Streambank Bioengineering
Is defined as the use of living and nonliving plant materials in combination with natural and synthetic support materials for slope stabilization, erosion reduction and vegetative establishment.
Riparian Zones
Are the areas bordering river and other bodies of surface water. They include the floodplain as well as the riparian buffers adjacent to the floodplain. The vegetation and sponge like quality of soils in wetlands, floodplains and riparian zones protect surface water in many ways.
How they work:
To visualize how riparian areas work, think of a large sponge placed across the end of a sloped board. If water is poured over the board toward the sponge, most of the water is slowed and absorbed by the sponge. Over time, some of the water drains slowly out of the sponge and some evaporates. The sponge also filters out dirt and chemicals. Like a sponge, riparian areas absorb, clean, and filter water.
In 2013, TVWA finished its baseline study of Chena River bank conditions specific to erosion and riparian zones. In 2014, TVWA continued this research to create a report categorizing the conditions both natural and unnatural types of river banks with an emphasis on measuring percentage of riparian zone. TVWA is hoping to expand this effort to other rivers as funding is available.
Read initial USFWS Report HERE
Read TVWA Report HERE
After we assessed the stream banks habitat and monitored the restored habitat on the Chena River. TVWA created the below poster to educate people about the Bioengineering and Biomapping projected on the Chena River.
