Your Shoreline and Plant Search

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Publications from FOCA

Natural shorelines (often called the RIBBON OF LIFE) are critical to keeping our lake clean and healthy. They act like natural filters catching and holding all kinds of nutrients and contaminants running into the water from the upland area. They are the water’s best protection against erosion and provide a free valuable habitat for birds, fish and other wildlife and promote a thriving lake ecosystem!

Click here to watch the Ribbon Of Life video

In October 2012, as part of creating the Salerno Lake - Lake Plan, the Salerno Lake Shoreline Inventory Project was undertaken through U-Links, and a report was completed by Trent University student Devon Fowler. The purpose of the shoreline inventory is to aid in the continued efforts supporting shoreline preservation and management.

What you should know before your remove a tree

Shoreline tree preservation By-Law

Refer to these Documents on the webpage:

By-Law 3505 – Shoreline Tree Preservation

FAQs – County of Haliburton Shoreline Tree Preservation

SHORELINE PLANT SEARCH

So why not take an area and plant it with native plants to help protect our lakes! You can start with a small area and then add more area over the years. Every little bit will help your lake where you, your kids and grandchildren can make new memories!

Shoreline Vegetation - Expert Recommendations The Coalition of Haliburton Property Owners Associations (CHA) working with Julia Sutton and their technology partner (TechnicalitiesPlus) have created a web page that will present you with a selection of "Native" trees, scrubs, grasses, wildflowers and ferns for your property. The tool has options to specify your soil, sunlight, moisture, and location.

Abbey Gardens is gearing up to source all of the plants and trees - contact them for availability. Anyways, great tool to maintain or bring your shoreline back to life and greatly enhance your shoreline for all your aquatic friends.

Click here for Expert Recommendations on What to plant Where

Click here to find out HOW TO --> GO NATIVE

What should a natural shoreline contain?

Click here to launch this video on Healthy Shorelines from FOCA.

Read this document about shoreline vegetative buffers and learn more about...

What are Shoreline Buffers?

Why is it Important to Maintain a Shoreline Vegetation?

How Wide Should a Buffer Be?

What Should a Buffer Look Like?

12 Simple Steps Toward Shoreline Harmony

Keep your lot well-treed - never clearcut
Protect shoreline vegetation - replant areas lacking shrubs and trees with natural species
Start a buffer strip by leaving some grass uncut near the water
Build at least 30 metres away from the shore
Give clear instructions to your contractors and monitor their work
Avoid spilling fuels, antifreeze, paint thinner or other chemicals on land or water - clean up fast!
Don't use fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides near the water
Use only phosphate-free soaps, detergents and cleaners at your cottage
Pump out your septic tank regularly - every three to five years
Extend the life of your septic systems by avoiding tank additives and minimizing water consumption
Refuel your boat with care - don't spill a drop
Watch your boat's wake - it causes erosion

Courtesy The Living By Water Project

Easy tips for you to try and include:

Plant native vegetation close to shore as a buffer zone.
Use aquatic friendly plants like bulrushes, cattails & lily pads to increase the water clarity of your
waterfront by trapping sediments and dampening wave effects.
Decrease erosion caused by runoff by using pea gravel or wood chips along your walk ways & paths instead of concrete or asphalt.
Turf-lawns let up to 50% of rainfall wash away and increases the erosion potential of your shoreline. Try adding sections of tall grasses, wildflowers & shrubs to conserve shoreline stability.
Use floating, seasonal docks for less shoreline impact.