A Landowner's Guide to
|
|
Seven Ways to Prevent Streambank Erosion
- Keep vehicles and equipment out of the stream whenever possible
- Keep trees and plants along streambanks
- Remove fallen logs and other woody debris from the stream channel by winching or dragging as soon as possible
- Provide a water source such as a pond or tank for livestock away from stream or provide controlled access to the stream at a stable location
- Allow your stream to establish a natural path and slope whenever possible
- Use anchored trees, rootwads, large rocks, plants and other natural materials to repair eroding banks
- Conduct ongoing maintenance to keep small problems from becoming big problems!
One successful method of streambank stabilization is known as bioengineering. Bioengineering uses natural materials such as trees, roots and logs to divert water away from a streambank and stabilize the bank. This drawing illustrates a cedar tree revetment project which uses live cedar trees anchored to the base or toe of the bank. Cedars are bushy and slow to rot. As sediment collects in their branches, they provide a natural seedbed for streamside trees such as willows and sycamores to take root and grow.
Over time this revetment is stabilized by the growing root systems of the willows and sycamores and the streambank is restored.
A simple method to hasten the establishment of stream bank protection is to use live willow stakes cut during winter.
Other bioengineering methods include the use of rootwads from downed trees or limited use of large rock to deflect fast-moving water from erodible banks.
When unstable streambanks become vertical or undercut, they can be reshaped to a more gentle slope and stabilized with grasses and other vegetation. Most bioengineering methods must be adapted to site-specific circumstances. Before undertaking projects, landowners should contact NRCS or other sources for technical assistance.
How Much Does Streambank Stabilization
Cost? Cost Comparison and bank heights for different streambank stabilization methods* 100 linear feet of excavation, cedar tree revetments and native plantings
100 linear feet of excavation, rootwads and native plantings
100 linear feet of excavation and rock riprap to top of bank
100 linear feet of excavation and rock riprap to 1/2 of bank height and native plantings to rest of the way up the bank
Note: Keeping trees and shrubs on the streambank and keeping livestock out of the stream will help the long-term stability of these structures. *These cost-estimates prepared by: Terry Horne, Bio-Environmental Engineer, USDA-NRCS |
Frequently Asked Questions || Stabilizing Streambanks || Keeping Streams Healthy || Permits