Changing the Way We Look at Owning Lakefront Property in Alberta Informational for Provided Is It Date

CARING purposes. FOR SHORELINE research and PROPERTIES

Changing the Way We Look informational at Owning Lakefront for Property in Alberta provided is It date. of out otherwise be may content the or resource recent more a by replaced been has item This ARCHIVED. This booklet was produced in coopera- Principal author: Pat Valastin, tion with the County of St. Paul; the Alberta Conservation Association,

purposes. Summer Village of Horseshoe Bay; the Edmonton, Alberta. Public Lands Branch of Alberta Concept and principal editor: R. Wayne Agriculture, Food, and Rural Nelson, Fisheries and Wildlife Management Development; the Water Management research Division, St. Paul, Alberta. Division and the Fisheries and Wildlife and Management Division of Alberta Project manager: David Park, Environmental Protection; and the Alberta Conservation Association, Alberta Conservation Association. Edmonton, Alberta. Concepts and conclusions have been Line Drawings: Terry McCue. freely borrowed from the earlier publica- informational tions listed in the References section. Design: John Luckhurst / GDL

for Much of the material found in the many Photographs: John Luckhurst, lists throughout this booklet have been David Park and Pat Valastin taken from referenced material, particularly from publications by Alberta provided

is Environmental Protection and the

It Ontario Ministry of Environment and Energy. The author would like to date. acknowledge the Ontario Ministry of Published by: of Environment and Energy’s very excellent Alberta Conservation Association Environmental Living: Protecting the out P.O. BOX 40027 Environment series. Volume 4 - At the Baker Centre Postal Outlet Cottage, was a valuable source of infor- Edmonton, AB T5J 4M9 mation for many of the issues dealt with 1-877-969-9091 otherwise in this booklet, particularly the chapter Charitable Registration Number be on aquatic plants. 88994 6141 RR0001 Many individuals have contributed to may this project. Especially important contri- and butions were made by Alfred Jackson (S. Fisheries and Wildlife Management Division V. Of Horseshoe Bay); Ken Yettaw and Natural Resources Service content Darlene Smereka (Cty. of St. Paul); Alberta Environmental Protection

the David Park, Blake Mills, and Natalie Main Floor, Provincial Building

or Cook (ACA); Dave Ealey (Comm. AEP); #416, 5025 - 49 Avenue Gerry Haekel, Allan Hare, and Jim St. Paul, Alberta Lindquist (PL-AAFRD); Larry Kuchmak T0A 3A4 AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND (WMD-AEP); Hugh Norris (NRS- RURAL DEVELOPMENT resource Public Lands AEP); and Terry McCue. 1999 recent The concepts, recommendations, more and requirements in this booklet a are strongly supported by: by replaced been has item This ARCHIVED. C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES purposes. Caring for

research Shoreline Properties and Changing the Way We Look at Owning Lakefront Property in Alberta informational for provided is It date. of out

otherwise CONTENTS: be INTRODUCTION ANATOMY OF THE SHORELINE SHORELINE ALTERATIONS may The aim of this booklet is to promote The shoreline includes the riparian The value of shoreline buffer strips, the preservation and restoration of and littoral zones. Definitions of the consequences of buffer removal, the natural state of Alberta’s lakes bank, shore, and bed, who owns methods of protecting the buffer, content and shorelands, while maintaining them, and how to find them. and the need for permits to make the the value of lakefront properties. changes to shoreline areas. or YOU NEED A PERMIT! LAKES UNDER PRESSURE Permits are needed before working ON YOUR LOT Increased lakefront disturbance is on the bed, shore, bank, or environ- On-lot activities that hurt the lake, resource damaging sensitive shorelines. mental reserve, who to obtain them and numerous ways to minimize from, why, and what if you don’t. that harm. THE LIFE CYCLE OF ALBERTA LAKES recent Types of lakes, how lakes age, and the WEEDS! EROSION

more human contribution to the aging of Types of aquatic plants, and their Methods for controlling shoreline a lakes. value to fish, to wildlife, and to erosion through natural means, or by erosion protection. What human with structural or non-structural WE ARE NOT ALONE actions encourage growth of plants, repairs. The shoreline is home to a rich and how to minimize them. replaced variety of life forms, both on land Methods and allowed limits of FINAL NOTES and in water. Our individual efforts aquatic vegetation removal, and Considerations if buying a lakeside been to urbanize our lot and lakefront may methods for restoring shoreline cottage. Living with nature, and has seem small, but with our neighbours vegetation for erosion control and other ways to make a difference at doing the same, the damage to the habitat improvement. the lake. item environment adds up. This ARCHIVED. C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES – 1 purposes. Introduction research and

informational aving a cottage at the property lost to shoreline for Hlake has certainly erosion, Bob and Jane con- changed over the years. ceded victory to nature. Today there are many people Bob and Jane saw the provided living along side lakes, the error of their ways, and the is

It ecological balance has been Cook family’s lakefront prop- disrupted at many lakes, and erty has now become a date. at some lakes, fish popula- restoration project. Their of tions are reaching critical lawn was made smaller and

out lows. Biologists are very separated from the shoreline concerned, as are many cottage by a buffer strip of vegetation. owners, and governments are start- wenty years ago, Bob and Jane Dogwood, willows, bulrushes, and ing to take lakeshore issues very Cook bought their dream cot- cattails (plants native to their lake)

otherwise T seriously. As a result, the laws tage on Antler Lake. In time, this were planted to “naturalize” and be regarding fish habitat and environ- cottage became their permanent hold together the shoreline. By

may mental reserves are being closely year-round home. Like their neigh- planting, and by letting the aquatic examined, and more rigorously bours around them, they set out to vegetation grow, they hope to enforced. transform the land upon which their restore their lakefront to a relatively content This booklet describes manage- cottage sat into the perfect lakefront stable, natural state, one that is

the ment practices that can be adopted lot. They started to “clean up.” They resistant to the forces of wind and

or on lakeshore properties to help pro- cut down willows, brought in fill, water, and home once again to tect the shoreline and preserve the and planted grass down to the water. wildlife and fish. Their eroding water quality of the lake. It will also They picked all the rocks from the property value will also be stabilized

resource include ways of restoring damaged sandy lake bottom, and they pulled and enhanced by this work. After shorelines to their natural state. In out all the bulrushes and aquatic much expense and hard work, finally, most cases, the best management for plants. They worked hard. Twenty the Cook family may be able to recent shorelands involves retaining the years later, with three meters of really enjoy living by the lake. natural characteristics of your prop- more a erty. Maintaining a healthy water- by front is far less costly than trying to fix a disturbed system, and the benefits are far greater. Repairing shore- replaced line damage can be costly, and difficult, if not impossible to achieve been fully. This booklet is a guide to mak-

has ing sound choices that will benefit both you and the lake you enjoy. item This ARCHIVED. 2– C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES purposes. Lakes Under Pressure research and informational t many Alberta lakes, TIMES HAVE CHANGED for Athere are a growing The area of land that drains number of lakefront toward a lake is called its cottages and residential watershed. We all live in a provided developments. There is particular watershed, and our is

It also a definite trend activities affect other people toward year-round lake- and other species within it, just date. front living. People are as their activities affect us. Over of putting unprecedented pressure on long periods of time, a waterfront

out lakes and their shorelines. Shorelines water quality and the lives of many environment will develop a natural can be altered in many ways. Some species of fish and wildlife. These “balance” due to interactions among cottage owners have created sandy adverse effects can be minimized water, land, vegetation, and wildlife. beaches; others have built retaining when we practise stewardship as we This delicate equilibrium can be eas- otherwise walls, and still others have lawns enjoy lakefront property and partici- ily disrupted when humans rearrange be down to the water. Unfortunately, pate in outdoor activities. the lakefront area, or when any of

may when people alter the shoreline, it Stewardship implies responsibility the components are destroyed. often becomes difficult for plants and obliges us to understand that If we do not stop our damaging and animals to survive there. what we do on the land and in the activities at the lakefront, and help content water affects the lake and our enjoy- restore natural shorelines, the quality

the OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO THE LAKE ment of it. Our responsibility of our lakes will continue to deterio-

or Most people buy lakefront property, extends not just to our human neigh- rate. We need to change the way we or visit Alberta’s lakes, to enjoy the bours, but also to all the plants and look at lakeside properties. Rather natural scenic beauty and to take animals for which the lake is home, than seeing shoreland as something

resource part in recreational activities. When and whose presence enhances the to be “cleaned up,” something to we focus on the waterfront, however, quality and enjoyment of our time “civilize,” we need to respect and our activities can adversely affect spent at the lake. enjoy the natural state of lakes. recent more a by replaced been has item This A lake watershed ARCHIVED. C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES – 3 purposes. The Life Cycle

research of Alberta Lakes and informational TYPES OF ALBERTA LAKES that are classified as for The majority of Alberta’s mesotrophic (mid- lakes were formed as range levels of nutri- glaciers retreated. As a ents and productivity). provided result of glacial action, is

It shallow depressions were A LAKE’S AGING PROCESS created in the earth’s surface, Lakes and the plants and ani-

date. and when the glaciers melted these mals that live in and near lakes, are all of depressions became lakes. and pike. This type of lake is called part of an ecosystem. An ecosystem includes all the living things in a out In many Alberta lakes, the water is an eutrophic lake. shallow and becomes cloudy and Most of Alberta’s lakes are certain environment and their interactions with one another and with green in the summer. The nutrient- eutrophic (nutrient-rich, highly pro- their habitat. Temperature, water rich soil surrounding the lake is con- ductive) and even hypereutrophic

otherwise depth, the amount of oxygen in the (very highly productive). Alberta also stantly eroding, and the lake is slow- water, the nutrients available to feed be ly filling in with sediments. There has a small number of oligotrophic the living things in the lake, and lakes (relatively deep, clear, nutrient- may are many aquatic plants, and the fish many other factors all effect this are cool-water species such as perch poor, and less productive), and some complex ecosystem.

content Lake Types the or resource recent more a by

Oligotrophic Lakes – above. Mesotrophic Lake – above. These lakes are generally replaced deep. Their littoral zone is small. They hold low been amounts of dissolved Eutrophic Lakes – left, are has nutrients and organic relatively shallow. They have matter. a larger littoral zone than item oligotrophic lakes. They contain

This high levels of dissolved nutrients and organic matter. ARCHIVED. 4– C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES Encouraged by sunlight and nutrients, aquatic plants, including algae SHATTERING COMMON MYTHS purposes. and macrophytes (large aquatic plants) grow in the water, providing I own the property right to the water’s edge! food and habitat for fish and other research animals. When these aquatic plants

and die, they sink and decompose at the The vast majority of lakefront bottom of the lake. property owners in Alberta do not own the land A lake changes from open water right to the water’s edge. In fact, even if a Municipal or to wetland to dry land over a very Environmental Reserve doesn’t separate your lot from the long time. This evolution usually lake, the most lakeward extent of your property is usually the informational takes many thousands of years, bank of the water body. Very few exceptions exist. It doesn’t for depending on, amongst other things, matter what the real estate agent said, the land title will the initial depth of the lake. The tell you what you own and the survey plan will show you transformation happens naturally as visually the dimensions and extent

provided the lake fills in with soil eroded from of your property. – Haekel 1996 is the watershed, and from the plant It materials that decompose on the bottom. Eutrophic lakes are “old” date.

of lakes. They are well into the process of transforming from open, clear lake’s ecosystem. We know that On a smaller scale, activities at the out water to wetland, and eventually to clearing the land for agricultural or cottage can also add harmful nutri- land. cottage development increases the ents to the lake. Nutrients such as flow of nutrients from the land into phosphorus, a fertilizer, help your otherwise HOW PEOPLE AFFECT the water. Many heavily developed lawn and garden grow. It follows that be THE LIFE OF A LAKE lakes certainly have a greater supply they also encourage the plants in the Some people believe that Alberta’s of nutrients now than ever before. lake to grow. Increased growth of may lakes were crystal clear and free of Nutrients can be added to a lake in aquatic plants can result in problems plants before the arrival of the many ways. Whether the lake on such as slime or foul-smelling ooze Europeans, but the evidence shows

content which you live is warm and rich in that may develop on the surface of that this was not so. Core samples nutrients or cold and clear, you and the water. Dense mats of algae and the taken many meters down through your neighbours can have a tremen- other decaying vegetation may form. or the sediments at the bottoms of dous effect on the biological balance The lake water may start to taste Alberta lakes show that they have of the lake. strange. been fertile for thousands of years. When algae and other aquatic resource The soils surrounding these lakes are ACCELERATING THE AGING PROCESS plants die, they settle to the bottom very fertile, and nutrients are On a large scale, activities of the lake and decompose, a process recent continually being washed such as farming, devel- that consumes dissolved oxygen in into the lake. oping cottage lots, the water. If a lake receives an excess more However, even and discharging of phosphorus (a plant food), usually a though many industrial or by from human activities, plant growth Alberta lakes are municipal wastes is accelerated and, when the plants naturally eutroph- into the lake can die, the decomposition process uses ic, we know that alter the biologi- up much of the oxygen in the water. replaced human activities cal balance of the If enough oxygen is used, it may have contributed to been lake. These activi- result in fish kills. Even in deep, cold lower water quality ties increase erosion, lakes, dissolved oxygen can be has in these lakes over the sedimentation, and the depleted by algal decomposition. past 50 years. Too many item flow of nutrients into a nutrients (specifically phos- lake. High amounts of nutrients This phorus and nitrogen) entering a can accelerate the natural eutrophi- lake can upset the balance of the cation process of the lake. ARCHIVED. C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES – 5 purposes. We Are Not Alone research and

informational ncluding lakes, rivers, and difficult to fix the situa- for Istreams, only 2.5 percent tion. Natural ecosystems of Alberta is covered by are very complex. water. The total number of Although no one really provided lakes in Alberta is very small understands completely is compared to that of our neighbour- how they work, we do It ing provinces. Balanced against this understand parts of the puzzle.

date. is the fact that the population of plant/algae growth, chronic erosion, For example, we know that local fish

of Alberta in 1997 was greater than that deteriorating water quality, and a populations in some lakes have of Manitoba and two Saskatchewans loss of fish and wildlife. We may not declined drastically, in part because out combined. Consequently, certain even notice the changes at first. of indiscriminate removal of the Alberta lakes have a concentrated When they do become apparent, it is aquatic plants that fish need for level of development. In Alberta, often hard to associate the changes spawning and rearing their young. otherwise shoreline is a valuable, precious be resource, particularly in this day DID YOU KNOW? and age. may Many people buy lakefront property with the intention of developing content it to conform to preconceived ideas Ontario has 250,000 fish-bearing of what lakefront property should be. the lakes, with 585,000 licensed anglers, The shoreline is a narrow but or or 2.3 anglers per lake. extremely rich habitat for many ani- Saskatchewan has 94,000 fish-bearing lakes, mals from insects to mammals. with about 184,000 licensed anglers, Unfortunately, it does not take much resource or 1.9 anglers per lake. to upset the balance of this ecosys- Alberta has only 800 lakes with fish, tem. One or two little “clean-up” but 250,000 licenced anglers, or recent projects on the shoreline may not 312 anglers per lake. – Alberta Environmental seem like much, but multiply the Protection 1997 more

a number of your projects by

by the number of lakefront cottages, and it is a different picture. with our activities. Putting all the parts of the puzzle

replaced We are losing our Besides, it is together is an ongoing task. We have natural shorelines always easier to to understand that our very presence been bit by bit, beach blame problems makes a difference, and we do not by beach. on someone else. always know what that difference has When added The dilemma is will turn out to be. item together, individual that by the time we changes that seem start seeing that This small can result in large things have gone problems such as increased wrong, it is often very ARCHIVED. 6– C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES purposes. Anatomy of a Shoreline research and

informational he area we refer to wildlife habitat. For for Tas the shoreline is a this reason, it is pro- transitional zone between tected by a variety of land and water, and it is laws. provided affected by what happens Ownership of is on the land and in the water. lakeshore property is It If you alter either land or limited to what is defined by the land title. date. water, the other will be affected as

of well. For the purposes of this book- People with lakefront property let, the lands of the shoreline include well lit by the sun and which sup- often assume that they own the land out both the riparian zone and the lit- ports photosynthetic plants. At most right down to the water. This may toral zone. Alberta lakes, the littoral zone not be true. In almost all cases own- The riparian zone is the strip of extends out to about the three-meter ership does not extend to the water’s otherwise moisture-loving vegetation growing depth interval. Within the lake, the edge or beneath the water. Very be along the edge of a natural water- littoral zone sustains the greatest often a municipally owned and body such as a river or lake. The lit- diversity of plants and animals. A administered environmental may toral zone is the zone below the natural shoreline area protects reserve separates the lot from the bank, and it includes the portion of against erosion and provides some of lake. Environmental reserves are

content the lake and its bed that is relatively Alberta’s most productive fish and usually left in a natural state to the

or Cross-section showing the location of the bank and the ordinary high water line. These indicate the legal resource boundary of the lake bed. The bank At times, the bank is located recent many metres away from open water. more a Ordinary high water line by

Record high water level

Ordinary high water level replaced been Water table Average water level has Shore Bed exact location varies item Record low water level This Littoral Zone – to approximately 3 metres deep Source: Minnesota Extension Service 1993. ARCHIVED. C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES – 7 protect sensitive banks and shore- be no shore at all, while at times of lines. They also allow for public low water there could be many purposes. access to the lake. They cannot be meters of shore. The bed and shore altered by lot owners without the of a lake are public lands owned by municipality’s permission. the Crown. research With or without a reserve, and The bank separates the shore and

and with only rare exceptions, the area bed of a lake from “terrestrial” land. from the bank to the water is consid- Water levels in lakes fluctuate natu- ered public land. Survey plans for rally and tend to return to “normal” lakeshore subdivisions will indicate levels after periods of drought or whether the lakeside boundary of the periods of above-bank flooding. informational property is at the bank (not the “The location of the bank is not

for water’s edge) or at the edge of a affected by occasional periods of reserve. WHAT IS THE BANK? drought or flooding” (Alberta But where exactly is the bank? WHAT IS THE SHORE? Environmental Protection 1997). In

provided Determining the location of the All lakes have a bank, shore, and bed. most cases, the bank can be found by is bank can be difficult. That is why it The bed is the land upon which the careful examination of a shoreline. It is important that we all learn the water sits. The shore is that part of Look for a distinct line formed by “anatomy” of the shoreline. Failing the lake below the bank, but above normal, continuous wave action or date.

of to do so may lead us to change the present water level. It is the part the presence of water at the edge of things that legally are not ours to of the lake bed that is exposed when the lake. It usually is distinguished out change, and to some unpleasant water levels are low. When water by a distinct change in the soil results. levels are normal to high there may and/or vegetation, such as a change from sand or cobble to topsoil, or otherwise from aquatic and semi-aquatic vege- be tation, or mostly “invader” land Bank Environmental weed species such as nettles or this- may Reserve Owned and tle, to purely terrestrial vegetation. administrated by Private lot municipality Unless the lake level has been low for many years, trees will not be content found growing on the lake bed, but the will be growing just above the bank. or The bank separates public land from Bank adjacent land.

resource Survey pin indicates the location of the Shore – property line Waterline recent Public Land Fluctuates more a by

replaced Private lot Bank been has item This

Source: AEP, Guidelines for Lakeshore Use 1997. ARCHIVED. 8– C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES CLUES TO FINDING THE BANK Along with physical evidence, docu- SHATTERING COMMON MYTHS purposes. mentary information such as aerial photos and survey maps are used The Environmental Reserve when looking for the location of the is an extension of my property! research bank. They show where the lake

and water historically has interacted with the land. Physical evidence of the It is a common mis-belief that if Environmental bank includes, but is not limited to Reserves are “publicly” owned, then it’s an adjacent the following: landowners right to use this land for his enjoyment. Such the point at which there is a dis- reserves are separate parcels of land titled to the municipality. informational tinct change from aquatic or These parcels are created at the time the land is subdivided. for semi-aquatic vegetation such as Unauthorized developments or use of reserve lands are a cattails and bulrushes, to upland trespass on another persons land. – Haekel 1996 vegetation like shrubs and trees. provided Sometimes finding this location is

It can be difficult. There may be mostly terrestrial plants growing date. in varying amounts on the shore of if the weather has been dry for whereas topsoil usually confirms washed out into the lake by out many years, the lake level has upland terrain, above the bank. waves, leaving the large materials remained low, and terrestrial After many years of low lake lev- behind. At low lake levels, a series plants have successfully - tem- els, the upper areas of the shore of these might be found as one porarily - invaded the shoreland. may give the appearance of top- walks from the water up the otherwise In this situation, cattails and bul- soil, but it will be found to be beach, each one created by wave be rushes may be found near the much thinner than terrestrial top- or ice action at a different lake

may water’s edge, dozens of meters soil a short distance above the level; the highest one may be at below the bank; bank; the “true” bank. a change in the character of the a ridge of gravel or rocks high on (Adapted from Alberta Environmental content soil, caused by surface water. Sand the beach that is created by long- Protection and Alberta Agriculture, Food the often indicates the bed and shore, continued wave action. Fine and Rural Development 1995.) or materials, such as sand, are In some cases, this line is not clear. The exact location of the bank can SHATTERING COMMON MYTHS be determined by an Alberta Land resource Surveyor. For more information I’m entitled to a view of the lake - regarding the Crown’s ownership recent I paid good money for my lot! and for help finding the location of the bank, contact your local Public more Lands officer, or: a by Land Research and Analysis Section You are one of the few privileged land owners to Land Services Branch have a property directly next to a lake. However, this Land Administration Division replaced does not entitle you to a view of that lake. If a municipally Environmental Protection owned reserve that is treed separates your lot from the 9915 - 108 St. NW 2nd. Floor been lake, you do not have the right to cut down the Edmonton, AB T5K 2C9 has vegetation on someone else’s property. – Haekel 1996 phone: 427-3509 item This ARCHIVED. C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES – 9 purposes. You Need a Permit! research and

PERMITS? I DIDN’T affect the bed or informational KNOW WE NEEDED shore of a lake, or for PERMITS! the environmental The Public Lands Act, reserve immediately Section 3, states that the above the bank, should provided beds and shores of all natu- first inquire as to how is rally occurring lakes, rivers, and

It Canada’s water and fisheries streams, belong to the Government habitat protection laws, Alberta’s of Canada or (usually) to the Government agencies are increas- date. public lands and water protection ingly enforcing existing regulations of Province, unless your land title laws, and the municipality’s environ- (rarely) specifically states that your to protect these public lands. As mental reserve bylaws, could affect out property does include the bed and more and more people buy lakefront their plans. shore. property, and more and more of these small, fragile lake ecosystems FISH AND THE LAW

otherwise are damaged, there is a real need to Protection of fish and their habitat is

be look at why regulations protecting provided for under the federal the shoreline exist, and to enforce Fisheries Act. Canada’s first Fisheries may these regulations. Further, public Act was drafted in 1867. It remains a viewpoints are changing. It is very useful guide to ensure that becoming socially unacceptable to Canada’s fisheries, which belong to content develop or damage sensitive shore- all the people of Canada, are pro- the land areas. tected. or Anyone planning work that might An important mandate of the

SHATTERING COMMON MYTHS resource

Cottage owners often treat public I can do what I want with recent land as though it were their own. my property once I’ve bought it! Some cottage owners may not realize more

a that it is illegal to modify environ-

by mental reserve lands without permission from the municipal authority, Just like in the city, bylaws and and that it is illegal to alter the shore development restrictions limit what can and cannot be done on private property. A permit replaced or lake bed below the bank without permission from provincial Public from the municipality’s (County or Summer Village) development office is usually required been Lands and Water Management agencies. Other cottage owners may feel for all structural improvements, and for has that because a neighbour did it, they permission to occupy or develop within reserve lands. – Haekel 1996 item can do it too. Not so! Keep in mind that public lands are public. Work on This the bank, bed or shore may require permits before the project begins. ARCHIVED. 10 – C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES Fisheries Act is to protect fish habitat. Fish habitat includes not only SHATTERING COMMON MYTHS purposes. the water in the lake, but also the plants and other life forms that My cottage needs a sand beach interact to make fish life possible. to add value to the property! research The Fisheries Act defines this habi-

and tat as follows:

“Spawning grounds, and nursery, If time and geology didn’t create a sand beach rearing, food supply and migra- naturally, it’s unlikely an artificial sand beach will tion areas on which fish depend remain where you put it. Don’t waste your money informational directly or indirectly in order to on replacing lost sand year after year - for carry out their life processes. use the public beach. – Haekel 1996 [Section 34(1)]” (Fisheries and Oceans 1991). provided is To prevent damage to our fisheries It resources, the Fisheries Act (Canada)

date. Section 35(1) states that no person

of should do any work in or near the water that would result in the harm WATER AND THE LAW should be left in their natural state out or destruction of fish habitat. It con- The Province of Alberta also has or used as public parks. tinues in Section 36(3) to advise that legislation concerning construction People who own lakefront proper- no one shall place any material into near or in water, whether or not the ty should check their survey plans to otherwise the water that would harm fish or water contains fish. The Water see whether or not an environmental be fish habitat (Fisheries and Oceans Resources Act requires that a permit reserve separates their property from 1991). This forbids a wide range of be obtained before building anything the lake. Any subdivisions surveyed may activities, including the clearing of that might interfere with the conser- after 1978 will have the environmen- aquatic vegetation, dumping sand, vation or management of water. The tal reserves marked ER. If your sub-

content the dredging of sediment, or the new Water Act (January 1999) division plan shows a strip of land removal of bank materials. strengthens the protection of the marked R between your property the The primary goal of the federal aquatic environment. and the lake, this stands for Reserve, or policy is “no net loss” of fish habitat. and it is to be treated as environ- Alberta endorses this goal. The ENVIRONMENTAL RESERVES mental reserve. intent of the law is that projects at Land identified as municipal reserve Modification of environmental resource the shoreline, at best, produce a gain or environmental reserve is owned reserves requires a development in fish habitat, and, at worst, produce by and is the responsibility of the approval from the municipality that recent no net loss of fish habitat. local municipality (city, town, munic- owns this land. Development within The federal Department of ipal district, county, or summer vil- environmental reserves must comply more

a Fisheries and Oceans, and the lage) within whose boundaries it lies. with established local bylaws.

by Fisheries and Wildlife Management This booklet will only deal with the Developers must check the munici- Division of the provincial environmental reserves. pal zoning bylaws to ensure that they Department of Environmental The Municipal Government Act, are not in conflict with local regula-

replaced Protection, would rather prevent 1994, Chapter M26.1, states that tions and to obtain a development damage to habitat and avoid losses to environmental reserves can be creat- permit. To obtain information been the fisheries resource, than to take ed when land is subdivided and regarding individual land titles, court action against offenders who where that land is a natural drainage property boundaries, or subdivision has have altered, destroyed, or degraded course, subject to flooding, unstable, plans, contact the local municipal item fish habitat. When violations occur, or next to the bed and shore of a government office. however, departmental enforcement lake, river, or stream. This Act also This officers will carry out enforcement states that environmental reserves action. ARCHIVED. C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES – 11 tion. Contractors may be liable SHATTERING COMMON MYTHS for work done without the proper purposes. permits. As a lakefront property owner, I can keep people off “my” lakeshore and GETTING A PERMIT research restrict others from using my dock! Applying for a permit is not neces- sarily a complicated business, and it and may save you and the lake from The beds and shores of most some unpleasantries. In Alberta, lakes are Crown owned and therefore public shoreline projects require approval land for everyone to use. You cannot prevent the from the Public Lands Branch of informational public from using the shore or a reserve in front of your Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural

for cottage. Seasonal piers and boat lifts located on a lake bed Development, and also from the without a permit are technically (legally) a trespass on Crown Water Management Division of land. Any structure left on public land without authority could be Alberta Environmental Protection.

provided assumed by the public as an invitation for use. Although a pri- These agencies have adopted a “one is vate structure, it would be difficult for a cottager to initiate a window” approach so that applying It civil action against someone else for using their pier. to one means applying to the other, – Haekel 1996 and also involves the Fisheries date. Note: the owner of such a structure Management Division of the Natural of is, however, liable for it and its Resources Service. Complete an out use by others. “Application for Lakeshore/Water Body Modification” form, available from your nearest Public Lands, or

otherwise Alberta Environmental Protection

be office. Every application must con- YES — YOU NEED A PERMIT erosion protection, retaining tain the following information: may Before undertaking any project in, walls, groynes, breakwaters, and “a legal land description; on, or near the water, check to see if causeways; a location plan, a site plan, and a a permit is needed. A provincial per-

content permanent piers, boat launches, cross-sectional sketch that show mit is required before diverting boathouses, and other improve- the the existing conditions of the site (impounding or withdrawing) water, or ments supporting these struc- and the proposed works in rela- or the development of the following tures; tion to property lines; structures or modifications on lake beds, shores and floodplains: permanent waterline installations a letter explaining the proposal, resource into or beneath the lake; and why it is needed, and when it is to “any projects (temporary or per- be built; and manent) involving the disturbance other permanent structures on recent or modification of a lake’s bed, the bed, shore, or floodplain of the appropriate fee (if required) to shore, or floodplain; the lake” cover the cost of processing the more

a application” any projects that involve the (Alberta Environmental Protection 1997). by placement onto or the removal of (Alberta Environmental Protection 1997). material from the bed, shore, or Anyone wishing to make any perma- Apply for the permit well in advance floodplain. This includes the nent changes on public lakeshores

replaced of when you would like to start the removal of pressure ridges caused must have legal access to the relevant project. It would be wise to apply in by ice thrusts and the addition of lakeshore before permission can be been the fall or winter for work to be sand for beaches; given. Permits for lakeshore projects done the following summer. You has must be obtained before construc- any commercial development tion begins. Contractors should probably will not be allowed to do (temporary or permanent); item ensure that their clients have the work in the water until after July 1, the cutting or removal of aquatic proper permits. Copies of permits so as to not disturb spawning fish. This vegetation; must be on the site during construc- Proposals are reviewed for poten- ARCHIVED. 12 – C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES tial repercussions to the lake’s bed RIPARIAN RIGHTS - to an adjacent landowner’s right to and shore, water quality, fish and MISUNDERSTOOD RIGHTS access and use the water. Riparian purposes. wildlife habitat, and public access. People often ask about riparian rights were modified by the Water The less disturbance the project has rights. What are they? Do we own Resources Act, and were modified fur- on the shoreline, the more likely it is them? Some people assume that hav- ther on January 1, 1999, when the research that a permit will be given. Consult ing riparian rights enables them to new Water Act came into force. do whatever they want on the shore-

and with these agencies to find environ- Riparian rights also include the mentally safe ways to carry out your line without a permit. This is not right of an adjacent landowner to project. Advice from experts will true. Riparian rights are much more lands formed by accretion. Accretion help you do your work without limited in nature. Riparian rights do is the natural process where new harming the environment. It may not confer ownership of the bed or land forms upon the bank of a lake, informational even be possible to improve the the shore or the water on the holder river or stream. For accretion to

for habitat. Following good advice will of the right, nor do they confer occur, the accreted land must have also help you to avoid penalties development privileges. been exposed over a long period of resulting from failure to comply with In common law, a person who time in an imperceptible manner.

provided provincial legislation, or the federal owns land adjacent to water has cer- Accretion does not occur when a is Fisheries Act. tain rights to access and use landowner has intentionally It Applicants are advised in writing the water. The common produced accretion when a project is rejected or law rights of an adja- through artificial date. cent landowner to of approved. The approval will contain means. Accretion the conditions under which the proj- access and use the does not occur out ect may be constructed. For more water are known during periods of information about the need for as riparian rights. drought or low shoreline permits in Alberta, contact The terms “ripar- water. If accretion otherwise the nearest regional Public Lands, or ian rights” and has truly occurred, be Alberta Environmental Protection “common law an adjacent office. rights” are some- landowner may may times used inter- apply to the Registrar changeably in reference of Land Titles to amend the description of the parcel to content include the accreted land. Ownership the of the bed and shore of the lake, or SHATTERING COMMON MYTHS river or stream will remain vested in the Crown, and will require a permit A lake or stream is a convenient before any developments may be resource place to dispose of sewage and waste water. constructed or other alterations may Because it’s diluted, it won’t hurt anything! be made. recent

IGNORING THE RULES more CAN BE COSTLY a Damaging the bed and shore of a by Streams link surface runoff within a lake, or the environmental reserve, is watershed directly to some collection point like a lake. not being tolerated. Infractions may Wastes diluted by water in a stream will enter a lake and result in a fine as well as you being replaced any nutrients dissolved in the water are then available required to reclaim the land back to for algae growth. Wastes from cottage use can result in its original state. This will often been a considerable input to the nutrient load involve a lot of hard work, great has within a lake. – Haekel 1996 expense, or both. As an indication of what could item happen, consider the effects of unau-

This thorized activities (for example, tree removal, slope grading, installation ARCHIVED. C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES – 13 of a beach, and planting of a lawn) lake. They might require seeding selves a very expensive clean-up and that damaged a significant part of with a native seed mix or planting reclamation task. purposes. the environmental reserve and native plants on the damaged Three broad principles apply in extended out onto the dry lake bed shore lands and shallows or might dealing with such infractions: and into the shallow water of a fish- allow those areas to revegetate (a) the perpetrator of the damage to research bearing lake. naturally depending on the set- public property, resources, and

and ting. Fines might also be imposed values should not ultimately be 1. The County, Municipal District, for unauthorized use of the land allowed to benefit from causing or Summer Village that owned and for excavation and placing fill such damage. If the perpetrator is the environmental reserve would, on the Crown land with no per- “rewarded” for such harmful through their bylaws, order recla- mits. behaviour, others will be encour- informational mation of that land to the original aged to follow suit; 3. Fisheries Management may rec- for slopes and vegetation type, and (b) the lake shoreline must be ommend laying of charges under may impose a fine. reclaimed to a stable, non-erod- the federal Fisheries Act for ing configuration; and 2. Public Lands Branch and Water destruction of fish habitat, and

provided (c) the reclamation that is put in Management Division would that could result in court pro- is place should quickly provide the It order removal of all foreign mate- ceedings and similar or additional habitat values and water quality rial (such as earth fill that would reclamation orders and fines protection that are equivalent to date. eventually erode into the water) imposed by the courts.

of or better than what was originally from the Crown owned bed and at the site of the damage. The out shore. They would require stabi- When all was said and done, the lake’s many values should not be lizing of the up-slope areas, people who committed the intrusion degraded as a result of the dam- including private land if neces- and damage would have achieved lit- age and reclamation. sary, to prevent further erosion tle if any of their original objectives otherwise onto the public land and into the and would have brought upon them- be Your project may seem minor in the vast scheme of things, but the may cumulative effect of “minor” projects undertaken by you and all your neighbours can be devastating to the content lake. Think about whether the proj- the ect is absolutely necessary. If it is, or consider how you can do the work in the most environmentally friendly way, and set it all out in your permit resource application. In the long run, we, and the lake, will all be better off for it. recent more a by replaced been has item This ARCHIVED. 14 – C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES purposes. Weeds!

“. . . A WEED IS JUST A FLOWER OUT OF PLACE” - RALPH WALDO EMERSON research and informational HAVE A LITTLE RESPECT amphibians, reptiles, and for Most of us have learned other animals. to hate the aquatic plants We may feel that in a lake. When people macrophytes are a nui- provided are inconvenienced by sance, but in addition to is

It aquatic vegetation dur- their importance to fish ing their recreational and wildlife, they help

date. activities, they may feel stabilize shorelines and of that the lake is being over- lake bottoms, reduce erosion

out come by these plants. Cottagers by suppressing wave action, and must put things into perspective. help maintain good water quality. A lake is not a backyard swimming TYPES OF AQUATIC PLANTS Macrophytes take up nutrients in the pool. “A lake is a community of The large aquatic plants that we lake that would otherwise be left for otherwise many living things — plants, fish, often call weeds are properly named unwanted algae growth. be wildlife — connected in a complex macrophytes, meaning “plants large Algae are the microscopic plants

may ecosystem” (Ontario Ministry of enough to be seen with the naked that float or are suspended in the Environment and Energy 1993, Vol. eye.” Most, but not all, are rooted water. Like other plants they acquire 4). Aquatic plants play the same crit- plants that obtain most of their energy from sunlight, but, because content ical role in the lake ecosystem as do nutrients (food) from sediments in they have no roots into soil or bot-

the trees in the forest and grasses on the the lake bed. Some macrophytes are tom material they obtain their nutri-

or prairie. submergent (the plant is underwa- ents from the water itself. Algae When cottagers first came to ter, although some leaves may float form part of the base of a lake’s food most Alberta lakes, the lakes had on the surface), some are emergents chain. They provide food for micro-

resource aquatic plants in them and they were (most of their foliage is on or above scopic animals, which in turn pro- ringed by sedges, rushes, and cattails. the water surface), and others (e.g., vide food for fish and other aquatic The water was likely cleaner than it duckweed) are floating plants that life. recent is today, and populated by numerous easily drift on the water surface. fish, frogs, and waterfowl. This was Macrophytes provide oxygen, AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION — more a the normal state of our lakes. Today, food, and shelter for fish. They also A POUND OF CURE by after decades of cutting and improp- provide spawning and rearing habi- Generally, the benefits that algae and er treatment of these “weeds,” the tat. A number of fish species rely on macrophytes offer a lake far out- quality of water in many Alberta rooted aquatic plants for the repro- weigh the inconveniences. At times, replaced lakes is deteriorating and fewer fish, duction and rearing of their young. however, excessive aquatic plant birds, and animals live in and around Northern pike, for example, attach growth can upset the biological bal- been the lakes. It is time to recognize the their eggs to the stalks of bulrushes ance of the lake ecosystem. Algae

has important role that so-called and other submerged vegetation. thrive under conditions of high “weeds” have in the lake. These plants also support wildlife. nutrient concentrations. If a lake item Many animals, including moose, feed becomes very fertile, or nutrient- rich, it may have rapid growth

This on them. Macrophyte beds provide hiding and nesting sites for birds, (blooms) of green and blue-green ARCHIVED. C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES – 15 gents), to enter the lake. Nutrients SHATTERING COMMON MYTHS also leak into the lake from septic purposes. systems. Aquatic plants in front of my lot have to go. Cottage owners can help reduce These “weeds” decrease the quality of my lake the nutrient input into lakes by research and value of my cottage property! maintaining a strip of well-vegetated

and land between any cleared areas and the water, and by repairing or Many people consider aquatic upgrading septic systems and not plants like cattails and reeds as “weeds” and a using fertilizers. Cottagers and nuisance. These plants, however, play an important recreational users of lakes can also informational ecological role in maintaining the health of our lakes. They put pressure on local governments to for stabilize the bed and shore, reduce soil movement and erosion, control agricultural runoff and and are important habitat areas for fish, waterfowl and other industrial effluent entering lakes. wildlife. Aquatic plants also make use of nutrients in lakes provided that would otherwise contribute to unwanted algae growth. SHORT-TERM CONTROL OF is EXCESSIVE AQUATIC PLANTS It Too much growth, however, limits boat access to open water. In such cases, a boat lane may be cut Occasionally, some control of aquatic

date. through heavy stands of aquatic plants. plants may be necessary to create a of A permit is required. – Haekel 1996 boat lane to open water, or to maintain a community beach and swim- out ming area. Random, unrestricted removal of aquatic plants by cottage owners, however, can harm the lake otherwise algae. These blooms are most com- occurs when people clear their environment and disrupt the ecolog- be mon in central Alberta lakes from shoreline areas of natural vegetation. ical role of these plants in providing late June to mid-September. In most “Improving” the natural shoreline fish habitat and in maintaining water may lakes they last for two to three (e.g., by bringing in sand or fill) can quality. Aquatic plants are considered weeks, but can persist throughout cause a problem with sediment input. to be fish habitat and are protected

content the summer and early fall if the The only practical, long-term solu- under the federal Fisheries Act. weather stays sunny and warm. tion is to reduce the amount of sedi- Except for very small-scale hand the Besides being aesthetically unappeal- removal of aquatic vegetation, the or ment and nutrients entering the lake. ing, such as when masses of algae The best way to combat sediment removal of aquatic plants from the wash up on the shore, algae can be input is to keep the shoreline intact. provincially owned bed of the lake troublesome in other ways. Although Do not clear away vegetation near requires a permit from Public Lands resource live algae produce oxygen, the the lake. Instead, consider planting or Water Management Division. decomposition of dead algae con- even more vegetation. Plants such as The preferred way for an individ- recent sumes oxygen dissolved in the water. willows and dogwood offer very ual cottager to control macrophytes Occasionally, decomposing algae good erosion control. is to remove some, but not all of more

a may reduce oxygen levels to the As serious a problem them. To remove some veg-

by extent that fish suffocate and die. as sediment input is etation, manually pull Decomposing blue-green algae also nutrient loading. out plants, or use a release toxins into the water which, Nutrients are con- scythe. This is prac-

replaced if ingested in large quantities, can be tinually washing tical for small toxic and lethal to animals, including into a lake from areas, and is per- been people. its watershed, but haps the least Excessive aquatic plant growth damaging form of has cottagers add to and algae blooms can be worsened this when they plant control. Be item by human activity around a lake. An allow extra nutri- sure to remove the increase in the amount of sediments ents, particularly pulled or cut plants This washing out of the watershed and phosphorus (found in from the lake. into the lake, bringing nutrients, fertilizers and most deter- Mechanized, self-pro- ARCHIVED. 16 – C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES pelled cutters are sometimes used nity beaches are exceptions, where timing ensures that the reproduc- when several cottagers get together concentrated recreational opportuni- tive cycles of fish and waterfowl purposes. to do some plant control in front of ties for many people are provided by are mostly complete before the more than one property. Typically, means of beach manicuring and veg- area is disturbed. machine operators are hired to do etation removal. On the other hand, cutting must be less than 1 meter research the cutting. Depending on the type in certain parts of certain lakes no from the water’s surface.

and of machine used, mechanized cutters aquatic vegetation removal is allowed disturbance to the bed and shore can cause much more damage than because of its very good, perhaps of the lake while cutting is to be manual techniques. It is important to localized, importance for fish. minimized. Stirring up sediment know that cutting these plants stimu- For recreational cottage areas, in the water releases nutrients and lates further growth (similar to mow- permits usually can be obtained stip- may contribute to future algae informational ing a lawn). ulating the following conditions: growth problems. for Regardless of the method used, authorized aquatic plant cutting will aquatic plant control is limited to all plant cuttings are to be be limited to what is necessary for a maximum width of 4 meters removed from the water and adjacent to a temporary pier, and provided the intended project. The primary shore area as the plants are cut. is reason for issuing a permit to to a boat lane that provides access Plant cuttings can take root and It remove aquatic vegetation is to allow to open water, is perpendicular to grow again. If they die and sink to for boat access to open water. But if, the lakeshore and not more than the bottom of the lake, they date. 4 meters wide. remove oxygen from the water as of in front of a lot, 25 per cent or more of the waterfront offers clear access controlling rooted aquatic plants they decompose. They are to be out to open water, no permission to cut is restricted to a single cut after disposed of in such a way that additional vegetation would be July 1 to prevent the loss of they cannot reenter the water or given. Provincial Park and commu- spawning or nesting habitat. This decay on the shore. They may be

otherwise composted. be SHATTERING COMMON MYTHS Chemicals are sometimes used to may kill aquatic plants, but chemical use is restricted because of environmental and health concerns.

content A highly manicured lot in front of my cottage is the best way to landscape a lot. Regular fertilizing Unfortunately, many chemicals are the toxic to other forms of life, including

or of the lawn at my lake shore property won’t affect the quality of the lake! fish and fish food organisms, and their use can often create more problems than it solves. Chemical resource methods of plant control are prohib- A highly manicured grass lawn ited within 30 meters of any water is high maintenance! Think how much recent body in Alberta, except by specially work it is in the city. Remember, you are at the cot- licensed operators. tage to escape the chores and demands of city life. Never more a fertilize at the lake. Fertilizers promote grass growth and Either large plants or small by increase the maintenance required to keep it in check. Excess plants will flourish if nutrients fertilizer ends up washing into the lake where it contributes to and oxygen are present in the algae growth. Maintain your yard with as much natural vegeta- water. “As a rule of thumb, rooted replaced tion as possible (it doesn’t need to look wild). Landscape your aquatic plants will be dominant lot based on your recreational needs. Most people don’t need

been over algae if the area colonized by nor regularly use 1000 square feet of lawn. A sitting these plants covers 40 percent or has and play area with a good path to the water more of the lake’s bottom” should provide more than enough week-

item (McComas 1993). end work. – Haekel 1996 This ARCHIVED. C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES – 17 IT’S NEVER TOO LATE: RESTORING THE NATURAL BALANCE purposes. If the lake bed in front of your lot has been routinely “deforested,” here are some things you can and should research do to help turn back the clock on

and water quality deterioration and loss of fish habitat: Do nothing. Allow aquatic plants to come back on their own. They will. informational for Instead of cutting all the plants to make a near shore swimming area, cut a 4-meter-wide pathway out to clear water and anchor a provided is swimming raft there, or use a It common area already maintained by the municipality. date. of If you must do something and decide that you want to re-plant, out use only plant species native to your lake. Importing plants from other lakes is potentially danger- otherwise ous. Transplanted plant species most nuisance exotics, it has no To determine what plants to use, be can grow out of control and local insects, diseases, or grazing find an undisturbed area of the become a nuisance. For example, species to control its population, shoreline and see what is growing may purple loosestrife is an exotic that so it out-competes native plants. there. Seed can be collected from spreads primarily by abundant Purple loosestrife has become a these native plants, and planted on

content seed production and by broken serious problem in lakes across your lot in areas with similar water stems that root in moist soil. Like North America. and soil conditions. If you take the plants out of a natural area, be care- or ful not to deplete it. Never take more than 10 per cent of the plants A single boat channel out. Plants will look more natural if resource planted in groups rather than in rows. Aquatic plants are sometimes recent available from a local nursery. For a list of native plant nurseries, contact more

a the: by Alberta Native Plant Council Garneau P. O. Box 52099

replaced Edmonton, AB T6G 2T5 been has item This ARCHIVED. 18 – C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES purposes. Shoreline Alterations

“THE FIRST RULE OF INTELLIGENT TINKERING IS TO SAVE ALL THE PARTS.” - ALDO LEOPOLD research and informational sk any biologist the best CONSEQUENCES OF AN for Away to make shoreline ALTERED SHORELINE alterations and they will Lakes in a natural state are probably answer “don’t”. relatively stable ecosystems. provided Yet, many of you reading Destructive practices in the is shoreline area contribute to It this booklet have probably changed your shoreline, the overall degradation of

date. some extensively, and the lake environment. When of maybe you think it looks the natural vegetation has been altered or removed to out great. Perhaps though, you are starting (or continuing) accommodate artificial to have erosion problems, structures or landscapes, or your “beach” just keeps the lake will deteriorate otherwise washing away, and certainly, more rapidly. Without natural be you are spending a lot more time ing food, cover, and shelter, along lakefront vegetation the following working at the lake than you ever with easy access to water. Songbirds, occurs: may expected. As well as being time nesting waterfowl, upland game increased erosion; waves and consuming and expensive, projects birds, aquatic furbearers such as currents can cause the bank to content such as retaining walls and artificial muskrat and beaver, and big-game collapse or erode into the water, beaches damage the shoreline. ungulates depend on this vegetation the an increased amount of silt enter-

or In this section, we will look at the for their survival. And there is the ing the water, covering fish- function of the shoreline and talk added bonus of greater privacy for spawning beds and killing aquatic about why maintaining this area in a cottagers. bottom life, Shoreline vegetation also acts as a resource natural state is so important. We will also tell you about more filter by trapping sediment and slow- fertilization of the lake by nutri- environmentally friendly ways to ing runoff that can carry nutrients ent-rich rainwater runoff that is recent make changes to this sensitive and chemicals (pesticides) into the normally used by the shoreline environment, if changes are wanted. lake. The dense, interlocking roots vegetation for their growth. This more a of these plants also hold the soil in enrichment can contribute to an

by LET NATURE DO THE WORK place, and stabilize the bank. The increase in aquatic plant growth Remember that both riparian and underlying, saturated soil of the and algae blooms, littoral zones are included in our shoreline allows these moisture-lov- a loss of valuable fish and wildlife replaced definition of the shoreline area. ing plants and trees to grow. If the habitat, A natural shoreline usually has trees, shoreline is damaged, for example, a loss of privacy for lakefront been shrubs, and other plants growing by excessive clearing of vegetation, it property owners, and right down to the water’s edge and has can turn into an unbeneficial eroded beyond, providing shade and shelter zone. The wider the buffer strip, the an overall loss of the natural item for fish, insects, and other creatures. greater the benefits it provides. An scenic beauty of the lake. Healthy shoreline vegetation ideal buffer strip extends a minimum This zones, or buffer strips, provide of 30 meters from the bank. excellent habitat for wildlife, supply- ARCHIVED. C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES – 19 PROTECTING THE SHORELINE There are a number of things people SHATTERING COMMON MYTHS purposes. can do to prevent damaging shoreline habitat. A septic field is good enough for Avoid removing tree cover or any getting rid of sewage and grey water! research other vegetation between the and developed area and the lake. If This may have been true with limit- you do want to remove some ed development and when a lake cottage was only trees to improve your view of the a weekend cabin receiving occasional use, but today we lake, be selective. Eliminate as are living at the lake year round and in permanent homes. few trees as possible. Even heavily informational Septic fields can be effective in dealing with limited amounts of developed backshores can still

for solid waste but are less effective at containing liquid wastes. leave lakes looking natural if Nutrient rich liquid wastes can move through soil and into changes are made in an environ- our lakes. It is recommended, at the very least, that mentally friendly way. – provided pump-out holding tanks be used instead. is Do not create a beach where Haekel 1996 It none existed before. It will not work over the long run. Artificial date. beaches usually wash away. of Creating beaches by dumping out sand or other materials on the lake bed and shore requires a per- When creating a boat lane, try straight down it into the lake. mit because it alters the natural creating a joint access channel Try to keep the path or the slope characteristics of the lake and can with several neighbours, or get beneath stairs vegetated, versus otherwise negatively affect water quality and together with a neighbour to dirt, sand, or gravel. be fish habitat. Imported sand can share a dock and boat access. Leave natural ice ridges in place may introduce nutrients into the lake, When building a dock, consider (they slow meltwater runoff into increasing algae growth. Instead floating, cantilever, or post-sup- the lake). of bringing in sand, build a “float- ported docks. These structures content ing beach” — a floating dock or Do not wash vehicles, dogs, will minimize damage to the clothes, hair, or dishes in the lake. the swimming platform will give you existing lake bottom, and do not or some of the same amenities as a Carry out these activities inside or restrict the movement of fish and as far back from the shore as pos- beach, but with a lot less damage wildlife. to the environment. Consider sible. Both soap and dirt contain Build your boathouse back from nutrients that the lake does not resource building a “beach” in a large sandbox, set well back on your the shore, and use a winch to take need. the boat out of the water. Do not dump water from another recent lot. If you rake plants out of the Rather than building a retaining source into the lake. more water, or back from the waterline, wall to control erosion at the Drive motor boats slowly in shal- a make sure that you remove them shoreline, keep existing vegeta- low water. Disturbance of nutri- by entirely from the shore instead of tion and add new plants, such as ent-rich bottom sediments fertil- leaving them to rot and return shrubs and small trees. For most izes the water above them. nutrients to the lake. properties that slope toward the Motorized vehicles are also very replaced water, leaving the natural shore- disturbing to fish and waterfowl. If there are rocks in front of your line area undisturbed is the best been Never put fuel or garbage into property, leave them. They actu- and least expensive protection the lake, or on the ice in winter, has ally help stabilize your beach, and against erosion. provide habitat for aquatic insects and remember to clean up after Use stairs or a meandering path item and fish. If you must remove ice fishing. some for better swimming, or to (maximum 2 meters wide) on This protect boat propellers, move slopes leading to the water. Make them selectively, by hand. rainwater flow off the path, not ARCHIVED. 20 – C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES PERMITS ARE REQUIRED on the bed or shore, including small removable piers or docks, and Before you start any work along the importing sand and controlling boat lifts. These structures are for purposes. shoreline, remember that the shores erosion. Unauthorized projects may seasonal use only, must not prevent and beds of almost all Alberta lakes be investigated, require restoration, public access along the shore, and are public lands. Make sure that you and/or result in fines. must be completely removed from research have a permit from Public Lands or Structures that do not disturb the the lake bed or shore before winter”

and Water Management Division. This bed and shore of the lake may be (Alberta Environmental Protection 1997). permit requirement applies to any- erected on lake beds without author- thing you may want to build or alter ization. “Examples of these include informational Damaged shoreline – right. All for vegetation has been removed and sand has been brought in, creating an unappealing, very sterile

provided shoreline. is It date. of out otherwise be may content the or resource recent more a by The same shoreline – left, with natural vegetation allowed to grow in. Allowing natural vegetation to replaced grow in will result in an interesting shoreline and create habitat for been fish, frogs, birds and other animals. has item This ARCHIVED. C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES – 21 purposes. On Your Lot research and informational hat you do in the Consider native for Wwater and on the vegetation as a shoreline is important to quality alternative to the health of your lake. turf grass lawns. Land provided So is what happens on your will revert to a natural is

It lot. Yes, this area is private, state if no maintenance and it belongs to you, but what is performed. Natural date. you do here can affect public land vegetation is “best” because it is of and water nearby. ends up in the ground around the adapted to the local climate and

out cottage, and eventually, in the usually has strong, well- estab- STOP FEEDING THE LAKE lake. lished root systems that provide We know that adding nutrients to a better erosion control and water- lake speeds up its natural aging Use liquid dishwashing detergent cleaning ability. It also offers otherwise process. Unless a great deal of care is for hand washing and dishwashers more typical habitat for wildlife be taken, cottagers may contribute to — it has one-third the phosphate and is more resistant to pests and nutrient loading of the lake every content of powders. Wash dishes may disease, and occasional flooding. time a toilet is flushed, clothes are once a day, and cut down on dish- washed, or the lawn is fertilized. washer use at the cottage. Consider making your lawn smaller. Let a buffer strip of wild content Recreational activities on or near the Buy and use laundry detergent lake can also contribute to this. with a low-phosphate or no-phos- grass or other plants grow up the Fortunately, there are things that phate content. between the lawn and the lake. or Planting trees and shrubs in this people can do to ensure that they are Do not remove all the trees, area will create habitat for a vari- not contributing to nutrient “over- shrubs, and other natural vegeta- load” of the lake. ety of birds and wildlife. resource tion that grow on your property. Evergreens may be a good choice Be sure your septic tank/waste They are valuable. They reduce for planting near the shoreline water system is working correctly. soil erosion and therefore protect recent because they will screen buildings Is it built and maintained accord- the lake waters. Vegetation slows from view during all seasons. ing to municipal bylaws? Can you down runoff and naturally fil- more The best buffer strip is a see evidence that your septic field ters rain water from mature woodland with by is leaking or malfunctioning? If roads, parking lots, undisturbed grass and you have an outhouse, is it as far patios, and cot- shrub layers. back from the shore as possible, tage roofs. It replaced and dug in proper soil (not sand)? also takes up Is your pump-out tank intact? some of those been Do you know where pumped-out nutrients that

has material is being disposed? reach the Reduce or stop your use of prod- ground water item ucts containing phosphorus. from your septic tank system. This Septic tank systems do not break down or dilute phosphorus — it ARCHIVED. 22 – C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES When cattle are allowed to defecate near water, they can add purposes. large amounts of nutrients to lakes or to creeks draining into lakes. Their hooves break down research banks, promoting erosion. They

and should not be allowed direct access to the lake or to inflow creeks near the lake. Use alternate watering techniques; they do exist. informational Treat creeks near or on your for property as you would the lake. Creeks surrounding lakes carry not only water, but also large provided quantities of nutrients. is It Improving lake water quality date. If you have a lawn never use fer- vegetated path aids in preventing is not a simple task, but reducing of tilizers. Commercial fertilizers erosion. nutrient inflow definitely helps. out make the lawn greener, but they Plan paths and roads with If you see any problems that you also run into the lake and fertilize moderate or gentle slopes. can’t fix yourself, contact the the algae and other aquatic plants appropriate government agency. Never dispose of any motor oil or growing there. The fewer nutrients from outside otherwise other petroleum products on sources that enter a lake, the be Rake and remove leaves from driveways or roads, or down “healthier” it will be. lawn and garden areas from which drains. Most petroleum products may the leaves or their breakdown are high in phosphorus and products will rot and end up in contain toxins. Motor oil can be the lake. recycled. Take it to a service sta- content Compost grass clippings or veg- tion that collects used motor oil. the etable wastes, such as corn husks, or pea pods, or other plant material A community boat channel away from the lake. Never put these materials into the water. resource In wooded areas, do not rake leaves or other forest floor debris; recent leave them to help trap and filter water. more a Never plant your garden on a by slope leading toward the lake; accelerated soil erosion and runoff can occur. Bare soil is a replaced nutrient source. been Create meandering paths and To open water trails to screen buildings from has view from the lake and to slow

item down the flow of nutrient-carrying rain water into the lake. This Paths should be no more than two meters wide. A winding, ARCHIVED. C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES – 23 purposes. Erosion research and informational rosion of the bank NONSTRUCTURAL for Eis a common prob- METHODS lem at lakefront lots. As Bank Sloping: Flatter we continually remove slopes reduce the energy provided vegetation in an attempt of crashing waves. Slopes is

It to “clean up” our proper- of 3 to 1 (horizontal to ver- ty, erosion can become tical) are preferred, but some date. more and more of a problem. benefits can be obtained at of When cottage owners see erosion, slopes of 5 to 1. Planting vegetation

out they often try to stop it using unnat- on the reshaped bank will help stabi- ural materials such as tires and brick Keep heavy objects away from the lize and protect it. One drawback of walls. Wouldn’t you rather look at bank. They may weaken the contouring a gradual slope is that trees and shrubs, and the birds and ground there and cause it to some loosened materials may be otherwise animals that come with them? break away and slip into the washed into the water by runoff and be Generally, erosion is a major water. wave action before new vegetation

may problem only on properties where can stabilize it. Some maintenance The routes that people and vehi- the shoreline has been altered. Even may be required. cles use to reach the water should small ripples can erode banks that be only at locations where the content have had their protective vegetation Aquascaping: Planting aquatic land is very stable.

the removed. Remember, natural vegeta- vegetation to stabilize shorelines or tion has been withstanding erosion There are two main methods for (aquascaping) has become popular in at the lake for hundreds, if not thou- protecting damaged shoreline eastern Canada. This technique can sands, of years. from further erosion. Such work be difficult on shorelines where a lot resource probably will require an approval of wave action occurs. If you decide CONTROLLING EROSION if it is on an environmental to aquascape, choose a combination The best thing to do about erosion is reserve, may require a permit if of plants native to the lake. Do not recent to prevent it, or at least to reduce the work extends to the bed and introduce or use exotic plants. Use problems as soon as possible. submerged or emergent vegetation

more shore, and may also require con- a to stabilize soil from the lake side. Keep natural vegetation, natural siderable effort and expense. by Aquascaping enhances wildlife and rocks, and wave-hardened sand in fish habitat and blends naturally into place. They help hold the soil and 1. Nonstructural Methods: the landscape. Some maintenance shoreline in place and reduce ero- - reshaping (sloping) the bank; replaced will probably be required at first. sion, especially on steep slopes, - aquascaping; and but also on wave-washed beaches. been Limit the planting of turf grass to 2. Structural Methods: has high traffic areas. Turf grass has - protecting the bank with armour few protective soil-holding prop- material. item erties. This ARCHIVED. 24 – C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES STRUCTURAL METHODS b) Gabions — which are Environmental Protection except Shorelines can be protected against rectangular wire mesh in public use areas, such as purposes. erosive wave action by placing rocks baskets that hold large marinas. or other inert materials against the washed rocks. Individual bank. This type of protection is baskets are wired together. In constructing a revetment, research called a revetment. Revetments can This type of revetment is several criteria must be met.

and be divided into two categories: most appropriate for areas For example, a filter cloth must be without much foot traffic. anchored behind the revetment to 1. Flexible structures including; The wire mesh may require prevent the loss of fine grain materi- a) Riprap — which consists occasional maintenance. al into the lake. When you receive of large washed stones or the permit for your erosion control 2. Rigid structures (such as retaining informational gravel placed on a natural project, it will include advice for walls). Rigid structures are not for slope or on an artificially designing and installing the revet- recommended by Alberta graded shore, and ment. Follow this advice. provided is Shoreline Erosion – left. All natural It vegetation (aquatic and terrestrial) was removed from the shoreline. date. Grass was planted to the existing of water’s edge. In high water years,

out wave action cut away under the turf, resulting in the loss of feet of property. otherwise be may content the or resource recent more a by Erosion protection – right, using riprap, aquatic and terrestrial vegetation. All the components will replaced work together to “protect” the bank. The aquatic plants will dampen wave been action. The riprap will armour the has vulnerable bank, keeping the waves from carrying away soil. The roots of item the shrubs behind the bank will also

This help to hold the soil on the bank in place. ARCHIVED. C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES – 25 purposes. Final Notes research and informational BUYER BEWARE SUMMING UP - for If you are contemplating MAKING A DIFFERENCE buying a cottage at the The condition of a lake, consider the following: lake reflects what is hap- provided pening on the land is It Do not buy someone around it. Our activities else’s environmental today will determine

date. headaches. Altered shore- whether our children will of lines, as well as being dam- be able to enjoy these lakes

out aging to the lake environ- as we have. As increasing ment, are often troublesome numbers of people seek relief and expensive to maintain. from the stresses of city life, Natural shorelines are very resist- pressure on our lakes will continue otherwise ant to erosion, whereas wave ESTABLISHED OWNERS: to increase. Cottage owners and visi- be action wreaks havoc on altered, SIT BACK — RELAX tors to the lake must learn to under- If you own lakeshore property that stand and prevent the damage this may cleared shorelines. pressure may cause. Ignoring the Select a property in a subdivision has been “improved,” consider “health” of the shorelands will that respects environmental restoring the shoreline back to its content inevitably result in ruining the lake reserves, and be mindful of how natural state. Often the best way to do this is to do nothing. Think as a supply of drinking water, the the your potential neighbours treat

or loss of the lake for swimming, and their shorelines. Often, problems about it — no more (or at least a lot the destruction of fish and wildlife caused by one alteration effect a less) mowing, cutting, digging, haul- habitat. larger area. ing. . . . Gives you a lot more time If the aesthetic value of having a resource for relaxing, doesn’t it? Consider what you want in a If you still really want that lawn, cottage has to do with having a property, and then find a parcel consider a compromise. Erect a change from city life, natural habitat recent that meets your needs, rather small fence or grow a hedgerow that should be preferable to manicured than thinking that a property can perhaps cuts the existing lawn in lawns anyway. People often argue more be greatly modified to suit your a half. Let the half nearest the water that they have to keep their yards desires. If you want a sandy by revert to native vegetation. Leave shipshape to maintain their property beachfront, do not purchase a dead trees on your property to pro- values, but, in the long run, what will property with a soft, weedy shore- vide shelter, nesting sites, and food happen to property values if the line. Instead, buy property front- replaced for woodpeckers, wood ducks, and lakeshore is monotonous and sterile, ed by a natural sand beach. other species found along the shore- if the bank is eroding away, and the been Attempts to alter natural condi- line. Plant some trees and shrubs water quality of the lake is declining? tions are often futile, expensive,

has and enjoy them as they grow. Property value can, in fact, increase and environmentally harmful. rather than decrease when natural item Think about how you can live in habitat is protected. harmony with the lake, rather By being careful and responsible, This than how the lake can be made to and by thinking about the conse- suit you. ARCHIVED. 26 – C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES quences of our actions, we can all mendations to better care for the You may be just one landowner, but help to keep the lake surroundings lake. Cottagers must be responsible, you can make a difference. While purposes. beautiful and healthy. practice conservation, and encourage some environmental issues can seem their neighbours to do the same. to be largely beyond our control, Please remember, even if you do Form a cottage association. This maintaining lakeshores as natural research own property down to the bank, the would provide an arena for dis- areas is not. If you and your neigh-

and bed and shore of a lake do not cussing concerns about the lake and bours think in these terms, shore- belong to you. They are public prop- any future developments on it. lines can be protected on an even erty, belonging to all the people of Cottage associations can help larger scale. Maintaining the natural Alberta. If your land is separated retain fish and wildlife in an area by lake environment is just common from the lake by an environmental discouraging such activities as the sense. It preserves the health of the informational reserve, this reserve is not your mass destruction of aquatic plants, lake and the quality of the environ- for property either, but belongs to the chasing wildfowl with power boats, ment, as well as protecting your people of your municipality. Be care- and disturbing nesting areas and investment in a natural, enjoyable ful to avoid embarrassing and costly known fish spawning grounds in the property.

provided mistakes. Get the proper authoriza- shallow parts of the lake. They can is tion before any alterations to these also organize projects or activities Alberta’s lakes and shorelines are It areas are made. that benefit the lake, such as restor- fragile and sensitive areas. They are ing buffer zones. Cottage associa- enormously valuable, and they need date. We see that there are good rea-

of sons to keep shorelines in a natural tions can also work with local gov- special care. We must all work state, and we know why laws exist to ernments to establish and enforce together to protect them — now, out protect these lands, but some of the guidelines and regulations on cottage and in the future. recommendations in this booklet are developments and shoreline use. not laws, but are just that — recom- otherwise be may content the or resource recent more a by replaced been has item This ARCHIVED. C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES – 27 purposes. References research and

Alberta Environment. n.d. Alberta Forestry, Lands and Fisheries and Oceans. 1991. Minnesota Extension Service. Alberta lakes. . . a legacy worth Wildlife. 1971?. Riparian habi- Canada’s fish habitat law. 1992/93. Protecting Minnesota informational protecting. Alberta tat. Alberta Forestry, Lands Communications Directorate. waters: shoreland best manage- for Environment. Edmonton, and Wildlife. Edmonton, Department of Fisheries and ment practices. Minnesota Alberta. [Pamphlet.] Alberta. [Pamphlet.] Oceans. Ottawa, Ontario. Extension Service, Duluth, Cat. No. Fs 23-40/1991 E. Minnesota. 60 p. Alberta Environment. 1986. Alberta Forestry, Lands and 16 p. provided Controlling shoreline erosion. Wildlife. 1991. Principles of Mitchell, P. and E. Prepas. is

It Water Resources water boundaries. Technical Fisheries and Oceans. 199?. 1990. Atlas of Alberta lakes. Management Services, Services Section, Public Protecting your shorelands for University of Alberta Press,

date. Technical Services Division. Lands Division. Alberta better farming and ranching, Edmonton, Alberta. 114 p.

of Edmonton, Alberta. 11 p. Forestry, Lands and Wildlife. and healthier fish habitat. Government of Alberta. 1994. Edmonton, Alberta. 103 p. Department of Fisheries and out Alberta Environmental Municipal Government Act. Oceans. Central and Arctic Protection. n.d. Aquatic plant COLA (Congress of Lake Statutes of Alberta: Chapter Region. Ottawa, Ontario. control - fact sheet. Alberta Associations). 1994. The lake- M-26.1. Queen’s Printer, 15 p. Environmental Protection. book: actions you can take to pro- Edmonton, Alberta. 335 p. otherwise Edmonton, Alberta. tect your lake. Congress of Haekel, G. 1996. The law and Ontario Ministry of be [Pamphlet.] Lake Associations of Maine. the lake: navigating Alberta’s Environment and Energy. Yarmouth, Maine. 28 p. regulatory framework. In G. may Alberta Environmental 1993. Environmental living: Haekel, ed., Proceedings of Protection. 1993. How to be a Dresen, M.D. and R.M. protecting the environment. . . the Alberta Lake “lake friendly” property owner. Korth. 1994. Life on the edge. . volume 3 - when building or Management Society’s 1996 content Alberta Environmental . owning waterfront property. buying your dream cottage. annual workshop, Sylvan Protection. Edmonton, University of Wisconsin- Ministry of Environment and the Lake, Alberta. Privately print- Alberta. [Pamphlet.] Extension. 64 p. Energy. Toronto, Ontario. or ed. Pp. 113-134. 24 p. Alberta Environmental Environment Ontario. 1989. Kingsmill, S. 1992. Clean up Protection. Revised 1997. Cottage country: an environ- Ontario Ministry of the waterfront. Canadian resource Guidelines for lakeshore use. mental manual for cottagers. Environment and Energy. Living Magazine, July, pp. Agriculture, Food and Rural Sixth edition. Queen’s Printer 1993. Environmental living: 63-69. Development. Pub. No. for Ontario. 49 p. protecting the environment. . . recent 1/453. Edmonton, Alberta. MAPLE (Mutual Associations volume 4 - at the cottage. Fisheries and Oceans. 1986. [Pamphlet.] for the Protection of the Lake Ministry of Environment and more Policy for the management of Energy.Toronto, Ontario. a Environment). n.d. Working Alberta Environmental fish habitat. Communications towards a natural shoreline. 35 p. by Protection and Alberta Directorate. Department of [Undated magazine clipping.] Agriculture, Food and Rural Fisheries and Oceans. Ottawa, Ontario Ministry of Development. Revised 1995. Ontario. Cat. No. Fs 23- McComas, S. 1993. Environment and Energy. replaced Permanent and naturally occur- 98/1986 E. 28 p. Lakesmarts — the first lake 1993. Environmental living: ring water bodies. In The maintenance handbook. Terrene protecting the environment. . . been “how-to” manual for common Institute, Washington, DC. volume 5 - in the great outdoors. land use application forms. 215 p. Ministry of Environment and has Alberta Forestry, Land and Energy. Toronto, Ontario. 20 p. item Wildlife. Pub. No. 118. Edmonton, Alberta. This ARCHIVED. 28 – C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES purposes. research and

AN UNWELCOME LAKESIDE Reserve (ER) Bylaw, soon met and ordered armouring of the vulnerable NEIGHBOUR — instructed the Wilsons to reclaim the toe of the slope using rock rip rap; informational DON’T LET THIS BE YOU! ER slope to certain specifications additional orders for erosion protec- for When the Wilson family moved to within 30 days, or the Summer tion might arise as needed. And later their new cottage on Snarling Lake, Village would hire someone to do that winter, in a effort to compensate they immediately bulldozed down the job and bill the Wilsons. Those for the input of mud and silt into the provided the trees on the slope between their specifications included rebuilding lake for the next several years until is

It lot and the lake to get a view from and stabilizing the slope by replace- vegetation took hold, and for the their front window. To make the ment of topsoil, seeding with a damage to fish habitat that occurred, date. slope more gentle they bladed off its native, shade tolerant grass mixture, under the Fisheries Act a judge of top and pushed that earth down the and planting (and watering for at ordered the Wilsons to truck in and

out slope, out onto the gravel shoreline, least two summers) nursery stock spread rounded cobble over the dis- and into the water. But before their (minimum height 1.5 meters) white turbed area and from the existing dump truck loads of sand could be birch, willow, trembling aspen, white water line out to a depth of two backed down the new slope to the spruce, and saskatoon at a density of meters. otherwise shore, a horrified neighbour phoned one tree per three square meters. Despite all of these efforts, it still be Natural Resources Service. A Additional plantings might be would be a number of years before Conservation Officer soon arrived to may required in two years if tree survival the disturbed ER slope was stabi- advise the Wilsons to immediately was poor. A carefully designed two lized, providing satisfactory wildlife cease any further work on their proj- meter wide meandering path habitat and affording erosion protec- content ect. The Wilson’s summer plans through the ER to the lakeshore tion for the lake, and before the were suddenly changed. Their shoe- the would be acceptable. shoreline and near-shore lake bed

or string budget landscaping project, Public Lands Branch issued an was again providing good fish that mostly involved disturbing land order to the Wilsons to remove all of spawning and rearing habitat. The which they did not own, turned into the hilltop soil that had been pushed Wilsons definitely had left their

resource a lakeside nightmare of escalating onto the shore and bed of the lake, mark on the lake, and it was not reclamation orders and expenses. and to immediately spread a native good. Their Summer Village Council, grass seed mix onto the silt-covered recent supported by its Environmental lakeshore. Water Management more a by replaced been

has “The challenge in managing a waterfront property will be to find a balance that protects your property item and preserves the environmental features of the shoreline” (Dresen and Korth 1994). This ARCHIVED. C ARING FOR S HORELINE P ROPERTIES – 29 ARCHIVED. This item has been replaced by a more recent resource or the content may be otherwise out of date. It is provided for informational and research purposes.