Streams and Riparian Areas

What are riparian areas and why are they important?

A riparian area is the naturally vegetated land that runsadjacent to a stream or river which floods periodically. Regardless of stream size or flow, riparian areas provide the following functions:
  • Reduce flood impacts by absorbing peak flows and regulating the velocity of floodwaters;
  • Assist in stabilizing the banks of streams and rivers which helps prevent bank erosion;
  • Reduce pollutants by filtering and settling pollutants from storm water runoff;
  • Provide habitat to a wide array of wildlife; and
  • Contribute to the scenic beauty and recreational opportunities of the area.

Live Near a Stream?

As a streamside landowner, you have a special opportunity to positively influence the quality of your stream and promote local stream health. Stewardship is the means by which you can empower yourself, friends, and neighbors to take ownership of your stream to ensure that its waters remain clear and its banks stay well-vegetated and protected from erosion. Practicing stream stewardship is simple and easy to do. It can have a huge impact on the quality of your life and the life of the creatures that live in your stream.

3 Simple Stream Steps

Establish a Streamside Buffer (Riparian Area)
One key component to stream health is allowing vegetation to grow along the stream bank. Designate a “No Mow” or “Conservation Zone” adjacent to the stream, at least 15-25 feet wide. The zone will encourage the growth of plants and reduce the impact of pollutants from stream bank erosion and surface runoff. Plant native trees and shrubs within the area to establish a vigorous root zone that will hold the soil in place and provide shade along the stream. Vegetaton is always better with stream buffers.
Refrain from Dumping Yard Waste
The placement of grass clippings, raked leaves, cut limbs, and other vegetative debris on the bank, or within the channel, contributes to stream bank erosion and poor water quality. Yard waste reduces available oxygen for fish and other aquatic life by depleting the oxygen in the stream as it decays. It also reduces stream capacity which will contribute to potential flooding of property.
Use Fertilizers and Pesticides Correctly
Fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides can contribute to poor water quality, especially when applied incorrectly. It is important to calibrate your spreader according to the package label. Avoid spreading fertilizer near the bank and on sidewalks and driveways which can convey the chemicals directly into your stream.

Geauga County Erosion Control Special Improvement District Program (ESID)

The Geauga County Auditor’s Office has created an Erosion Special Improvement District (ESID) to help residents creatively finance their often-expensive erosion control projects. Such projects include dredging and repair of privately owned lakes as well as a variety of storm water related issues. Involvement in an ESID is voluntary and may be a single resident or groups of residents. The property owners who elect to engage the ESID are obligated to repay the project costs via a special assessment placed on their tax duplicate by the County Auditor. The amortization period is typically between 15 and 20 years. What is unique about an ESID is that property owner(s) can sell their property with the assessment in place and the obligation would then be assumed by the new owner. Although the projects are subject to local and State permitting, the residents are responsible to engage the contractors and engineers, thus alleviating the mandated expenses associated with a municipal project. This represents a significant cost savings to residents.
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Address
Geauga County Office Building 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite #240 Chardon, Ohio 44024
Contact
(440) 834-1122; (440) 279-1761
geaugaswcd@geauga.oh.gov