An evaluation of streambank stabilization work on Richland Creek

Over the last several years the use of vegetative plantings to stabilize highly eroded streambanks has gained in popularity. Reasons for this popularity are relatively low cost when compared to traditional methods of stabilization, as well as secondary benefits of aesthetics, thermal regulation, biodiversity, and the creation of additional fish and wildlife habitats. A field trial to evaluate several methods of vegetative streambank stabilization was located on Richland Creek, a tributary of the Illinois River in Woodford County. Three sites used woody materials with diameters of more than 7.62 cm (site 1),; 2.54 to 7.62 cm (site 2); and less than 2.54 cm (site 3). Site 4 was used to evaluate the effectiveness of grasses for streambank stabilization. The stabilization methods used at sites 2-4 failed prior to the initiation of this project in September 1990 due to drought conditions in 1989 or continued erosion when streamflow did occur. The "willow-post method' for stabilizing eroding banks, which was used at site 1, involved conducting channel surveys along transects originally laid out before the posts were installed. The channel surveys were used to quantify changes in channel profiles due to deposition and/or scour and provided data for a qualitative analysis of the effectiveness of live plantings on the stability of the streambanks. -from Authors