Streambank Stabilization and Restoration Program (SSRP)

Streambank erosion is a natural process that occurs in all streams as water wears away the soil and rock that form their banks. As the banks are worn away, streams naturally and slowly establish a meandering course. Streambank erosion in Illinois has, however, been accelerated by land altering activities such as: stream channelization and straightening, removal of streamside vegetation, construction of impervious surfaces and other activities which increase drainage water flow and water velocity.

Streambank erosion has become a serious threat to the land, water, plant and animal resources along many streams in Illinois. Streambank erosion, when left unchecked, can be responsible for the loss or damage to valuable farmland, wildlife habitat, buildings, roads, bridges and other public and private structures and property. Streambank erosion is also a major source of sediments deposited in Illinois lakes, streams and backwater areas and may contribute to as much as 30-50% of the downstream sediment load. Sediment reduces stream channel capacity, which may increase flooding and streambank erosion, or reduce depth and holding capacity of lakes and reservoirs. Excessive sedimentation also degrades water quality and destroys fish and wildlife habitat.

The primary goals of the SSRP are to develop and demonstrate vegetative, stone structure and other low-cost bio-engineering techniques for stabilizing streambanks and to encourage the adoption of low-cost streambank stabilization practices by making available financial incentives, technical assistance and educational information to landowners with critically eroding streambanks.

There are 10 objectives associated with the goals.
1. To stabilize and restore high priority streambanks that are eroding severely using dormant plantings, vegetative materials, stone structures and other low-cost techniques.
2. Reduce the loss of streambanks and reduce loss and use limitations on adjacent land areas, including agricultural land, urban land, wildlife habitat and other properties and land uses.
3. Reduce soil loss and the resulting sedimentation that can fill stream channels and deplete the holding capacity of lakes and reservoirs.
4. Protect water quality by reducing nutrients and chemicals contained in soil material or runoff waters from entering a stream or water body.
5. Protect aquatic life and habitat, and fisheries, by reducing erosion and sedimentation and restoring beneficial vegetation.
6. Protect real estate, public and private property, infrastructure, public works, buildings and structures, and other investments or improvements.
7. Protect, create or restore wildlife habitat.
8. Improve land and water aesthetics by stabilizing streambanks with natural vegetation.
9. Slow stream velocity during high water or flooding conditions and reduce flood damage.
10. Demonstrate the effectiveness of low-cost streambank stabilization techniques to the public.

All landowners and project sites (rural and urban) in each Illinois county are eligible for a SSRP demonstration, watershed project and/or cost share assistance, provided that the project site meets the assessment and selection criteria established for successful streambank stabilization using approved low-cost, vegetative, stone structure and/or other bio-engineering techniques.

All project proposals in Kankakee County must be sponsored and prepared with the approval of the Kankakee Soil and Water Conservation District Board and with the technical assistance of qualified SWCD or USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service employees. For more information, contact the District office at 815-937-8940, ext. 3.