East Lake
Provincial Wetlands - Curry Point
(Photo - July 26, 2006 )
East Lake: lies in an extensive sand plain that extends in a fan shape southwest from Picton to East and West Lakes. The soil here is very unstable and any efforts to remove existing vegetation will render the properties vulnerable to erosion. The removal of the vegetative cover, and interference with the natural existing shoreline vegetation is contrary to current trends to protect and enhance our shorelines. Buffer zones of natural vegetation, low shrubs and ground covers, even if only a few metres in depth, prevents excessive runoff of silt, herbicides and fertilizers from entering the watercourse. It has also been proven that property owners who manicure their properties to the water’s edge by removing woody vegetation, actually encourage Canada geese to become a problem on lawns, allowing them an unimpeded baited ramp from the water’s edge to the front lawn where their droppings become problematic. This vegetation consists of trees and shrubs - the very substance that conservation agencies and knowledgeable land stewards urge shoreline property owners to establish or retain along their shoreline to prevent erosion and property runoff. It is an established fact that shoreline cattails purify water by removing harmful nutrients, and also stabilize the shoreline by slowing spring runoff and preventing shoreline erosion by wave uprush during severe lake conditions. Removing or altering established native emergent aquatic plants destroys valuable fish spawning habitat, and severely upsets the wetland ecology of the area.
A well established forest maintains the integrity of the nearshore area, serving to bind the soil in place and offering protection from excessive erosion. In addition, the wooded area of properties offers nesting and feeding habitat during the entire year to an estimated 40 to 60 species of birds who utilize this type of habitat, both for the purpose of nesting and feeding during migration. Hermit Thrushes, listed as a species of concern, have been noted here. Map Turtles and Painted Turtles, as well as Snapping Turtles can be observed in East Lake, and the habitat is quite ideal for the uncommon Blanding’s Turtle. Mammals such as the Eastern Cottontail and Red Fox reside here.
In this age of environmental awareness, we are living in an age when we should be adopting a sensitive and informed stewardship of our shrinking habitat, in particular shoreline habitat, critical to the enjoyment of both consumptive and non-consumptive users of fish and wildlife. We should not be destroying shoreline habitat with reckless abandon for personal gain. How much we permit these dynamic ecosystems to be eaten away by development and careless use, will determine how much remains for our children and future generations to enjoy.