Adams County Soil & Water Conservation District  338 South 36th Street  Quincy, IL   62301
Phone:  217/224-9305, Ext. 3  E-mail:  janet.beckman@il.nacdnet.net  Fax:  217/224-4969

Streambank Stabilization and Restoration Program                        

                                Before                                                                                                After

Streambank erosion is a natural wearing away of soil and rock that form streambanks. This natural process has been accelerated by activities that increase drainage water flow and water velocity, including stream channelization and straightening, removal of streamside vegetation, and construction of impervious surfaces. Streambank erosion, a major source of sediment buildup in bodies of water, threatens soil, water, plant and animal resources. It decreases the depth and holding capacity of lakes and reservoirs and reduces stream channel capacity, which increases the likelihood of flooding and additional streambank erosion. Excessive flooding degrades water quality and damages fish and wildlife habitat.

The streambank stabilization and restoration program is designed to demonstrate effective, inexpensive vegetative and bioengineering techniques for limiting streambank erosion. Program monies fund demonstration projects at suitable locations statewide and provide cost-share assistance to landowners with severely eroding streambanks. The Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois' Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (NRCS) serve as partners in implementing the program.

Eligibility
Both cost-share assistance and demonstration project funding require sites meet assessment and selection criteria established for successful streambank stabilization using vegetative or other bio-engineering techniques. Program funds may be used for labor, equipment and materials. Proposals must be sponsored by the local SWCD. Grant recipients are selected by an independent committee.  Recipients of cost-share and demonstration project funding must agree to maintain streambank stabilization practices for at least 10 years.
Soil and Water Conservation Districts can submit project applications three times throughout the year - September 1; January 1; and May 1.  Landowners with potential projects should contact us at least one month prior to these dates so that we can look at the project site and complete the application.

Cost-Share Rates
Projects approved for funding are cost-shared at 75% SWCD/25% landowner.   Demonstration projects (the first of a streambank stabilization technique in a county) can be cost-shared at 100%.