THUNDER BAY -- Waterfront owners who want to beautify their properties while helping to protect and stabilize Lake Superior watershed shorelines have until May 30 to apply to a special program that uses native shrubs and plants.
The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA) Shoreline Protection Program offers up to 100 plants to "qualified participants."
This year, the program has 10 spots open for properties within the Thunder Bay Area of Concern, which was designated in 1987 over concerns about pollution under the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
The LRCA program uses local plant, tree and shrub species "to root deep into the soil and hold banks in place, stabilizing the water's edge against wave action and use by wildlife."
Some examples of local species include ninebark shrubs, red-berried elders, pussy willows, as well as perennials like milkweed and black-eyed Susans.
"These plants also help filter runoff that flows off our driveways and roofs and into our water systems," the agency says.
The Thunder Bay Area of Concern extends along Lake Superior from Wild Goose Beach in Shuniah, south to Neebing's Margaret Street and up Thunder Bay's five main tributaries: Current River, McVicar Creek, McIntyre River, Neebing River, and Kaministiquia River, ending at Highway 11-17.
Anyone interested in applying to the shoreline protection program can contact the LRCA by email at stewardship@lakeheadca.com.
The Chronicle Journal / Local Journalism Initiative
