Waterfront Recreation

1
Waterfront Recreation

• (photo of big boat going by)

Module 61
2
Recreational Areas

• A) On Shore
• Sharing the waterfront
• Beaches
• B) Crossing Over
• Paths, stairs, bridges
• Docks
• C) Making a Splash
• Boating
• Fishing
• Aquatic plants

Module 62
3
A. On Shore
Module 63
4
Clearing Space

• Increased runoff Poor water quality
• Shoreline erosion Loss of property
• Eliminated habitat Loss of wildlife

Module 64
5
Sharing the Waterfront
Module 65
6
Beaches
Module 66
Photo credit ontarioguide.com
7
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

Module 67
8
B. Crossing Over

• o

Pathways
Docks
Stairs bridges
Module 68
9
Pathways
Module 69
10
Stairs and Bridges
Module 610
Photo credit Wisconsin DNR
11
Docks
Module 611
12
What Kind of Dock Do I Need?
Module 612
13
Approval Process

• Agencies to consult
• Conservation Authority
• Ministry of Natural Resources
• Parks Canada
• Department of Fisheries and Oceans
• PLAN EARLY!

Module 613
14
Types of Docks

• Removable
• Permanent
• Specialty

Module 614
15
1. Removable Docks

• Pipe docks
• Floating docks

Module 615
Photo credit Wisconsin DNR
Photo credit Dock King
16
Pipe Docks
Module 616
Photo credit DFO/Cottage Life
17
Floating Docks
Module 617
Photo credit DFO/Cottage Life
18
2. Permanent Docks

• Crib docks
• Concrete piers

Module 618
19
Crib Docks
Module 619
Photo credit DFO/Cottage Life
20
Concrete Piers
Module 620
Photo credit DFO/Cottage Life
21
3. Specialty Docks

• Cantilever docks
• Suspension docks

Module 621
Photo credit Dock King
22
Cantilever Docks
Module 622
Photo credit DFO/Cottage Life
23
Suspension Docks
Module 623
Photo credit DFO/Cottage Life
24
C. Making a Splash

• Boating
• Fishing
• Aquatic plants

Module 624
Photo credit Carrol Henderson
25
Responsible Boating

• Maintain your boat
• Watch your wake
• Reduce noise
• Respect wildlife
• Clean your boat
• between waterbodies

Module 625
26
Boat Maintenance
Module 626
27
Watch Your Wake
Module 627
28
Reducing Noise
Module 628
Photo credit Wisconsin DNR
29
Respect Wildlife

• Maintain your distance
• Bring your binoculars

Module 629
Photo credit Wisconsin DNR
30
Between Waterbodies

• Check boat equipment for hitchhikers
• Drain equipment live wells
• Clean with hot water or high pressure
• Allow drying time

Module 630
31
Responsible Fishing
Module 631
Photo credit Wisconsin DNR
32
Hook, Line Sinker

• Retrieve hooks lures
• Unhook snags and avoid leaving line
• Use alternatives to lead sinkers
• Match the hatch

Module 632
Photo credit PETA
33
Handling Fish

• Be kind
• Keep fish out of water as short as possible
• Handle as little as possible
• Release gently

Module 633
34
Regulations
Module 634
35
Aquatic Plants
Module 635
Photo credit Carrol Henderson
36
Benefits of Aquatic Plants

• Prevent erosion
• Protect water quality
• Provide food habitat
• Protect nesting areas

Module 636
37
The Consequences of Removal

• Increased plant growth
• Invasion by new species
• Shoreline erosion
• Decline in water quality
• Loss of habitat and food sources

Module 637
38
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?

Module 638
39
Managing Aquatic Plants

• Managing nutrient inputs
• Sharing the waterfront
• Manual removal
• Mechanical removal
• Other types of removal

Module 639
40
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

Module 640
41
Sharing the Waterfront
Module 641
Photo credit Wisconsin DNR
42
Permits and Regulations

• Ministry of Natural Resources
• Parks Canada
• Department of Fisheries and Oceans
• Ministry of the Environment (herbicides)

Module 642
43
Manual Removal

• Foot traffic
• Hand pulling
• Raking cutting

Module 643
44
Mechanical Removal
Photo credit Washington Department of Ecology
Handheld power tools
Motorized machines
Module 644
45
Other Types of Removal

• Bottom barriers
• Herbicides
• Water drawdown
• Biological control

Module 645
Photo credit Washington Department of Ecology
46
Every Little Bit Helps
Module 646