Creeks are constantly reshaping their channels through natural processes - scouring outside curves and depositing the sediment inside of bends in the waterway. A stream’s natural tendency to meander can be aggravated by human activities throughout the watershed. Increased rates and volumes of stormwater runoff into creeks, removal of natural vegetation, and upstream alteration of the creek channel may lead to erosion problems on banks that were once stable. Unstable banks can lead to extensive bank failures and add large volumes of sediment to the creek, resulting in property loss.

Creeks are complex systems. Stabilizing banks requires knowledge and expertise. Actions taken to protect your bank may have unforeseen consequences downstream. You may unintentionally pass your erosion problem on to your neighbor.

If you have a serious erosion problem, consult with a qualified professional in bank stabilization and repair. The City of Arlington Department of Engineering Services will advise those seeking to perform stabilization. The Arlington Development and Flood Hazards Ordinances will serve to guide planning and design. A number of additional sources of information are listed in the "Getting Help" section at the end of this booklet.

The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers also requires permits for work done in waters under its jurisdiction. Local, state and federal permit processes help ensure that riparian habitats and creek flows are protected and that property owners do not inadvertently worsen the situation. Remember, these agencies are there to assist you! Organizations and agencies with more information are listed in the "Getting Help" section at the end of this booklet.

• If the native riparian vegetation has been depleted or removed, but severe bank erosion has not yet occurred, you may be able to re-establish or augment the remaining vegetation on your own. Find out the types of native vegetation to use on your particular site and how to plant and care for them.

• Modify steep banks to shallow or moderate slopes and revegetate with native riparian species. (Live cuttings of willow driven into the bank or bundles of live cuttings secured to the banks can be effective stabilization techniques). Create terraces and plant with native species.

• Stabilize the bottom of the slope with stone rip-rap, log-cribwalls, or gabions (large wire baskets filled with rock and wired together). Plant native vegetation into these structures.

• Plan a neighborhood-coordinated response to erosion problems. When property owners put in retaining walls or riprap to stop their land from eroding, they may only create problems downstream. Meet with property owners and tell them to put their money into a more effective solution: a coordinated bank stabilization plan.

***** See the section "Getting Help" for contacts and informational resources concerning stabilizing creek banks. ****