Healthy productive soil is the foundation of a stable, productive economy and the many environmental amenities all Canadians enjoy - clean air and water, enhanced fish and wildlife habitat, and diverse plant and animal communities. Soil erosion is a naturally occurring process on all land, however, human activity tends to accelerate this process substantially.

Accelerated erosion most often occurs during construction or land altering activities. Soil movement at these sites is usually greatest and most noticeable during short-duration, high-intensity thunderstorms. Soil erosion potential is also increased if the soil has very little to no vegetative cover and/or crop residues.

Dams alter the natural flow of the river and result in change to currents and flows which can increase the rate of shoreline erosion and alters habitat.

Deforestation also induces soil erosion, increasing the amount of suspended solids in the river's water. The effects of deforestation can be felt on both the Ottawa River and its tributaries.
Key to the success of reducing soils decline and erosion is maintaining soil cover in place through implementation of advances in soil erosion and sedimentation control, soil management and crop production technology.

Learn how to protect your shoreline<