2010 News
Shoreline grant money topped up
(August 13, 2010) Shoreline property owners in the Kawartha Conservation watershed can receive up to $300 in match-funding for naturalization projects on their waterfronts.
The money is available through Kawartha Conservation’s Shoreline Naturalization Program, which offers free consultations and resources to help property owners resolve shoreline issues such as erosion, ice damage and pesky Canada Geese, while helping create habitat for fish and other wildlife, reduce aquatic plants and improve water quality.
Compared to the use of concrete or armour stone, a naturalized shoreline is less expensive, longer lasting, more stable, self repairing and environmentally friendly. And on shorelines that already have concrete or armour stone, naturalization techniques can help prolong their lifespan.
The grant money, provided through a partnership with the Lakeland Alliance and Victoria Stewardship Council, has just been topped up. Grants are available for purchasing various materials used in naturalization, such as native plants and filter cloth that help stabilize soil, and rip rap stones.
“This program can do more, thanks to the assistance provided by the Lakeland Alliance and the Victoria Stewardship Council” says Shalin Abbott, Kawartha Conservation Stewardship Coordinator.
The Lakeland Alliance is a collaborative initiative involving a number of stewardship councils, conservation authorities and other environmental partners. “We work, in part, to access funds to support partner organizations in lake stewardship projects,” says Michael Gibbs, Lakeland Alliance Coordinator, “and shoreline naturalization is one of the best ways we can help keep our lakes healthy.”
The Victoria Stewardship Council is also supporting the program by providing funds for naturalization projects. “We are happy we can assist in any way to help landowners enjoy and demonstrate the benefits of shoreline naturalization,” says Doug van Hemessen, Stewardship Coordinator for the Council.
During a free consultation, a Kawartha Conservation shoreline advisory specialist will answer questions, make suggestions and connect landowners to resources for shoreline naturalization. Information and resources are also available for well and septic system maintenance and upgrades, pollution prevention, removing and preventing invasive species and enhancing habitat for native species.
The advisor develops a comprehensive report on how to address the issues using naturalization techniques in a way that meets the landowner’s needs and uses, and provides guidance through the process involved with shoreline naturalization.
“We are seeking the best results for shoreline property owners,” says Abbott. “We’ve made the consultations very easy, informative and completely confidential.”
The Shoreline Naturalization Program is available on Sturgeon, Cameron and Balsam lakes, the west shore of Pigeon Lake, Lake Scugog and also rivers within the watershed.
There are limited grants available and consultations are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. All consultations are kept strictly confidential, and any information obtained during the consultation is used only for the purpose of providing non-obligatory recommendations.
To apply for a grant or sign up for a free consultation, contact Shalin Abbott at 705.328.2271 ext. 223 or sabbott@kawarthaconservation.com.
For additional information about how shoreline property owners can protect their lakes and rivers, see the shoreline naturalization pages at www.kawarthaconservation.com/shoreline.