Streambank Stabilization
In 2023 and 2024, JRA hosted a series of diverse learning opportunities for Consortium partners to build capacity for streambank stabilization in the Upper and Middle James River watersheds.
The Streambank Stabilization Learning Journey generated diverse resources. Have a question about a resource for implementation or use? Staff contacts are listed under each resource. Learn more on the Journey post »
What is Streambank Stabilization?
Stream systems are complex landforms that have developed over the course of Earth’s history, and these systems are essential habitat for many organisms. Current and historic watershed conditions, and rapid anthropogenic impacts have altered the stream ecosystems in the Upper and Middle James River watersheds.
Streambank stabilization consists of vegetative, structural and bioengineering methods to stabilize and protect streambanks. These interventions to restore streambank stability require a robust understanding of stream systems, their evolution, and the watershed areas that contribute to them.
PHASE 1: Know Your Stream Basics
Streambank stabilization is a restoration approach that may be used to slow severe erosion and channel migration, though it is important to carefully consider the benefits and impacts on a site-by-site basis. Stabilization can include increased planting and on a larger scale, structure installation.
Learn more about stream dynamics, land management in the James, approaches to streambank stabilization, and site examples in the resources linked below.
Phase 1 Resources & Contacts
Key Issues Report and Overview of Streambank Stabilization Key Issues Report
- Amber Ellis, James River Association, aellis@thejamesriver.org
- Emily Carlson, Dialogue and Design, emily@dialogueanddesign.com
Building Capacity for Streambank Stabilization: Summary of Site Selection and Roundtable Report
- Jordan Fox, Center for Watershed Protection, jf@cwp.org
- You can find links to all referenced presentations and roundtable recording here. (need more info on this one — what do I link to here?)
- Kip Mumaw, Ecosystem Services, kip@ecosystemservices.us
Introduction to Streambank Stabilization
- Lisa Fraley-McNeal, Center for Watershed Protection, lfm@cwp.org
- Louise Finger, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, louise.finger@dwr.virginia.gov
James River Basin Suspended Sediment Loads & Trends
- Chris Mason, United States Geological Survey Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center, camason@usgs.gov
Examples from Streambank Stabilization Project Sites
- Example 1 from Louise Finger, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, louise.finger@dwr.virginia.gov
- Example 2 from Samuel Vest, Trout Unlimited, contact form
PHASE 2: Site Selection
A restoration project team will need to determine the objectives of the potential project, the local and watershed-level constraints, possible conflicts with infrastructure or land use, the agenda and desires of the landowner(s), and any implications the project may have downstream before determining which restoration approach to take.
During site visits, it is important to take detailed notes of site conditions and consider potential tradeoffs to help teams determine if streambank stabilization is the right intervention.
Phase 2 Resources & Contacts
Site Visit Presentation and Recording of Presentation
- Louise Finger, Stream Restoration Biologist, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, louise.finger@dwr.virginia.gov
PHASE 3: Design & Permitting
Additional data from site level surveys will be needed to support the design and permitting process. When developing your design(s), consider both your objectives and any constraints (legal, physical, environmental, and regulatory) present.
Streambank stabilization and restoration projects typically require local land disturbance permits similar to those required for other landscape altering projects. Localities may have different thresholds to determine when permits are applicable, but generally projects including land disturbance, clearing, and/or planting require local permitting. Your local Army Corps of Engineers field office can help. You can find a chart of typical permits below.
Phase 3 Resources & Contacts
Permitting Presentation and Recording of Presentation
- Louise Finger, Stream Restoration Biologist, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, louise.finger@dwr.virginia.gov
Backyard Buffer Design Workshop Webpage
- Amber Ellis, Restoration Director, James River Association, aellis@thejamesriver.org
Building Capacity for Streambank Stabilization: Summary of Design and Permitting Roundtable Report
- Jordan Fox, GIS Analyst and Research Specialist, Center for Watershed Protection, jf@cwp.org
- You can find links to referenced presentations and roundtable recording here. (need more info on this one — what do I link to here?)
- Kip Mumaw, Ecosystem Services, kip@ecosystemservices.us
Introduction to Bank Erosion and When to Stabilize
- Tess Thompson, PdD, Virginia Tech, tthompson@vt.edu
Introduction to Virginia Permit Requirements
- Brock Reggi, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, brock.reggi@deq.virginia.gov
Submitting Complete & Accurate Permits
- Jennifer Serafine, United States Army Corps of Engineers, Jennifer.M.Serafin@usace.army.mil
Examples of Small-Scale Stabilization Projects
- Samuel Vest, Trout Unlimited, contact form
PHASE 4: Installation
Create your plan for continued monitoring and evaluation post-installation.
Phase 4 Resources & Contacts
Content to come.
Photo Gallery
October 2023
The streambank group meets on site, at a private residential property in the Wood’s Creek Watershed in Lexington VA, to begin discussing design work.
November 2023
Partners visited three potential sites: the Virginia Department of Corrections’ State Farm property in Powhatan; Hope’s Legacy in Afton; and Woods Creek Watershed Residence, Lexington
Virginia Department of Corrections’ State Farm property, Powhatan
Hope’s Legacy, Afton
Woods Creek Watershed Residence, Lexington
June 2024
Streambank Stabilization Project field visits with partners of the Upper & Middle James Riparian Consortium, led by Kip Mumaw of Ecosystem Services, to Woodbrook Lagoon and Chapel Hill.
