Waterfront Recreation

(photo of big boat going by)

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Recreational Areas

A) On Shore• Sharing the waterfront• Beaches

B) Crossing Over• Paths, stairs, bridges• Docks

C) Making a Splash• Boating• Fishing• Aquatic plants

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A. On ShoreM

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Clearing Space

Increased runoff = Poor water qualityShoreline erosion = Loss of propertyEliminated habitat = Loss of wildlife

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Sharing the WaterfrontM

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BeachesM

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Photo credit: ontarioguide.com

Alternatives to Creating a Beach Use natural beaches

Build beaches upland

Use coarser gravel instead of sand

Have a single access point to the water

Build a swimming platform

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B. Crossing Over

o

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PathwaysStairs & bridges

Docks

PathwaysM

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Stairs and Bridges

Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR

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DocksM

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What Kind of Dock Do I Need?

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Approval Process

Agencies to consult:

Conservation Authority Ministry of Natural Resources Parks Canada Department of Fisheries and Oceans

PLAN EARLY!

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Types of Docks

1. Removable

2. Permanent

3. Specialty

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1. Removable Docks

Pipe docks

Floating docks

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Photo credit: Wisconsin DNRPhoto credit: Dock King

Pipe Docks

Photo credit: DFO/Cottage Life

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Floating Docks

Photo credit: DFO/Cottage Life

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2. Permanent Docks

Crib docks

Concrete piers

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Crib Docks

Photo credit: DFO/Cottage Life

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Concrete Piers

Photo credit: DFO/Cottage Life

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3. Specialty Docks

Cantilever docks Suspension docks

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Photo credit: Dock King

Cantilever DocksM

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Photo credit: DFO/Cottage Life

Suspension DocksM

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Photo credit: DFO/Cottage Life

C. Making a Splash

Boating

Fishing

Aquatic plants

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Photo credit: Carrol Henderson

Responsible Boating

Maintain your boat

Watch your wake

Reduce noise

Respect wildlife

Clean your boat between waterbodies

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Boat MaintenanceM

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Watch Your WakeM

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Reducing Noise

Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR

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Respect Wildlife

Maintain your distance Bring your binoculars

Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR

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Between Waterbodies

Check boat equipment for hitchhikers

Drain equipment & live wells

Clean with hot water or high pressure

Allow drying time

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Photo credit: Ladd Johnson, NOAA/ Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory

Responsible Fishing

Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR

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Hook, Line & Sinker

Retrieve hooks & lures

Unhook snags and avoid leaving line

Use alternatives to lead sinkers

“Match the hatch”

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Photo credit: PETA

Handling Fish

Be kind:

Keep fish out of water as short as possible

Handle as little as possible

Release gently

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RegulationsM

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Aquatic PlantsM

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Photo credit: Carrol Henderson

Benefits of Aquatic Plants

1. Prevent erosion

2. Protect water quality

3. Provide food & habitat

4. Protect nesting areas

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The Consequences of Removal

Increased plant growth

Invasion by new species

Shoreline erosion

Decline in water quality

Loss of habitat and food sources

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Considerations Prior to Plant Removal

Are the plants native or exotic species?

Has there been a change in the diversity or the extent of the plants?

Are there natural or artificial growing conditions?

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Managing Aquatic Plants

1. Managing nutrient inputs

2. Sharing the waterfront

3. Manual removal

4. Mechanical removal

5. Other types of removal

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Managing Nutrient Inputs

Use phosphate-free products Avoid fertilizing your lawn Keep grass clippings away from water Keep a well buffered shoreline Re-direct runoff away from the water Maintain your septic system Clean up after pets

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Sharing the WaterfrontM

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Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR

Permits and Regulations

Ministry of Natural Resources

Parks Canada

Department of Fisheries and Oceans

Ministry of the Environment (herbicides)

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Manual Removal

Foot traffic

Hand pulling

Raking & cutting

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Mechanical Removal

Handheld power tools Motorized machines

Photo credit: Washington Department of Ecology

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Other Types of Removal

Bottom barriers

Herbicides

Water drawdown

Biological control

Photo credit: Washington Department of Ecology

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Every Little Bit HelpsM

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