Which of the following is a proactive measure for protecting waterway infrastructure from muskrats?

Choosing to line shores with firmer material is recognized as a proactive measure for protecting waterway infrastructure from muskrats. This action serves as a physical deterrent, making it more challenging for muskrats to burrow into the banks and create dens that could compromise the integrity of the infrastructure, such as levees and dams. By reinforcing the shorelines with materials that are less penetrable, the likelihood of muskrat damage is significantly reduced, thereby safeguarding the waterways.

Additionally, this practice does not just aim to address muskrat activity after it occurs, but rather aims to prevent potential issues before they arise, highlighting the importance of proactive rather than reactive strategies in managing wildlife impacts on infrastructure.