A successful shoreline restoration project was carried out by the Lake Vernon Association’s Environment Committee along 120 meters of eroded shoreline on Birch Island, from July 20 to 26, 2025.
Below is a photo of just one section of the island BEFORE the restoration.
A wide range of stakeholders were engaged, including the District of Muskoka, the Town of Huntsville, the MNRF, a local barge owner, a local quarry owner, a marina on the lake and sixteen volunteers, ranging from Environment Committee members to the landowners, over the four-day project.
After successfully applying for and receiving a permit from the MNRF, the first day of the project involved installing the sediment barrier and placing logs—acquired by the landowner—on the land to serve as the first line of defense against erosion. Landscape cloth was then tacked to the back of the logs, extending up the eroded slope.
Days Two and Three involved placing large, variably sized river rock (6-12 “) up the eroded slope, using a floating barge and tractor. The owner of the barge donated one day of use to the project, as well as the use of the tractor, and he and his employee’s time.
Over the course of two hot and humid days, 12 volunteers from the lake, along with the landowners, placed river rock along the eroded slopes, being careful to work around existing shoreline vegetation. Cardboard tubes were placed to reserve space for the plants that would be planted at the end of the project, making it easier to cut the landscape cloth for the plants’ roots.
On Day Four, our volunteer planters followed the expert advice of Rebecca Willison from the
District of Muskoka and the Natural Edge program for shoreline restoration
https://www.muskoka.on.ca/en/environment/natural-edge-program.aspx.
Over 80 native shoreline plants were planted
The Birch Island shoreline restoration project has generated significant interest due to its visibility. Neighbors have already inquired about similar projects. One of our volunteers, a construction company owner, was able to showcase ecologically sensitive shoreline restoration techniques. Our Facebook posts educated lakefront owners on our restoration choices, such as using river rock instead of gabion stone.
We plan to install signage on the island directing stakeholders to key resources, including the Natural Edge program, and acknowledging the support of the Canadian Wildlife Federation and Watersheds Canada.
Additionally, the Lake Vernon Association has purchased a Slow Down/No Wake buoy for the narrow channel between Birch Island and the mainland.
Below is the AFTER photo.
