Natural Shorelines

Filters runoff – rain that runs off the land can be slowed and will infiltrate into the buffer, which helps settle out sediment, nutrients and other pollutants before they reach the water.
Absorbs nutrients – nutrients from fertilizers and septic systems are taken up by tree roots. Phosphorus and nitrogen will be stored in leaves, limbs and roots instead of reaching the water. Phosphorus is the main nutrient of concern in the lakes of Muskoka. (You are much too wise and responsible to still allow any type of fertilizer use, aren’t you?)
Protects banks from erosion – tree and shrub roots hold the bank soils together and stems protect banks by deflecting the cutting action of boat wakes, waves, and storm water.
Helps reduce the impacts from flooding and storm water runoff – by slowing the velocity of runoff, the shoreline buffer allows the water to soak into the ground, and shoreline vegetation helps cycle water from the ground to the air through evapotranspiration.
Encourages geese to stay off your property and instead contaminate those properties that still insist on having a “city lawn” at the lake!

For more information see our Love your Lake page