🌱 Conservation & Environmental Stewardship

Protecting our waterways and wildlife for future generations of paddlers

Our Environmental Mission

As paddlers, we have a unique relationship with our waterways. We depend on healthy aquatic ecosystems for our recreation, and in return, we have a responsibility to be stewards of these precious resources. Every time we launch our boats, we have an opportunity to protect and preserve the natural environment we love.

PaddleLoco is committed to promoting responsible paddling practices and environmental awareness within our community. Together, we can ensure that our children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy the same pristine waters we paddle today.

🏞️ Leave No Trace Principles for Paddlers

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

  • Research regulations and seasonal restrictions
  • Choose durable equipment and proper clothing
  • Plan for waste disposal and bathroom needs
  • Check weather and water conditions
  • Obtain necessary permits and passes

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

  • Use established launch sites and landings
  • Avoid fragile shoreline vegetation
  • Camp in designated areas when possible
  • Protect riparian zones and wetlands
  • Stay on trails when portaging

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

  • Pack out all trash - leave no trace
  • Dispose of human waste at least 60m from water
  • Use biodegradable soaps sparingly
  • Strain food particles from dishwater
  • Never throw food scraps in the water

4. Leave What You Find

  • Don't collect rocks, shells, or artifacts
  • Preserve natural and cultural features
  • Minimize site alterations
  • Take only photographs, leave only (clean) wake
  • Report archaeological finds to authorities

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

  • Use established fire rings when available
  • Keep fires small and manageable
  • Burn only dead and downed wood
  • Extinguish fires completely
  • Consider using camp stoves instead

6. Respect Wildlife

  • Observe animals from a distance
  • Never feed wildlife
  • Store food securely
  • Avoid nesting areas during breeding season
  • Control pets and keep them quiet

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

  • Keep noise levels down
  • Yield to less maneuverable watercraft
  • Take breaks away from busy areas
  • Be courteous to anglers and other users
  • Share space respectfully

💧 Protecting Water Quality

What You Can Do

  • Use environmentally safe products: Biodegradable soaps, natural sunscreens
  • Prevent fuel spills: Check equipment before launching
  • Avoid disturbing sediments: Stay in deeper water when possible
  • Report pollution: Contact authorities about spills or contamination
  • Participate in cleanups: Join or organize waterway cleanup events
  • Educate others: Share conservation knowledge with fellow paddlers

Common Pollution Sources

  • Urban runoff from streets and parking lots
  • Agricultural fertilizers and pesticides
  • Improper waste disposal
  • Boat fuel and oil leaks
  • Invasive species introduction
  • Excessive noise pollution

🦅 Wildlife Protection Guidelines

🐦 Birds and Nesting Areas

  • Maintain 100m distance from loons and other waterfowl
  • Avoid nesting areas from April to July
  • Never approach young birds or separated families
  • Use binoculars for wildlife viewing
  • Report nesting sites to conservation authorities

🐢 Aquatic Species

  • Watch for turtles basking on logs
  • Avoid areas where fish are spawning
  • Don't disturb beaver dams or lodges
  • Keep fishing gear secure to prevent entanglement
  • Follow catch and release best practices

🐻 Large Mammals

  • Make noise when approaching blind corners
  • Store all food in bear-proof containers
  • Never feed any wildlife
  • Back away slowly if you encounter large animals
  • Report aggressive animal behavior

🚫 Invasive Species Prevention

Clean, Drain, Dry Protocol

🧽 CLEAN

Remove all visible plant material, animals, and mud from your kayak, paddle, and gear before leaving any water body.

💧 DRAIN

Drain all water from your kayak, including any storage compartments, before transporting to another location.

☀️ DRY

Allow your kayak and equipment to dry completely before using in another water body (minimum 48 hours).

Common Invasive Species in Our Area

  • Zebra Mussels: Sharp shells that damage boats and ecosystems
  • Eurasian Water Milfoil: Dense underwater plant that impedes paddling
  • Purple Loosestrife: Aggressive wetland plant
  • Asian Carp: Large fish that disrupts native species
  • Round Goby: Bottom-dwelling fish that competes with natives

🌍 Climate Change and Our Waterways

Observed Changes

  • Earlier spring ice-out dates
  • More frequent extreme weather events
  • Changes in water levels and flow patterns
  • Shifting wildlife migration patterns
  • Increased water temperatures
  • Changes in precipitation patterns

How Paddlers Can Help

  • Choose local paddling destinations to reduce travel emissions
  • Carpool or use public transport to access launch sites
  • Support renewable energy and sustainable practices
  • Document environmental changes you observe
  • Participate in citizen science projects
  • Advocate for climate action in your community

🤝 Conservation Partners

Local Organizations

  • Ottawa Riverkeeper: Protecting the Ottawa River watershed
  • Rideau Valley Conservation Authority: Environmental stewardship
  • Canadian Wildlife Federation: Wildlife habitat conservation
  • Nature Conservancy of Canada: Land protection

National Partners

  • Paddle Canada: Responsible paddling education
  • Leave No Trace Canada: Outdoor ethics education
  • Parks Canada: National park and waterway protection
  • Environment and Climate Change Canada: Federal environmental policy

🙋 Get Involved

Community Actions

  • Join or organize waterway cleanup events
  • Participate in citizen science monitoring
  • Volunteer for local conservation organizations
  • Educate other paddlers about best practices
  • Report environmental concerns to authorities

Advocacy and Policy

  • Support legislation that protects waterways
  • Attend public consultations on development projects
  • Write to elected officials about environmental issues
  • Support sustainable tourism and recreation
  • Vote for candidates with strong environmental platforms

📞 Reporting Environmental Issues

What to Report

  • Pollution incidents (spills, unusual odors, discolored water)
  • Fish kills or wildlife distress
  • Illegal dumping or waste disposal
  • Habitat destruction or unauthorized development
  • Invasive species sightings
  • Poaching or wildlife harassment

Contact Information

Environmental Emergencies:
1-866-283-2333 (24/7)
Ontario Spills Action Centre:
1-800-268-6060
Quebec Environment Hotline:
1-800-462-4357
Parks Canada:
1-888-773-8888

🌟 PaddleLoco Conservation Pledge

"As a member of the PaddleLoco community, I pledge to:"

  • Practice Leave No Trace principles on every paddle
  • Respect wildlife and their habitats
  • Help prevent the spread of invasive species
  • Report environmental concerns promptly
  • Share conservation knowledge with others
  • Support policies and practices that protect our waterways
  • Be a positive example of environmental stewardship
Take the Pledge - Join PaddleLoco Join Conservation Discussions