The Bay of Quinte and Lake Ontario Shoreline Management Plan for the Quinte region released in spring of 2022 identified a strong need for naturalizing shorelines in what is considered a relatively heavily developed and increasingly hardened shoreline. Increasing forest cover throughout the watershed, in addition to along rivers, streams, and lakes draining to/and along the Bay of Quinte and Lake Ontario, will aid in intercepting and slowing rainfall and runoff. Slowing and capturing rainfall will reduce the amount of runoff entering water systems, reducing the frequency of flooding events, and aiding in recharging groundwater while contributing to cleaner water. Replanting forests will support wildlife and help to rebuild strong and resilient ecosystems with rich plant and animal life in a now increasingly  fragmented landscape.

This project will focus on improving water quality in the Bay of Quinte and Lake Ontario by contributing to QC’s larger reforestation efforts in its service area. QC will restore at least 20 acres of riparian zone and upland forests with 750 plants per acre in the Bay of Quinte region.