GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – When we discuss protecting stream banks during the winter months, we tend to jump straight to the idea of salt runoff. While this is not a bad way of thinking about stream bank importance, many other factors call for the aid of protecting our local waters.
During winter, freeze-thaw cycles, melting snow, and ice buildup can weaken soil. Without protective vegetation or stabilizing material, soil erodes more easily. With this process of soil erosion, sediments are sent downstream that can harm aquatic life or clog waterways.
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By protecting streamlines, we also maintain vegetation and root stability. Native plants and grasses along stream banks often have deep root systems that aid in holding soil in place year-round. Protecting these plants during the winter can ensure that these plants can regrow in the spring and continue to stabilize the shoreline, even when it is dormant.
Aquatic habitats can also be heavily affected. Excess sediment from erosion can smother fish eggs, reduce oxygen levels, and greatly disrupt habitats for aquatic insects and other species that fish rely on. With more stable stream banks, it is easier to maintain cooler and cleaner water and healthier ecosystems.
Ice damage becomes more of a concern as we face colder winters. If banks are destabilized, ice jams and floodwaters can easily carve out channels or outflow outlets into surrounding areas. A healthy stream bank that offers vegetation and natural barriers should absorb excess runoff and slow water flow during snowmelts.
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Lastly, a main concern is filtration potential. Stream-side plants can act as natural filters that trap pollutants like road salt, fertilizers, and debris from runoff before they enter the water. Protecting these areas helps maintain water quality through the winter and spring thaw. This problem is one that becomes more important year to year as algae blooms become a growing concern.
For more information on how you can improve local stream banks, visit the Wisconsin DNR website.
