LaBarque Creeek Stream Demonstration Area
LaBarque Creek Stream Demonstration Area
Young Conservation Area
The Stream Demonstration Area on LaBarque Creek was created to demonstrate low-cost methods of streambank protection and rehabilitation. Follow the trail to see cedar tree revetments, willow staking, and riparian corridor tree planting and how they work.
When the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) obtained this area in 1986, portions of LaBarque Creek had no trees growing on the streambanks. Without tree roots to hold soil in place, streambank erosion was a common problem. Erosion could be prevented by establishing a band of trees along the creek (riparian corridor). But first, the streambanks were stabilized.
Since 1987, MDC has planted more than 1,300 willow stakes to stabilize the streambanks. In March, before buds swell, willow trees (from a nearby source) were cut into 36-inch sections. The bottom end of each stake was given a 45-degree cut to make planting easier. The stakes were then driven into the streambank. Weeks later, the stakes sprouted leaves and roots. The roots still hold streambank soil in place today. (See map.)
Three cedar revetments were installed to slow LaBarque Creek's current along eroding streambanks, decrease erosion, and catch eroding soil and silt within tree branches. Revetments stabilize streambanks and allow planted trees to grow.
Bushy, densely branched trees (cedars are best) were cut and placed along the bottom (toe) of the eroding streambank, overlapped in shingle fashion, with buff ends facing upstream.
Trees were secured with earth anchors, one at each end of the tree. Steel cable was attached to each anchor, which was driven 6 to 8 feet into the streambed.
Cables were wrapped around each tree trunk and fastened. This kept trees in place, even during floods. The cedar revetments have worked well (see map).
After streambanks were stable, trees were planted. Since 1988, MDC and STREAM TEAM members have planted more than 7,000 in LaBarque Creek's riparian corridor. These included sycamore, cottonwood, green ash, soft maple, black walnut and sweetgum. These trees (see map) are the best and most natural method of streambank protection.
Stream Demonstration Areas are part of MDC's Streams For The Future program which also promotes stream education and provides technical help for stream problems on private land.
STREAM TEAMS are groups of citizens that have adopted a stream or stream section and have pledged to care for it through water quality monitoring, tree planting, trash pick-up and helping landowners.
For more information on Streams For The Future, call the St. Louis regional office at 636/441-4554, or Missouri STREAM TEAM, call the Missouri Department of Conservation at 573/751-4115.
