Creating a Wildlife-Friendly Shoreline

Cottages and camping are standard features of Canadian summers and tend to revolve around shoreline areas. A quiet canoe across a misty morning lake, a late afternoon trip trolling for fish, or simply lying quietly on a dock as the water’s tide rocks you to sleep are wonderful ways to spend part of a summer day. But what would those moments be without the hawk silently circling overhead or a dragonfly zipping past as it hunts for insects. Wildlife is an integral part of life in Canada and shorelines are a great place to experience it.

Those of us that are lucky enough to own a piece of Canadian shoreline need to consider how we can ensure that our property continues to support wildlife. Natural shorelines are the best habitat for the greatest diversity of wildlife. The most effective thing shoreline landowners can do to ensure our aquatic wildlife survives is to keep their shorelines natural. But what if your shoreline has been altered already? How can you welcome wildlife back to your property?

If human activity has already unnaturally altered your shoreline, you may still be able to welcome back wildlife with a bit of effort. If the changes are not too great, you can just leave the area alone and allow nature to take its course. If there is little nature left, however, you can help wildlife by adding some native shoreline vegetation.

Seek out qualified advice before you make any changes. Choosing the appropriate species and ensuring that plant material is locally native is not always easy. There are plenty of government agencies, shoreline conservation groups, cottage associations and lakeholder associations that provide advice and resource material on everything from shoreline restoration to the proper maintenance of septic systems. They can also advise you on any approvals you may need.

But you can be proactive all on your own, too! Learn about the wildlife associated with your area and what they need to survive. What features does your property provide? What is missing? If aspects are missing, is it because your property doesn’t naturally provide them or has it been altered? Shorelines vary naturally, even along the same stretch of lake. Some areas are rocky, others muddy and vegetated, while some have natural sandy areas. Each of these areas has its part to play in an aquatic ecosystem. Don’t try to change your shoreline from its natural state into something different. Not only will this harm wildlife and the lake as a whole, but it won’t last. An area that’s not naturally a sandy beach can’t be forced to be so even if you continually dump sand along the edge. It will quickly wash away into the lake, damaging fish habitat in the process.

Keep in mind that shoreline areas are protected under a variety of federal, provincial and municipal legislations. Leaving these areas natural is not only beneficial for wildlife, but can also save you money. Altering shorelines in a way that damages fish habitat without first seeking the proper authorization can result in large fines and significant restoration costs. Before you make any changes to your waterfront, such as adding a dock, contact the appropriate municipal, provincial and/or federal authorities. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have all the proper approvals.

Any efforts you make to improve the habitat potential of your shoreline will be rewarded through the diversity of wildlife that will visit, enhancing your wilderness experience. Just think of those quiet mornings watching a great blue heron skulk along the shoreline searching for fish or the excitement of spotting a river otter as it slides into the water. It is these experiences that make spending time along a shoreline so worthwhile.

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