Managing Shoreline ErosionM

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Erosion: A Natural Process

Proceeds very slowly Important part of ecosystem function

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Natural Causes of Erosion

Wind Ice Water movement

Wave energy Currents Changing water levels Rain/run-off

Gravity

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Human Disturbances

Removal of shoreline vegetation Run-off from paved surfaces Boat wake

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Human Disturbances

Construction on or near the shoreline

Heavy foot traffic

Shoreline alteration

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The Impacts of Erosion

1. Loss of valuable waterfront property

2. Unsafe areas

3. Loss of habitat

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The Impacts of Erosion

4. Changes the characteristics of the bottom

5. Reduces water clarity

6. Increases water temperature

7. Releases chemicals/nutrients into the water

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Signs of Erosion

Areas of exposed soil

Rills and gullies

Slumping, undercut banks

Formation of sandbars and “islands”

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More Signs of Erosion

Cloudy water

Stream or river becoming wide and shallow

Receding shorelines

Leaning & downed trees & exposed roots

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How To Prevent Erosion

1. Protect the natural shoreline

2. Reduce run-off from impermeable surfaces

3. Minimize wake from boats and other motorized watercraft

4. Take precautions during construction

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How To Prevent Erosion

5. Limit foot traffic in erosion prone areas

6. Contour and cover pathways

7. Avoid alterations to water courses

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How to Control Erosion

1. Identify: Cause of erosion Type of erosion Extent of problem Site conditions

2. Select most suitable control method

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Control Methods

A. Natural buffers

B. Bioengineering

C. Hardened structures

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A. Natural Buffer M

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B. Soil BioengineeringM

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Slope PreparationM

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45° = 1:1 slope

27° = 2:1 slope 18° = 3:1 slope

Photo credit: Rian Myers 1993

Bioengineering Techniques above the Water

Live staking

Fascines (wattles/bundles)

Brush layers

Brush mattresses

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Live Staking

Courtesy of: Carolyn Dindorf

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FascinesM

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Courtesy

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Courtesy of Maccaferri Ltd.

Brush LayersM

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Photo credit: Environment Canada

Brush Mattresses

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Courtesy of: Maccaferri Ltd.

MaintenanceM

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Recommended Native Species

Red-Osier Dogwood

(Cornus stolonifera)

Silky Dogwood

(Cornus obliqua)

Grey Dogwood

(Cornus racemosa)

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Recommended Native Species

Pussy Willow

(Salix discolor)

Shining Willow

(Salix lucida)

Shrub Willow

(Salix eriocephala)

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Gathering Plant MaterialM

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Bioengineering Techniques In the Water

Fibre rolls

Brush bundles

Plant anchors

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Fibre RollsM

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Courtesy of: Douglas FullerCourtesy of Maccaferri

Courtesy of: Douglas Fuller

Brush bundles

Courtesy of: Carolyn Dindorf

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Plant Anchors

Fibre mats Fibre bags

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Courtesy of Maccaferri Ltd.

Case Study

C. Hardened Structures

Break walls

Gabion baskets

Riprap

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BreakwallsM

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Retiring Your Breakwall

1. Dig it out

2. Break it down

3. Plant it

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Photo credit: Cottage Life Magazine

Gabion Baskets

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RiprapM

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Courtesy of: Douglas Fuller

Approvals

Contact:

Conservation Authority

Ministry Of Natural Resources

Department of Fisheries and Oceans

Parks Canada

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Managing Erosion

1. Practice erosion prevention

2. Understand the source of erosion

3. Research your options

4. Make an informed decision

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