Erosion and Shoreline Protection

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:

• deep roots and soil stability
• aesthetic value
• filter rainwater runoff
• habitat for local wildlife
• food source for pollinators
• adaptation to local climate

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 effects 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:

• You can create a natural barrier of shrubs and tall vegetation along the shoreline. Geese are attracted to open spaces, short grass to feed on and easy access to the water. Planting native vegetation along the shoreline or creating a no-mow zone will produce a less ideal habitat for geese.
• Scaring geese with dogs, propane cannons, sounds, flagging tape and scarecrows can be effective deterrence when they first move into an area.
• Do not feed the geese. If their food supply is inadequate, they will be more likely to relocate.
• Other management techniques may need a permit under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994. You can consult with Environment and Climate Change Canada for more information on management of conflicts with nuisance wildlife.

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:

• Direct roof water straight into a rain barrel. You can purchase a rain barrel from your local municipality or from most garden or hardware stores;
• Direct runoff to infiltrate a rain garden;
• Refrain from or reduce using chemicals on your property such as engine oil, gasoline, antifreeze, pesticides, detergents and soaps, fertilizers, herbicides, salts, paints, varnishes, polishers and degreasers. If spillage does occur, be sure to use an absorbent, such as cat litter, to soak up the spill and dispose of as solid waste;
• Clean pet excrement in your yard and deter excessive goose activity near the shoreline. When animal feces enter a watercourse, it promotes the growth of E. coli;
• Create a no-mow zone or shoreline garden to capture and infiltrate runoff before it reaches a watercourse; and
• Use pervious, permeable or porous pavers to reduce hard impervious surfaces, filter contaminants and limit runoff at the source.