Restoration Projects at URWA

At URWA we have undertaken several projects to control stream bank erosion and install stream side buffers. These stream bank stabilization measures are known as bioengineering techniques. A steep, eroded stream bank is graded to a gradual slope. Then shrubs and erosion control fabrics made of biodegradable materials are installed on the site to hold the soil in place. After several years, the fabric will have degraded, and the roots of the growing shrubs will have stabilized the soil. Shrubs and other native plants will also function as a stream side buffer, which shades the stream, promotes soil conservation, and provides food and habitat for fish and aquatic insects.

Repairing a streambank is timely and expensive and is occasionally not effective. URWA promotes sound land use which helps to prevent issues such as streambank erosion. By increasing pervious surface and open space surrounding a stream, water velocity lessens and the stream is less impacted. Vegetative buffers also help to catch and slow down runoff as it enters waterways.

Projects