Stream bank stabilization in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Stream bank stabilization in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Private ownership of land could also include the banks of a river or stream. Removing the trees, shrubs, and other vegetation to plant exotic grasses or place rock also known as rip rap along the bank degrades the stream. Removing vegetation eliminates the habitat for species that trout and other aquatic life use as food.

Trout require high levels of oxygen generated by cool water. Rocks lining a bank absorb the sun's heat and warm the water. Trees, shrubs, and other native vegetation cool the water by shading it, thus helping to maintain trout populations.

Experience has demonstrated that straightening a stream increases the speed of the water flowing through it. Should you straighten your stream, clear the native vegetation, and line the banks with grass or rock, you will lessen, if not eliminate, the chance of wildlife visiting your home. Remember, birds and mammals require many of the things (insect, fish vegetation etc.,) that are provided by a natural stream and stream bank.

You should also consult with the Army Corps of Engineers before manipulating a stream. Federal law restricts development of any wetland, and a stream bank could be considered a wetland.

Rivers and streams are not supposed to be muddy when it rains. The NC Sedimentation Pollution Control Art, a law enforced by the NC Division of Land Resources, maintains that when you develop your property, you must keep dirt out of rivers and streams. If you disturb more than one acre, you must submit a plan to the division of Land Resources on how you will keep the dirt on your property and out of the streams. Check also to see if you have a local ordinance that may be more restrictive than the state law.

Sediment Know the Law

Dirt in steams clogs drinking water sources, fills lakes used for recreation and generating electricity, and kills aquatic life. Silt that erodes into streams smothers trout eggs thus killing future trout populations.

The North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 states that if you, the landowner or person financially responsible, disturb one acre or more of land then you must by law, submit a plan to the NC Division of Land Resources on how you will keep the dirt from your land eroding into streams, roads, or on to another person's property.