Natural Shorelines Project
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Are you interested in helping improve water quality and enhancing fish and wildlife habitat along lakes and rivers? The Severn Sound Environmental Association has a variety of native shrubs available to North Simcoe landowners interested in shoreline naturalization. Plants will be provided to shoreline residents free of charge while supplies last. For more information contact Michelle Hudolin at (705) 527-5166 ext 202. Natural
vegetation along the shorelines of lakes, rivers, ponds and wetlands plays
a crucial role in protecting water quality and providing habitat for a
wide variety of fish and wildlife. Natural shorelines are important for
maintaining healthy lakes and rivers. The
Natural Shorelines Project When
native plants are removed from shorelines, the natural beauty and
character of the shoreline is lost, and wildlife habitat is altered.
Without a natural shoreline, water quality can deteriorate and nuisance
algae can grow, and there can be increased erosion of the shore by waves
and ice. The
Natural Shorelines Project is an initiative to provide advice and
assistance to landowners interested in protecting, enhancing or restoring
a natural shoreline. Severn Sound Environmental Association provides tips
on environmentally sound practices for shoreline properties, and can help
landowners obtain appropriate native trees, shrubs, vines and wildflowers
for shoreline restoration projects. ∙
Shoreline
vegetation improves water quality by trapping surface runoff, sediment,
contaminants and excess nutrients before they enter the water. ∙
Native plants
anchor the soil and protect the shoreline by reducing erosion from wind,
waves and ice. ∙
A natural
shoreline provides valuable habitat for plants and wildlife, and provides
corridors for wildlife movement. ∙
A natural
near-shore zone supports spawning and nursery areas for fish. ∙
Native plants
are adapted to their environment and do not depend on chemical application
or frequent watering to survive. ∙
Natural
vegetation at the shoreline can deter nuisance geese, since they prefer to
graze on mowed turf where they can see predators and they have easy access
to water. ∙
Aquatic and
semi-aquatic plants provide habitat for a variety of beneficial wildlife,
including frogs, dragonflies and insect-eating birds. Natural
Shorelines and Fluctuating Water Levels Shoreline
vegetation has a natural ability to adapt to changing water levels.
Shoreline landowners can expect the extent of shoreline plants and coastal
habitat to expand and contract over time, depending on lake levels and the
slope and substrate of the near-shore. Tips
for a Natural Shoreline On
unaltered sites, preserving existing native vegetation is the best way of
ensuring a healthy shoreline is maintained. On altered shorelines,
replanting native vegetation and removing non-native species may be
necessary to restore the shore to a natural condition. The
following are some general tips for creating and sustaining a healthy,
natural shoreline. ∙
Establish and
maintain a thickly vegetated, “no-mow, no-chemicals” buffer zone
adjacent to the water’s edge to intercept runoff and provide habitat.
Aim to maintain at least 75% of your shoreline frontage in a natural
state. ∙
Preserve and
encourage native natural shoreline vegetation in the near-shore zone. ∙
During low
water levels, leave newly exposed areas undisturbed rather than infilling
or modifying them, so that the habitat is available to plants, fish and
wildlife when water levels rise again. ∙
Plan for a
natural shoreline when building: maintain existing shoreline vegetation,
and ensure buildings are appropriately set back from the shoreline. ∙
Minimize or
eliminate impervious surfaces on your property: use woodchips, gravel or
interlocking bricks that allow rainwater to infiltrate into the ground
instead of running off over the ground. ∙
Design water
access and docks to limit negative impacts on the shoreline. Floating,
cantilever or post-supported docks are a good choice because they do not
disturb the lake bottom or restrict the movement of water near the shore.
Use environmentally-friendly building materials (e.g. untreated cedar or
hemlock, plastic barrel floats free of chemicals) for any structures in
the water. ∙
Keep your lot
well treed: if a tree is interfering with your view, selectively prune
branches rather than remove the whole tree. ∙
Maintain your
septic system: pump out your septic tank regularly (every 2 to 3 years),
and extend the life of your system by minimizing water consumption and
avoiding septic tank additives. ∙
Use
phosphorus-free, non-toxic soaps, detergents and cleaners in and around
your home. ∙
Avoid using
chemicals near the water. Not even ‘biodegradable’ soap should enter
the water directly - it is only biodegradable on land, since it requires
soil micro-organisms to break down. ∙
Refuel your
boat carefully to avoid gas spills. ∙
Watch your
boat’s wake - it can cause shoreline erosion and destroy fish and
wildlife habitat. ∙
Learn to
identify invasive plants and animals to prevent their spread. For
more information, contact:
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