Eco-Journal, v.17.3 May/June 2007

Photo provided by the Sierra Club

Living by Water

By Margaret Skeel, Nature Saskatchewan

It is becoming increasingly challenging to conserve our shorelines as special places with the growing pressure on these areas for recreational use. Caring for our shorelines is important to consider for both those who live along and those who visit a shoreline.

A healthy shoreline—one that fulfils the ecological functions of acting as a filter to keep sediments and pollutants out of our water, and as a sponge for moderating the effects of wet and dry periods—can be recognized by looking at the natural features of the surrounding area. Enjoying a shoreline while maintaining it in a healthy state is easy and more relaxing than the work that often goes into altering a shoreline; for a degraded shoreline, it is well worth the effort to take steps to restore it to a more natural state.

The much-applauded Living by Water 152-page handbook, On The Living Edge (SK/MB edition), is available to provide a wealth of ideas and tips to you and others along your shoreline or around your lake. The 2007 bulk rates—as low as $5.88 per book (while supplies last)—make it possible for everyone around your lake to own a copy! In some communities, cottager groups are providing the handbook to all shoreline residents at their lake. Take this idea to your cottager group, get together with others to order a box, or show your copy to others. On The Living Edge also makes a great gift if you are a cottage guest!

On The Living Edge is enjoyable to read and provides easy-to-understand tools to protect your cottage life. To order, please download an order form from the Nature Saskatchewan website http://www.naturesask.ca, or call Nature Saskatchewan at (306) 780-9273 or toll-free in SK at 1-800-667-4668. For more info on Living by Water contact the NS office or Margaret at mskeel@naturesask.ca.