Shoreland Health

Biodiversity refers to the variation among all living things on Earth. It ranges from the diversity of genetic information found in individuals of the same species (i.e. genetic diversity), to the number of different species (i.e. species diversity), to the diversity of whole ecosystems (i.e. ecosystem diversity).

Natural shorelands are extremely biodiverse, featuring a range of flora, fauna, and environmental conditions from two different ecosystems - aquatic and terrestrial. Some species may use the shoreland for their entire life, while others might use the shoreland to hunt, travel, or simply take a water break when thirsty. Everything from small bugs in the mud to larger animals such as fish, turtles, birds, or other large land mammals rely heavily on our shorelands.

Shorelands are also natural transitional zones between the water and the land, contributing to habitat complexity and biodiversity. Shorelands have many unique environmental conditions in quite a small area, which means it can support many different types of vegetation and animal species.

Vegetation in the riparian and upland zones of the shoreland forms a protective barrier against runoff of contaminants from our properties to the water.

These natural buffer zones absorb a substantial amount of excess nutrients (ex. from leaky septic systems, the use of fertilizers, and deposits from pets) before they reach the lake.

Without this protective barrier, the influx of nutrients such as phosphorous into the lake can kickstart a process known as eutrophication, causing harmful algal blooms and lowering the lake’s water quality for plants, animals, and humans.

Natural shorelands provide food and shelter for both aquatic and terrestrial species. In fact, they are hotspots for biogeochemical activity.

Compared to other habitats, the shoreland is one of the largest producers of the building blocks of ecosystems. For example, organic carbon found here is an essential nutrient for fueling food webs. It fertilizes the soil for plant growth and provides food for organisms at the base of the food chain/pyramid which then feeds other species further up the ladder.

Aside from providing essential energy, natural shorelands also offer safe travel corridors for wildlife. Without them, wildlife would be forced to travel through unprotected or unsafe areas, so it is important to protect what we have to make sure they can continue to be used by our wildlife friends!

Gently sloping shorelands, particularly those covered in a diverse range of native plants, are more effective in shoreland stability and erosion control than artificial, hardened shorelands. Replacing native vegetation with wall-like structures (even small walls) is a costly, temporary, and unnecessary “fix” when it comes to protecting shoreland properties.

The force of backwash from breaking waves against hardened surfaces can redirect wave energy, and therefore erosion, to neighbouring areas, harming adjacent habitats and properties. In comparison, gently sloped, natural shorelands with well-established root systems can dissipate wave energy remarkably well!

In other words, artificial or hardened shorelands have little benefit to the landowner, the lake, or the lake community. Natural or softened shorelands, on the other hand, are inexpensive and nearly maintenance-free, saving the landowner money and valuable time that could be spent enjoying what a healthy lake has to offer!

Have you noticed certain animals roaming along the shoreline of your property? Well, it's because they have the space to do so.

The presence of vegetation and a natural shoreland makes it less likely that one particular nuisance species - the Canada Goose - will enter your property. By keeping your shoreland natural, you will also find that nuisance species are less able to access and use your property, meaning you don't need to deal with any aftermath they may leave behind!