Preamble
People residing along the shorelines of the lakes and rivers in Ontario are drawn by the quality of the water, the exposure to nature, the offer of peace and tranquility, and the attraction of sustainable recreational opportunities. What makes each shoreline unique is the particular blend of natural and human communities that thrive there. A growing number of shoreline groups are conducting studies regarding the character and qualities of their respective communities ranging from the casual to the complex. By following their lead, we can establish what it is about our lakes, shorelines, surrounding environment, and communities that should be retained and sustained for future generations.

The study of our lake surroundings and shoreline communities requires knowledge, patience, enthusiasm and persistence. We have the early pioneers in lake planning to thank for paving the way for those who will follow. However, what has yet to be done is to draw upon that collective body of experience in order to lay out the process of lake planning in a simple and easily understood manner. Whether a group is either large or small, of greater or lesser means, or narrow or broadly focused, they all must be able to find, within the pages of this handbook, the information they need to design and support their individual planning and stewardship efforts.

What does this handbook provide?
This handbook is best described as a self-help guide. Its purpose is to assist shorelin  people in both engaging and supporting the members of their community in the exercise of strategic planning. To that end, it offers not only a framework for the undertaking but also provides a forum for the exchange of ideas, options and examples. This handbook is based upon the collective experience and recollections of at least 40 lake associations across Ontario and draws upon seasoned lake planners to provide answers to common questions about the process, roles, steps and best advice.

This handbook has been specifically formatted to provide multiple access points as a way to accommodate the needs of as many shoreline groups as possible. Accordingly, the initial chapters provide an overview of just what lake planning is and the compelling reasons why people are doing it. It is up to individual groups to decide if lake planning is right for them, and whether it should be kept simple or lean toward the complex. Groups ready to proceed with lake planning can go directly to Chapter 2, which outlines: the steps and tasks to be considered; how to get started; how to engage the community; and how to build consensus for the final plan. Chapter 3 provides examples of content, actions and recommendations from other lakes for consideration. The final chapter is a digital resource kit consisting of a variety of approved lake plans, survey templates, resources, sources and references.

In summary, the objectives of this handbook are to provide:

• A framework for community-based lake planning, for both large and small shoreline communities
• A range of stewardship options for shoreline communities to embrace
• Advice and confirmed approaches for building relationships
• Samples, actions, contacts and information links to help people make efficient and effective use of volunteer resources and achieve goals in a consensus-based approach
• Encouragement for the development of new ideas and approaches that meet a variety of local community needs and can be shared with others

PLEASE NOTE: Document settings on this site do not allow you to save, copy or print the "Lake Plan Handbook for Community Groups" document. If you would like a copy that you can use for your lake association, contact FOCA (Federation of Ontario Cottagers Associations) through their website or by calling 705-749-3622 during regular business hours.

Copyright FOCA - The materials in this document are protected by copyright (unless otherwise indicated), which is held by the Federation of Ontario Cottagers Associations (FOCA). If credit to FOCA and French Planning Services Inc. is given and copy right acknowledged the materials may be reproduced for non-commerical purposes. FOCA and FPSI have taken all reasonable efforts to ensure that materials, for which copyright belongs to others, are reproduced with full consent of the third party owners. FOCA and French Planning Services Inc. does not warrant that the use of materials displayed in the website will not infringe the rights of third parties. Such works may be used provided proper acknowledgement is provided.

LAKE PLANNING HANDBOOK FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS

Chapter 1:  What is Lake Planning

Chapter 2:  Diving Into The Lake Plan Process

Chapter 3:  Lake Plan Content, Actions & Implementation

Chapter 4: Resource Kit