Streambank and bed protection or restoration
Impact
The term streambank refers to the edges of a stream channel to the top of the high water mark and streambed refers to the bottom of the stream channel. Both the streambank and bed are susceptible to degradation through natural and human induced causes. Human induced degradation is usually associated with altered flows and land disturbances and includes but is not limited to riparian vegetation clearing, livestock trampling, dredging, channel straightening and infrastructure development (e.g. construction of roads, bridges, dams and/or weirs).
Suggested indicators: Gully erosion*, In-steam habitat*
Streambank and bed protection or restoration may be associated with:
| Potential associated impacts | Suggested indicators |
| Reduced water sediment load and contamination |
|
| Reduced over-land flooding and soil waterlogging leading to development of swamp/marsh areas |
|
| Improved streambank and bed habitat |
|
* Yet to be developed
Last updated: 27 August 2008