Primary goals of the Streambank Stabilization and Restoration Program (SSRP) are to develop and demonstrate vegetative, stone structure, and other low cost bio–engineering techniques for stabilizing streambanks and to encourage the adoption of low-cost streambank stabilization projects by making available financial incentives, technical assistance, and education information to the landowner with critically eroding banks. The program is funded by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and administered by local SWCDs.
Streambank erosion is a natural process that occurs in all streams as water wears away the soil and rock that form their banks. As the banks are worn away, streams naturally and slowly establish a meandering course. Streambank erosion in Illinois has been accelerated by land altering activities such as stream channelization and straightening, removal of streamside vegetation, construction of impervious surfaces, and other activities that increase drainage water flow and water velocity. Streambank erosion has become a serious threat to the land, water, plant, and animal resources along many streams of Illinois and may also be responsible for the loss or damage to valuable farmland, buildings, roads, bridges, and other public and private structures. Additionally, streambank erosion is a major source of sediments deposited in Illinois lakes, streams, and back water areas, and may contribute to as much as 30-50% of the downstream sediment load. This sediment load can reduce stream channel capacity, increase flooding and streambank erosion, or lower the depth and holding capacity of lake reservoirs. Excessive sedimentation also degrades water quality and destroys fish and wildlife habitat. To address this, the SSRP has been established, providing demonstration and cost-share assistance on projects that will target severely eroding streambank sites where effective low-cost streambank stabilization techniques can be established.
Practices that may be eligible for SSRP cost share include:
- Stone Toe Protection
- Stream Barbs
- Bendway Weirs
- Rock Riffles
- Vegetative Practices