Shoreline Stewardship for Landowners


Why Shoreline Stewardship?
Shoreline stewardship is caring for your property for you, your children and grandchildren and for a healthy environment. Runoff of silt, chemicals and nutrients - including phosphorus - into lakes, rivers and wetlands is a big problem. It can cause algal blooms, kill fish and other wildlife and lower water quality. As a landowner, you can help to ensure clean water, maintain wildlife habitat and a healthy environment. Study the picture below to see how you can help.
What is The Ribbon Of Life?
The "ribbon of life" is an area extending several metres on either side of the shoreline of lakes, rivers and wetlands, from shallow water up onto drier land. The "ribbon of life" is unique. It is a sensitive and critical life zone where up to 90 per cent of the wildlife in lakes, rivers and wetlands is found
Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (EHJV)
Government and private conservation organizations in eastern Canada joined together to form the EHJV in 1989. We are part of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. With the help of landowners, our goal is to conserve our waterfowl populations and their habitats. Working together, everyone can protect our lakes, rivers and wetlands and the "ribbon of life."
Ten Simple Steps To Healthier Lakes, Rivers and Wetlands
  • Build at least 30 metres away from the shoreline.
  • Pump out septic tank every three to five years.
  • Stop cutting grass or reduce the size of your lawn.
  • Use phosphate-free soaps and detergents.
  • Preserve and/or replant shoreline vegetation.
  • Keep the lot well treed. Never clearcut to the shoreline.
  • Reduce water use.
  • Watch your wake.
  • Don't use any fertilizer, herbicides or pesticides near the water.
  • Avoid gas and oil spills.
For more information contact:
NS Department of Housing and Municipal Affairs 
NS Department of Fisheries 
Fisheries and Oceans Canada 
Ducks Unlimited Canada 
Canadian Wildlife Service 
(902) 424-4141
(902) 485-5056
(902) 426-8105
(902) 667-8726
(506) 364-5044
or your local office of:
NS Department of Natural Resources
NS Department of Environment

Back to Lakeshore Park Subdivision Page
Good Shoreline Stewardship Practices
  1. Natural shoreline makes good wildlife habitat.
  2. Small floating docks intrude little into the Ribbon of Life
  3. Septic system and "meadow" far from the shore
  4. Less work and more relaxing time
  5. Narrow mulched footpath causes no erosion
  6. Natural air conditioning with a view; trimmed trees and adjustable awnings
  7. Composting kitchen scraps for good soil fertility.
  8. Well-dressed waterfront full of native plants
  9. Modest runabout for water travel, fishing and touring
  10. good water quality at the end of the dock
Bad Shoreline Stewardship Practices
  1. Fertilizer spills and runoff from the lawn
  2. Erosion of bare shoreline
  3. Excessive use of pesticides/herbicides near the water
  4. Removal of natural vegetation; more work and more runoff
  5. Ornamental shrubs need a lot of chemical help to survive
  6. Hardened shoreline eliminates the natural filter and degrades the water quality.
  7. On a bare lot, the air conditioner works overtime
  8. Building too close to the water and out-of-character with the setting.
  9. Paved lane carries pollution-laden runoff right into the lake
  10. Boats and the environment: noise, wake, gas/oil consumption, spillage

 Back to Lakeshore Park Subdivision Page

Phosphorus Runoff to the Lake

Good Property Above

Bad Property Above

Human Waste
Phosphate-free soap
No fertilizer
Trees left

535g
20g
0g
20g

Human Waste
Phosphate soap
Lawn
Trees cut down

535g
830g
1960g
30g

Total Phosphorus Load

575g

Total Phosphorus Load

3355g

One high-phosphorus lot has the same impact on the lake as six low-phosphorus lots!
Source: Ontario Ministry of Environment and Energy, Environmental Living Series,
Vol 4' Protecting the environment at the Cottage'

Back to Lakeshore Park Subdivision Page


These pages are maintained for NSLandsCo by Tower Software and Media Development
Please report any problems with the pages to the webmaster