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(Brown, 1998). The threats imposed by shoreline development offer much threat to tourism and fishingindustries of the Muskoka region. Millions of dollars are brought into this region each year directly fromthe draw that it’s fishing provides. The following examines journals both within and external to theMuskoka district that displays the impact shoreline development can inflict on surrounding ecosystemsand an estimate to the monetary values this has cost the area.The effects of shoreline development have not gone unnoticed by anglers of the Muskokaregion. A 2005 MNR survey showed that fish habitat loss and threats were the most frequent concern ofZone 15 anglers (which covers a majority of the Muskoka region). Although shoreline development hasspiked in recent decades, the Muskoka Region is not without law and regulations pertaining to anydevelopment and infractions to shorelines. The Muskoka Lakes Township passed a bylaw in 2008 toenforce that no less than 75% of waterfront be left unchanged on new developments and any exisitingdevelopments that would push them over this 75% (Vipond, 2008). Many lakes in the Muskoka Lakeregion are also putting a stop to the development of boathouses in general. The importance of largeplants and trees within 25 metres of shoreline is also emphasized, as removing natural vegetation canseverely increase runoff into bodies of water, affecting not only fish habitats but general water quality(Hansen et al, 2005). Although it is not enforced yet in the Muskoka Region, it is recommended thatareas within this distance from shoreline keep a minimum of 5 large trees at intersects per 30 metres ofshoreline for new developments (Brown, 1998). An example from Bracebridge ON, within the MuskokaLakes Region, will be used to exemplify the magnitude of enforcement on shoreline developmentinfractions. Brian Jones of Bracebridge ON, was fined $5000 after pleading guilty to violating the FederalFisheries Act (DFO, 2003). Mr. Jones had been caught dredging the bottom of the shoreline andshallows near his property on Gibson Lake (DFO, 2003). In addition to the $5000, it is estimated it willcost another $10,000 of Mr. Jones’s money to rehabilitate the shoreline to its natural state. Such an actof simply scraping a few plants in the shallow waters of your property is held in such regard as to cost24