Threats to freshwater ecosystems and waterfront residents are growing in intensity and regularity across Canada, requiring solutions that are informed by science. Thankfully, there is a wealth of scientific evidence that vegetated shoreland buffers can mitigate pollution, prevent shoreline erosion, create wildlife habitat, and strengthen resilience to the impacts of climate change.

Watersheds Canada is excited to announce the release of another insightful report as part of the Planning for our Shorelands (PFOS) program: The Science Behind Vegetated Shoreland Buffers: Why the Ribbon of Life Matters.

Using highly cited and peer-reviewed scientific studies, this report outlines the benefits of vegetated shoreland buffers, and discusses why local decision makers, landowners, developers, and landscape professionals should maintain or restore native vegetation to achieve holistic protection for waterfront properties and ecosystems.

The report provides a scientific overview of vegetated shoreland buffers, which have been proven to: 

• Naturally protect the water quality of lakes, rivers, and streams. 
• Mitigate erosion. 
• Provide food and shelter for wildlife, including many at-risk species.
• Contribute to the beauty and economic value of waterfront properties. 
• Protect freshwater ecosystems from the impacts of climate change.

Supporting the many reports and resources being released through the PFOS program, The Science Behind Vegetated Shoreland Buffers will bridge a critical gap between recommended land-use policies and the science that supports these policies.

The latest report is free to access, and will provide useful information for municipal officials, planners, and private landowners who work hard to protect our freshwater resources. To access the full report and other resources, please visit: watersheds.ca/planning-for-our-shorelands 

Planning for our Shorelands is a program that presents webinars and best practices resources to address common and very complex problems facing waterfront communities today such as water quality, fish and wildlife, erosion, and flood risks. PFOS is addressing these problems by promoting an ecosystem-based approach in land use decision-making. 

About Watersheds Canada
Watersheds Canada is a national non-profit charitable organization that works with landowners, communities, students, and organizations to enhance and protect lakes and rivers through developing effective and transferable long-term solutions. Watersheds Canada envisions people caring for their waters, resulting in clean, healthy lakes and rivers to support humans and wildlife for years to come. Learn more at Watersheds.ca

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