Can I dump rock along my streambank to stop erosion?
It was once common to dump rock along streambanks anywhere there was erosion. Research now shows that this practice has negative impacts on streams, salmon, flooding, and downstream erosion. Many rock-lined banks have caused serious erosion problems for downstream property owners. In many instances, the erosion caused by lining streambanks with rock is worse than the erosion the rock was intended to fix. Today, streambank rock may be used in specific locations, where erosion problems are unusually severe or where unique conditions prohibit alternative solutions. In most cases, however, a technique called bioengineering is cheaper and more effective than rock. Bioengineering uses carefully designed placements of trees, shrubs, and logs to stabilize soils. Bioengineering has the added benefit that it enhances fish and wildlife habitat. It is also self-sustaining, since trees and shrubs grow and reproduce over time, whereas rock needs to be replaced periodically. Like any other stream pro
