Activities Streambank Stabilization

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Stream Team staff deals regularly with streambank stabilization issues. Streambank erosion is an ecological issue that can have negative impacts on aquatic systems as well as an economical issue that affects landowners. Unstable streambanks are complicated by the erosive issues associated with flowing waters and as a result require special considerations when correcting. Upon request, the Stream Team staff will assist individuals with project planning and obtaining the appropriate permits for streambank stabilization issues.

Unstable streambanks can result from many underlying causes but human alteration to the streambank is the most common issue addressed by the Stream Team staff. Removal of native vegetation along the streambank also removes the natural stabilization provided by the vegetation. This often results in rapidly eroding streambanks that encroaches on farmland, threatens structures, and adds excessive sediment to the stream that can be detrimental to biota and stream function.

While options for stabilizing eroding streambanks vary, these projects require technical assistance and federal and state permitting. The Stream Team staff assists individuals with these projects throughout the state and will provide support from project planning though site construction. Stages of streambank stabilization projects include: initial site visit, site survey, project planning, state and federal permitting, resource allocation, construction, and monitoring. Contact information for inquiries concerning assistance with streambank stabilization can be found under the “Support Tab” on the home page.