A few tips from RJANP

• Respect the “Leave no Trace” principles on your nature walks (walk on existing trails; do not leave any waste; leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them; respect wildlife and control your pets; avoid loud voices and noises; etc).
• Conserve the maximum forest cover on building sites (from  45% on properties smaller than 3,000 square meters to 75% on properties of 5,000 square meters and over). 
• Maintain your septic tanks (empty them regularly and inspect and upgrade them).
• Build houses and roads at least 20 meters from the high water mark.
• Do not build any structures within 15 meters of the high water mark.
• Do not cut down trees within 15 meters of the high water mark.
• Contact your municipality before undertaking any forestry or excavation work. Make sure you have the required permits!
• Do not maintain a lawn within 15 meters of the high water mark.
• Do not mow the ditches!
• Do not rake your leaves or gardening residue into the water.
• Do not litter anywhere, including on roadsides (sadly, this reminder is still necessary).
• Do not dump products on the ground (solvents, cleaning fluids, paint, etc) – Take them to the ecocentre.
• Do not use fertilizer (not even organic fertilizer), weed killer or pesticides within 100 meters of a waterway.
• Do not install pipes, dig in or alter the course of a waterway.
• Do not fill in or take soil out of a waterway.

This advice was culled from best practices and does not necessarily represent regulatory obligations.

Click here for more detailed information (septic tank maintenance, construction projects, permits and certificates of authorization, links to further information).