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Funding and assistance available to remediate shoreline damage

Help is available for County’s shoreline landowners facing damage to their property due to this year’s extreme high water levels.

“As water levels start to recede landowners are beginning to realize the extent of the damage,” said Mary Gunning, BQRAP Stewardship Technician. “Many shorelines have experienced severe erosion issues. Not only creating aesthetics issues and impacting property values, but also washing sediment, debris, and nutrients into the Bay of Quinte and local waterways, causing water quality issues.”

Through the Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan’s (BQRAP) stewardship programs, Gunning says landowners can access a number of funding categories and receive technical support to help restore shorelines and make them more resilient to extreme weather events.

There is a selection of categories designed to help improve the resilience of shorelines – such as plantings.

“One of the contributing factors to shoreline erosion is having an expanse of lawn that is mowed to the water’s edge. Since grass doesn’t have deep stabilizing roots it allows soil to be easily washed away. Adding native vegetation like trees and shrubs, with deep root systems, will help prevent erosion to a shoreline, and filter sediment and nutrient runoff (phosphorus), improving water quality. As well as, the vegetation provides food, shade, and cover for fish and wildlife.”

Other categories, she notes, include shoreline naturalization, help with structural issues providing options such as bioengineering.

“Bioengineering incorporates plants in combination with natural materials such as logs, live stakes, and brush bundles, creating a natural appearance and habitat for fish and wildlife,” Gunning said.

Another category is water quality improvements, which encompasses a wide variety of projects to stabilize shorelines and provide habitat.

“Natural shorelines can better withstand the effects of extreme weather events and protect water quality in the Bay of Quinte. Today, the Bay of Quinte is a healthy and vibrant ecosystem. Taking a natural approach to restoring a shoreline will help keep it that way.”

Check the categories, project criteria, and available funding limits, at bqrap.ca

Remember, always check with your local Conservation Authority about permits before undertaking any shoreline work.

Call Mary Gunning, BQRAP Stewardship Technician, Quinte Conservation, 613-968-3434 ext 106, or email mgunning@quinteconservation.ca

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