Shorelands and habitat

Why are shorelands important?

Shorelands are critical to our lake’s health, and they are sensitive areas:

• 90% of all living things found in our lakes and streams are found along the shallow margins and shores
• Studies have shown that there can be as much as 500% more species diversity in the area near the water's edge compared to adjoining uplands.
• 80% of the plants and animals on the endangered species list live all or part of their life cycle in the near-shore zone.

Protecting natural shorelines prevents polluted runoff from entering lakes, helps control flooding and erosion, provides fish and wildlife habitat, preserves privacy and natural scenic beauty, muffles noise from watercraft, and enhances public rights and private property values.

Common activities that are negatively impacting our shorelands include:

• Clearing of trees and vegetation (shoreland habitat loss)
• Recreational use impacts

Economic benefits of shoreland protection...

Learn about restoring your shoreland...