Caring for Rivers and Streams
Rivers and streams are the lifeblood of our watershed. They carry water across the landscape, support fish and wildlife, and connect our communities to nature. Healthy streams are clear, stable, and rich with life — but without proper care, they can become degraded by erosion, runoff, and pollution.
Why River and Stream Health Matters
Clean, stable streams help:
- Support healthy fish populations and aquatic insects
- Provide clean water downstream (including to lakes)
- Prevent flooding and property damage
- Maintain wildlife corridors and recreational value
When streambanks erode or runoff carries in pollutants, it affects not only the stream itself but every water body it flows into — including the Snake and St. Croix Rivers.
Streambanks and the Land Around Them
The condition of a stream’s banks and the land nearby has a major impact on stream health. Natural streambanks with vegetation help:
- Stabilize soils and prevent erosion
- Filter out nutrients and sediment from runoff
- Shade the water, keeping it cool for fish
- Provide habitat for frogs, turtles, birds, and beneficial insects
In contrast, unstable or cleared banks can collapse into the stream, muddy the water, and cause damage downstream.
Common Problems We Can Help Address
- Erosion: Bare or collapsing streambanks that add sediment to the water
- Runoff pollution: Nutrients, bacteria, and chemicals from fields, lawns, or roads
- Livestock access: Trampling and waste near water, degrading banks and habitat
- Loss of vegetation: Reduces natural filtering and destabilizes soils
Restoring and Protecting Streams
Improving stream health often involves a combination of practices on the streambank and upland areas nearby. Examples include:
- Planting deep-rooted native vegetation along banks
- Installing toe wood or other stabilization structures
- Installing buffers or fencing to keep livestock out
- Reducing runoff from roads, driveways, or fields
These actions not only improve water quality but also restore habitat and protect property from further erosion or flooding.
How to Get Started
Kanabec SWCD offers technical support and cost-share assistance for projects that help protect or restore local streams. Whether you’re dealing with erosion or just want to do your part for clean water, we’re here to help.
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