Replanting Streams and Riverbanks Post Helene

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Hurricane Helene had a devastating impact on many streams and riverbanks that were impacted by flood waters that ultimately created bare ground that could continue to be damaged by future rain or weather. It is crucial to plan and establish cover for the long term health of the waterway, ground, plants and animals.

Mitch Woodward, Area Specialized Agent for Watersheds & Water Quality with NC State University and North Carolina Cooperative Extension offers his suggestions for replanting streams and riverbanks this time of year

Livestaking:

The timing is not the best for installing live stakes (dormant but living stems of woody shrubs) right now. It is better to install live stakes Dec 1- April 1, during dormant season.

Mitch suggests a 2 step process for stabilizing streambanks now:

  • Start now with temporary and/or permanent streambank seeding and erosion control matting application where possible,  then in December–April install live stakes following recommendations from the resources section of the Streambank Repair Website.

To review the overall process refer to this video  Stream Bank Repair with Mitch – Before & After Footage

Temporary and Permanent Seeding Recommendations:

This NC DEQ seeding guide 6.24 Riparian Area Seeding Mountian for the mountains is best.

Note some important details:

  • May 15 is listed as the recommended transition date from winter/fall seeding of a temporary mix of wheat, rye grain, or annual rye to the spring/summer seeding of german millet, browntop millet, or pearl millet.
  • When seasons overlap (like now going into May) , a mixture of two or more temporary species may be necessary to obtain the best temporary coverage.
  • The best practice for temporary seed mixes is to mix with and apply simultaneously at recommended rates with the recommended permanent seed mixes listed. (Although currently, this issue is that permanent seed mixes are not recommended until July or August for best results.)
  • Permanent seed inclusion in the mix should total 15 pounds of pure live seed (PLS) per acre drilled or 15-20 pounds PLS per acre broadcast applied.
  • At least 4 species should be selected for the mixture, including one species from each type (warm and cold season and wetland)
  • Selection of more than four species is recommended for increasing chances of successful vegetation establishment.
  • Wildflowers can be added to the mix, they should not be counted in the minimum seeding rate for grasses.
  • Where possible / if possible along the lower portion of stream banks subject to erosion from the stream, a rolled Erosion Control Matting Product like coir matting  installed along the toe of the slope and extending up on the banks are recommended to hold seed and soil in place.

Other Seeding/Plant References for Streambank Repair:

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