Streambank and shoreline erosion can significantly impact the water quality and wildlife habitat of our rivers and lakes. Historically, the solution was to place rocks or other heavy items to keep the soil in place. These "hard armoring" practices may stabilize the streambank or shoreline if they are designed and constructed properly, but they are often very expensive and create an area that is almost devoid of wildlife habitat and other benefits. In many cases there is an alternative. That alternative is streambank and shoreline naturalization.

Naturalization vs. Hard Armoring
Hard armoring refers to solid installations of concrete, rip rap, or metal pilings. Naturalization, also called bioengineering, involves working with natural materials such as live vegetation and natural flow deflectors (strategically placed rock or root wads from old trees that are placed along the bank) to create a self-repairing bank. A properly designed, naturalized streambank or shoreline can offer immediate stabilization while also providing substantial wildlife habitat and water quality benefits.

Naturalization	Hard Armoring
Immediate stabilization that strengthens over time	Immediate stabilization
Economical	Expensive
Provides fish and wildlife habitat	Destroys fish and wildlife habitat
Decreases water velocities	Increases water velocities
Provides shading and decreases water temperature	Warms stream water
Works with natural forces rather than fighting them	More likely to cause downstream erosion
Aesthetically pleasing	Aesthetically displeasing

The Importance of Vegetation
Vegetation is one of the most important elements in the natural protection of land. Roots and stems tend to trap fine sand and soil particles, forming an erosion-resistant layer. Vegetation absorbs some of the water's energy, slowing down potentially erosive currents. As well as stabilizing the soil, vegetation also acts as a shoreline buffer that slows runoff entering the stream or lake and removes nutrients from the runoff.

In cases where naturalized treatments are insufficient to protect your property or structures from damage, you may need to consider a hardened erosion control structure, such as a bulkhead and seawall. Such structures can be an expensive way to protect your initial investment but may be necessary in some cases (Hillsborough County, FL, Web Site, 1999).

How to Learn More
Call the Dakota SWCD for more information about streambank and shoreline naturalization. Demonstration sites are accessible to see naturalization practices first-hand and cost-share grants are available for qualified projects. The SWCD has a special permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to expedite the permitting process when naturalization techniques are employed.

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For more information contact:
Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District
4100 220th Street West, Suite 102
Farmington, MN 55024
651.480.7777 fax 651.480.7775