality, destruction of fish and wildlife habitat or other environmental problems. When considering whether to grant a permit under these regulations, the MVCA considers not only the individual application, but also the long-term impacts within the watershed.
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Shoreline Remediation
The Natural Edge - Does Your Waterfront Property have a Natural Edge?
Waterfront properties are among the most beautiful – and most valuable – places to live. With the serene water, the clear night skies, and fishing and swimming right out the backdoor, they’re the perfect place to live, relax, and enjoy with friends and family.
Shorelines are also among the most important places on earth for wildlife. Throughout their lifetimes, over 90% of aquatic wildlife species use these land-water interfaces for food, shelter, breeding, and rearing areas. Healthy layers of
vegetation including trees, shrubs, ground cover, grasses, flowers, and aquatic vegetation benefit wildlife, protect these shorelines from degrading, and support natural processes that are essential to a healthy watershed.
With the growth of new cottage developments, cottage-to-home conversions, and commercial and industrial developments along shorelines, these sensitive areas are threatened. With the loss of natural vegetation, several benefits to the lake are compromised, including water clarity and quality, safe swimming areas, and loss of wildlife habitat.
To find out more on how to remediate your shoreline checkout Watersheds Canada's Natural Edge Program
Do's and Don'ts
Shoreline remediation is essential for restoring and protecting aquatic ecosystems, preventing erosion, and improving water quality. Here are some dos and don'ts to consider when undertaking shoreline remediation:
Do's:
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Do Assess the Site: Conduct a thorough assessment of the shoreline to understand the specific issues, such as erosion, pollution, or invasive species. This will help inform your remediation strategy.
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Do Use Native Plants: Incorporate native vegetation in your remediation efforts. Native plants are better suited to the local environment, provide habitat for wildlife, and help stabilize the soil.
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Do Implement Erosion Control Measures: Use techniques such as bioengineering, coir logs, or riprap to stabilize the shoreline and prevent further erosion.
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Do Monitor and Maintain: After remediation, regularly monitor the site to ensure the success of the restoration efforts. Be prepared to make adjustments as needed.
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Do Follow Local Regulations: Ensure that your remediation efforts comply with local environmental regulations and guidelines. Obtain any necessary permits before starting work.
Don'ts:
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Don't Use Invasive Species: Avoid planting non-native or invasive species, as they can outcompete native plants and disrupt the local ecosystem.
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Don't Disturb the Natural Habitat: Minimize disturbance to existing habitats and wildlife. Avoid heavy machinery or practices that could harm the surrounding environment.
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Don't Ignore Water Quality: Be mindful of water quality during remediation. Avoid using chemicals or materials that could leach harmful substances into the water.
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Don't Neglect Community Involvement: Engage local communities and stakeholders in the remediation process. Their input and support can be valuable for the success of the project.
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Don't Rush the Process: Shoreline remediation can take time to show results. Be patient and allow natural processes to occur as the ecosystem recovers.
By following these dos and don'ts, you can help ensure that shoreline remediation efforts are effective and sustainable, benefiting both the environment and the community.