Stream Buffer Information Page

Streambanks should be protected from erosion that may be caused by water and by humans and animals crossing the banks. Typically, such banks need protection when there is no longer sufficient vegetation to hold the soil in place. Tree roots form a protective net for the soil. Without this, erosion may result in unacceptable sediment load. Several kinds of improvements and protection are possible.

• Removing channel obstructions such as a fallen tree or a bar that is deflecting flow into the bank. Such factors should be considered before deciding on expensive structural protection.
• Implement a Livestock Exclusion and Livestock Watering Facility. This should be done to avoid wear on the banks by large animals.
• Vegetative Protection in areas where grass or trees will provide adequate protection, species should be selected that are well suited to soil conditions and can withstand periodic flooding.
  • log bundles
  • planting of willows or other plants withstanding high velocity flow.
• Structural Protection Cost can be very high. In such situations the benefits of expensive structural streambank protection may not justify the cost.
  • rock
  • riprap
  • interlocking concrete blocks
  • formed concrete