STREAMSIDE LIVING

A GUIDE TO PROTECTING
YOUR
PROPERTY
AND
THE HEALTH
OF STREAMS

Streams, rivers and lakes are part of a dynamic system that changes over time. While many changes are natural, people have the greatest impact on the system.

• Polluting the water with pesticides, fertilizers and chemicals.
• Diverting water from the stream.
• Altering the banks or bed of a stream or the natural flow of water.
• Removing or damaging plants through livestock, harvest, or construction.

Each of these activities affects the health of the water and the streamside habitat.

One change might not seem like a lot, but the everyday activities of landowners all add up to an enormous impact.

We are all part of something bigger...

The stream running through your land is part of a larger system known as a watershed. Every stream, tributary, or river has an associated watershed. Any activity that affects the water quality, quantity, or movement in one location affects the water downstream.

Everyone living or working in a watershed needs to cooperate to ensure a healthy system.

AS A STREAMSIDE LANDOWNER, YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR RESPONSIBILITY TO HELP MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF STREAMS AND STREAMSIDE AREAS.

YOU ARE A STEWARD OF CLEAN WATER, FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT, FLOOD CONTROL, AND EROSION PREVENTION.

Fulfilling your role as a streamside landowner will benefit more than our environment. Protecting the streamside will protect your property from floods and erosion, add valuable assets to your land, and increase your property value.

Protecting the streamside is key...

Healthy streamsides have stable soils that support a variety of plant life, from grasses to shrubs and trees. Streamside riparian areas provide:

• Protection of property from flood damage and erosion by holding soil in place with plant roots.
• Clean water by preventing fertilizers, pesticides, animal wastes, sediment, and pollutants from entering streams.
• Habitat for fish and wildlife as plants provide shelter and food for wildlife and shade the water to create cooler temperatures needed by fish.
• Enhanced water supplies and stream flows by storing the rain water that soaks into the soil. The riparian area then slowly releases the water during the dry season.

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