Erosion and Shoreline Protection
Erosion is a natural process, but sometimes the way in which we manage our shoreline and streambank areas can speed up the process. Erosion can happen in many ways and one size does not fit all situations. We recognize that each property is unique and our team is prepared to provide you with advice specific to your property and the issues you are experiencing.
Kawartha Conservation has funding to support shoreline naturalization and related projects that improve water quality across our watershed. Learn more and schedule a site visit to support your application for funding.
What actions can I take?
Explore the different types of erosion control and shoreline protection techniques that you can apply to your property.
No-mow zone |
No-mow zones are areas alongside a lake or river where grass can grow un-checked. Once established, they have deep root systems to help stabilize the ground. No-mow zones are useful for protecting your shoreline from erosion, creating habitat and filtering pollutants. To create a no-mow zone, simply stop mowing your lawn along your shoreline. For best results, we recommend you refrain from mowing at least 3 m (10 ft) back from your shoreline, for 75% of the length of your shoreline. Creating a no-mow zone is low cost and low maintenance, however it's recommended to remove weeds and invasive species and plant native shrubs and perennial flowers. When the native vegetation flourishes and the no-mow zone matures, there will be fewer unwanted plants. |
Plant native vegetation |
Native plants have multiple benefits for your property enhancement projects including:
For more information on planting native plants, visit our healthy gardens page. |
Sloped rock |
You may experience ice jacking and aggressive soil loss from wave action. Mature woody vegetation is the best protection for your shoreline, however when they are removed, the effects of erosion can become more intense. Please be advised that you should consult with Kawartha Conservation's Permitting department and Parks Canada's (Trent-Severn Waterway) policies for in-water and shoreline works and related activities before starting any activity along the shoreline to see if you are required to have a permit. If your shoreline doesn't have mature woody vegetation and you are experiencing issues with your shoreline you could install river rock in varying sizes at a 3:1 (horizontal: vertical) slope ratio (33%) along the natural contour of your shoreline. This maintains the natural functions of the lake and habitat but will provide some protection from erosion. We do not recommend ‘hardened shorelines' including retaining walls, sheet piles, armour stone, etc. This creates a vertical barrier that negatively affects the natural functions of the lake and habitat. We recommend you consult with an engineer or landscape professional before proceeding with any shoreline alterations to make sure your plans will work for your shoreline and not cause adverse effects. See shoreline protection ice ridges fact sheet for more information. |
Deter Canada Geese |
Canada Geese may have become a nuisance along your shoreline by making a mess and contributing to elevated E. coli in the water. Canada Geese can be deterred with a variety of techniques to protect your shoreline:
See nuisance geese fact sheet for more information. |
Maintain your septic system |
Ensure your septic system is pumped and inspected every three years and upgraded when needed. Excessive effluent and leakage from septic systems releases phosphorous, which encourages excessive aquatic vegetation growth and algae blooms if it reaches a watercourse. |
Install erosion control structures |
Visit our Erosion and Sediment Control page to access resources on determining slope and installing erosion and sediment control measures on your property. |
Reduce runoff |
A good way to protect your shoreline, prevent erosion and improve water quality is to reduce runoff. Runoff is stormwater that accumulates on hardened surfaces and flows overland. When stormwater washes across hard surfaces it can pick up pollutants such as fertilizers, pesticides, bacteria from pet waste and sediments. Ways to reduce potentially harmful runoff:
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Additional resources
- A shoreline owner's guide to lakeland living
- Grow me instead - beautiful non-invasive plants for your garden
- Landowner guide to protecting water quality in the Kawarthas
- Ontario Regulation 182/06: Regulation of development, interference with wetlands and alterations to shorelines and watercourses
- Shoreline protection ice ridges fact sheet
- Shoreline Top 10: Maintaining a healthy, natural shoreline
- Solutions for shoreline erosion a basic guide to bioengineering
- The dock primer a cottager's guide to waterfront-friendly docks
- The shore primer a cottager's guide to a healthy waterfront
- Working along the shore a professional's guide to shoreline management for Lake Simcoe
Questions?
Looking to learn more about waterfront stewardship and how Kawartha Conservation can assist with your project? Contact Danielle Marcoux-Hunter by email or by phone at (705) 328-2271 ext. 242.