Natural Edge Program Continues at Wakaw Lake

The Natural Edge program is designed to help landowners create a natural shoreline by planting a selection of native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses suitable for their property. It is an easy step by step process that restores areas of shoreline to their natural state. The plants help reduce soil erosion, improve water quality by filtering runoff, and are essential to providing habitat, including shelter and food, for over 90% of wildlife. The process is very simple and begins with a site visit from CRVWA staff. During the site visit the land owner will discuss the details of the planting plan with our staff. Once a planting plan has been developed by our staff and approved by the land owner, a date can be set for the planting. We will provide all the tools, materials and labour necessary to complete the project.

Our Natural Edge program started during the summer of 2017 at Wakaw Lake and will continue again through the summer of 2018 although available space will be limited to a total of four projects. Two fall plantings were completed on public beaches during 2017. Approximately 28 native trees and shrubs were planted at Domremy Beach including: trembling aspen, red osier dogwood, saskatoon, balsam fir and green ash. Our staff worked with the Domremy Beach Committee and the RM of Hoodoo to develop the planting plan and deliver the project.

The second planting project was completed at Hoodoo Beach between Oleksyn and Nickorick. We worked closely with the cabin owners who look after the beach and the RM of Hoodoo to develop a planting plan and deliver the project. Approximately 42 native trees and shrubs were planted at Hoodoo Beach including: choke cherry, red osier dogwood and paper birch.

To participate in this program, land owners are required to contribute 25% of the total project costs and sign a stewardship agreement. This program is funded through grants received by CRVWA and as such is limited to four projects for the 2018 season. These projects are made possible by the financial support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change Canada.