Originally published in Lake of the Woods Area News, Volume 55, Number 2, Spring 2025
There is so much each of us can do to be a champion for the waterfront. In the face of increasing challenges, we can act today to make a difference for our children and grandchildren.
Take our quiz: How many of the following do you already do?
(Score one point for each action you’ve done or do regularly):
- Maintain a buffer of natural plants near the shoreline for erosion control and to prevent runoff entering the lake.
- Don’t bathe in the lake!
- Clean, drain and dry the boat before moving between waterbodies to prevent spreading invasive species.
- Report finding a turtle, loon, frog or other sign of a healthy lake in a volunteer “count.”
- Have the septic system inspected and maintained.
- Support your local lake association.
- Avoid using harsh cleansers or other household chemicals.
- Limit light pollution: install downward-facing light fixtures.
- Enhance biodiversity by leaving natural aquatic plants and sunken tree logs as shoreline habitat.
- Minimize speed and boat wake near shore to prevent erosion or loon nest impacts.
- Consult authorities and obtain necessary permits prior to construction or renovation projects near the waterfront.
- Avoid the use of fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides on waterfront properties.
- Read FOCA’s “Shoreline Owner’s Guide to Healthy Waterfronts” at foca.on.ca.
- Attend a talk or webinar about water quality or environmental impacts.
- Share tips for healthy shorelines with a neighbour.
- Stop mowing the grass down to the water’s edge—instead: more hammock time!
Tally all your actions. How did you rate?
10 or more = Stellar Steward! You’re an ambassador for healthy waters and can help by spreading the word to others.
5-9 = Water Winner! Keep up the good work and try “levelling up” this year by choosing two or three additional actions from the list above.
0-4 = Potential Protector! Pick an action from the list and pledge to become part of the solution for Ontario’s waterfronts this year.
Unsure why one of the actions above is important to the health of the waterfront? Learn more here:
foca.on.ca/shorelines-stewardship.
