Shore Restoration

Clear cutting of waterfront lots without replacing with deep rooted (native) vegetation can lead to both surface soil erosion and also subterranean water flows where chemicals can leach into lakes without the benefit of any vegetation to intercept contaminants. Most grasses have relatively shallow root systems and are consequently mostly ineffective barriers. Trees, shrubs, and various native plants and weeds typically found growing along shore lines have deeper roots systems and are more effective at reducing flows and contamination. Even a minimal buffer of vegetation right at shore’s edge can help offset an open field of grass above.

By now, we have all received the message that we should reduce the phosphate loading on the lake. Failing to do so promotes algal growth.

A corresponding problem is when calcium becomes too low because calcium is an essential ingredient for bone growth in daphnia, a naturally occurring bio-control agent affecting algae growth, with daphnia being just one part of the very complex issue of fresh water eco-system health.

When a lake is designated as a ‘lake trout lake’, this indicates that the species can survive and/or reproduce in that lake’s environment. This requires an appropriate combination of the following: 1) cold water; 2) dissolved oxygen; and, 3) food supply. The lake trout has become an early warning/advance indicator of decaying lake health much like canaries served the same purpose for miners by detecting underground poisonous gases.

Bottom Line

Couple the increased lake water temperatures resulting from global warming with poorly performing septic systems, exacerbated by no existing requirement for septic system re-inspections (with no provincial or municipal requirement or mandated legislation) and with no erosion control and then the liklihood of algae growth/blooms becomes imminent. When the algae growth subsequently dies off, the mass sinks to the bottom with the consequence of using up all available oxygen to decay & rot (ie oxidize). Blue-green algal blooms can result in a dead lake which cannot be quickly, easily or inexpensively recovered. Scary stuff.

Further Information

A link to a pdf listing good cottage water practices, designated as ‘Renters Posters’, but applicable to all of us, is freely available for review and can be located here.

Please also check out the very informative ‘Poop Talk’. The image shows the back end of a ‘honey wagon’ with a sign showing ‘AWAY’. Please watch it. You will probably learn a lot but I’m sure you will not like it!