Human tampering can inadvertently destroy any or all of the important functions of the shoreline. "Cleaning up the waterfront" slowly damages the shoreline environment which is vital to a healthly lake. Luckily, there are many ways to rehabilitate a degraded shoreline. When you evalutate shoreline as it applies to shoreline development or re-development, consider the many animals and plants that depend on the shoreline for their very survival. The property in the photo shown at right is "fully developed", yet retains its biological functionality and its aesthetic beauty. The shoreline environment is degraded a stone and a stick at a time. Slowly invertebrates of all types are chassed from the shoreline areas as the area is "sterilised". The animals that eat these invertebrates (minnows, bass, sunfish etc) also leave. On a day to day basis, no one observes the decreasing functionality of the ecosystem. However, over time, the cumulative detrimental actions of the many take their toll and slowly life is driven away from the shallows. Just as the powers of the many can ruin a shoreline, so can the powers of the many restore and rehabilitate the shoreline. It all starts with the "the power of one". So please consider improving your shoreline area if you are a lakefront property owner. A natural shoreline with its plant community and their maze of roots, provides a buffer between the human activities on land and the water. It soaks up nutrients and contaminants and binds the soils. A natural shoreline contains a diverse plant community made up of trees, shrubs, and ground covers ensuring there is no bare soil. It also includes an aquatic plant community, often both emergent and submergent. The property shown in the photo will soon be "developed". What is in store for the myriads of creatures that depend on the water / land interface? Horticultural style landscaping such as lawns, ornamental plantings and retaining walls result in increasd erosion and water pollution while detracting from the natural beauty of a shoreline. "Cleaning up" type projects can be a source of harm to the lake and can break the protective barrier that is provided by a natural shoreline. Pulling up shoreline "weeds" and grasses or removing trees for that "better view" of the lake negatively impact the living shoreline. A natural shoreline is hardworking. One of the best features of Trout Lake is its areas of natural shoreline. They play a crucial role in the health of Trout Lake by: protecting and enhancing water quality providing a buffer between land and water activities providing shelter and food for birds and wildlife supporting spawning beds trapping runoff and excess nutrients shading and cooling the water,and providing our municipality with an aesthetically beautiful natural asset. Returning Back to Nature To return to or maintain a natural shoreline, it is important to remember to encourage diversity . The rule of thumb is to attempt to mimic Mother Nature. A few suggestions are presented: Plant deciduous, moisture tolerant trees near the water to create overhangs. This provides shade. Limit access points to the water. A continuous cover at the shoreline provides erosion control and shelter for wildlife. Try to keep at least a section of "your" shoreline in its "wild" or "native" state. Plant native species. These species will be adapted to local conditions and will be hardier than non- native plants. This will eliminate the need to use fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. These plants will support our local wildlife communities the best. Avoid beach building. Existing organic soils will continue to gravitate out of the water and plants will continue to recolonize an artificial beach. A beach with its lack of rocks, stones, debris and plants is biologically sterile. Here are a few ideas that are useful in restoration iniatives. PRESERVATION - retain existing natural shoreline - minimize access to water to avoid shoreline damage NATURALIZATION - leave degenerated shorelines to regenerate naturally - "hands off " approach ( no cutting, no spraying, no fertilizing, no work) ENHANCEMENT - plant native species and remove non-native species such as ornamental shrubs - copy Mother Nature RESTORATION - plant cleared areas with native species - duplicate existing natural shoreline The Trout Lake Conservation Association operates a Shoreline Revegetation Program. This program provides vegetation to help property owners around Trout Lake to maintain a healthly near-shore vegetative buffer zone. Plants are free to members of the Association. These plants must be planted no further than 30 metres from the shoreline. The TLCA also provides educational materials to members and non-members on restorative ideas for a natural, healthy shoreline. Watch for further news about the 1997 Shoreline Revegetation Program.

Docks / Shorelines - The Ribbon of Life / Naturalizing the Shoreline Planning Your Redevelopment / Low Impact Lifestyles Attracting Nesting Bass to YOUR Shoreline