We all know that rivers and streams are valuable assets for landowners. Often newcomers to our area are looking for their own little corner of beauty, and many times that vision includes frontage on rivers like the New. Appreciation of the beauty of the , and land ownership on its important watershed lands, brings with it critical responsibilities—to be both good neighbors and good stewards of this treasured natural resource.

Often landowners are not aware of the ways they can be good stewards of their river- and stream-fronted lands. Many well-intentioned owners plant lawns, remove vegetation and mow down to the water’s edge. While we admire the rugged beauty of the mountains from afar, it is a natural tendency to want to “clean up” our particular piece of the mountains. But, the river and stream banks depend on the root systems of native shrubs and trees (the riparian buffer) to hold onto the soil and keep it from washing away, not only in times of severe flooding, but also during normal rain events. Rain softens the banks and without deep root systems these banks will eventually break off and go downstream. And, more significant rain produces fast flowing waters that scour unprotected banks, both on your own property and your neighbors’ downstream. Landowners often find themselves watching portions of their valuable land float downstream.

And, both the river and wildlife suffer when the riparian buffer is removed as well:

•    Sediment is the number one pollutant in the New River and its tributaries. Soil washed from banks suffocates animals such as mollusks and salamanders and also the smaller creatures that are the food source for fish.
•    Riparian buffers absorb much of the runoff from yards and fields, including fertilizer and soil.
•    Trees and shrubs shade the river. Fish like it cool!
•    Eroded banks cause the river to become wider and shallower, and also warmer.
•    The combination of sediment, heat, fertilizer runoff, and shallow water make optimum conditions for the growth of non-native hydrilla, that nasty green stuff that snags fish hooks and canoes. It also uses up oxygen intended for fish.
•    The vegetation from trees and shrubs provide food for smaller aquatic animals.
•    Birds are dependent on healthy riparian areas for nesting and on fish for food.

It’s really a case of “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” It seems many of us are learning that Mother Nature pretty much knew what she was doing all along—the beauty of a walk to the river through a forest, the beauty of a float down the river and seeing the ducks fly from the brush, catching sight of an otter or trout or a hellbender near the water’s edge… . These are the delights of the beauty of nature and also, by the way, primary indicators of the health of a river. We can all certainly appreciate the beauty of water quality.

Native shrubs such as silky dogwood, silky willow, ninebark, and elderberry make excellent shade, shelter, and food sources, and have an extensive network of roots that hold the banks and prevent erosion. Further up the bank rhododendron and mountain laurel provide shade and shelter throughout the year. Trees provide deeper root systems and shade and there are many varieties that thrive along the riverbank. A 30- to 50-foot riparian buffer is ideal, but as little as 10-15 feet is helpful—especially on smaller streams.

If you have questions about you can be a good steward of your river or stream-front property, and want to learn more about how to create and retain the value of your riparian landscape, check out the National Committee for the New River’s (NCNR) Web site. There you’ll find information about River Builder and restoration projects.