Streambank erosion can pose a significant problem for creekside property. Here are several techniques that can help you avoid streambank erosion of your property.

• Preserve native creekside vegetation. Native riparian plants growing within a creek corridor provide important habitat and help to stabilize banks. In times of flooding, a well-vegetated creek bank may be your property's best protection.

But beware! Invasive non-native species can choke out native plants. In some instances, these plants can actually impede creek flow and contribute to flooding. Invasive plants also have little or no habitat value for wildlife. Mowing, clearing, or stripping away non-native vegetation can, however, promote erosion. Seek professional advice before removing invasive species. Replace any invasive vegetation with native vegetation as soon as possible.

• Avoid removing natural debris. Removing branches, boulders, and dead vegetation from a creek can harm fish and wildlife. Naturally occurring debris provides food and cover for fish, aquatic insects and other animals.

If debris poses a serious flooding or erosion hazard, however, careful removal may be necessary. Seek guidance from the City of Arlington Department of Engineering Services at 817/459-6550 before removing debris.

• Avoid locating structures and storage containers near the creek bank. Structures such as storage sheds, patios, and decks require removal of the creek's natural protective vegetation and often decrease the stability of vulnerable slopes. In addition, any structure built within reach of flood waters is subject to damage or loss and may decrease the creek's ability to accommodate flood flows safely. The City of Arlington has a setback for the erosion clear zone, which requires that structures be kept a certain minimum distance from the creek. The erosion clear zone should be shown on the plat of your property. If you need help locating your plat, call the City of Arlington Map Room at 817-459-6606.

• Check for erosion regularly and correct problems promptly. When flowing water meets unprotected soil, erosion almost always results. Barren slopes on any portion of your property (not just creek banks) can lead to sedimentation problems in the creek. Too much sediment (soil, sand, and fine gravel) fills in the creek bed and reduces its ability to carry flood waters. Excessive sediment can also destroy pools, eliminate shelter and fish spawning habitat, and diminish food supplies for fish and aquatic insects.

Keep an eye on the bottom of the slope! A vegetated slope is the best defense against undercutting and slumping banks. Replant barren slopes or disturbed soils as quickly as possible. On slopes that are not too steep and not subject to flowing water, a covering of straw over newly bared earth will prevent erosion until vegetation can grow back.

Putting tires or slabs of concrete over the bank will usually create more erosion, rather than lessen the problem. See the next section for more effective techniques for treating an unstable bank.

REMEMBER: The best erosion control is proper creek care. Neighbors must cooperate in their efforts and share responsibility for maintaining a healthy creek.