First, Do No Harm

Many landowners are surprised to learn that repairing their eroded stream banks with big rocks is not only a temporary solution; it’s often one that does more damage than good. There is a better way, a more sustainable, eco-friendly way to restore impaired streams.

This eco-friendly approach is known by many names including soil bioengineering, biotechnical stabilization, biostabilization, green engineering and biotechnical erosion control – but the underlying concept for all is the same.

- Luke Frazza

Michael Sprague is the president of Montana-based Trout Headwaters, Inc (THI). He travels the U.S. explaining that plants, often in combination with specialized organic reinforcement materials, can reduce the erosive forces of water and increase soil’s resistance to those erosive forces. Sprague tells audiences that some organic stream bank covers, when applied correctly and paired with the correct vegetation, have proven to be more resilient and cost-effective than rock.

THI has provided more than 500 stream, river, wetland and habitat restoration projects nationwide. Its mantra and guiding principle is, “First, do no harm.” Just as physicians are taught to always consider the possible harm any intervention might cause, THI approaches any remedy or restoration project with the same caution. The very act of “restoring” any resource or habitat implies that you do no harm. Our natural environment plays host to an immense variety of species, many of them microscopic. That’s why, whether reducing excessive erosion or enhancing habitat, THI recommends treading lightly on the delicate ecosystems while trying to protect and enhance them.