Sand and gravel can be good or bad news for Missouri landowners. Some use it to pave farm roads, others curse it for causing stream channel problems. However, we haven't always had large amounts of sand and gravel in many of our streams. Over the last century deep pools, stable stream banks and narrow stream channels slowly changed to shallow, wide, eroding streams; the "old swimming hole" was often buried under a mound of sand and gravel. Through it all, landowners tried to deal with these changes, many of which have caused problems.
Much of the sand and gravel in Missouri streams came from changes that occurred on the Missouri landscape over a century ago. History reveals that dramatic watershed changes began to occur in the 1800's as large tracts of Ozark hardwood timber were harvested for lumber and railroad ties. In northern and western Missouri, prairie sod was plowed to feed a growing nation.
Farming efforts that followed these changes were characterized by poor soil conservation and left the ground unprotected. Burning, plowing and overgrazing of hillsides removed vegetation which held soils in place. Trees along stream banks were frequently cleared for more farmland. As these trees were removed, roots which formerly held stream banks in place decayed. Stream banks eroded faster and channel changes occurred more rapidly. Sand and gravel washed into Missouri streams.
Today, we are still facing problems that began over a century ago. As landowners, you must work with unstable streams that erode stream banks and deposit sand and gravel on fields and other undesirable places during floods. Some actions landowners can take to save their valuable soil and farmlands are:
Good soil conservation not only keeps topsoil on agricultural fields where it belongs, but it also keeps it from being washed into streams and adding to the sand and gravel already there. Sound conservation plans should be developed and implemented for all your agricultural lands. Areas not used for agriculture should also demonstrate good soil conservation management. Consult your local Soil and Water Conservation District or the Soil Conservation Service for information and assistance in soil conservation planning.
Excess gravel can cause stream bank erosion problems. Eroding stream banks should be fixed using approved stabilization structures. Dozing and packing sand and gravel on stream banks is not a good solution to stream bank erosion and can cause problems for downstream neighbors. Pushing loose sand and gravel against a stream bank makes these materials susceptible to being carried by flood waters and dropped where they are not wanted. While not all stream bank erosion problems are easily solved, Missouri Department of Conservation Fisheries personnel can assist you with many common stream bank erosion problems.
A strip of trees is necessary to filter sand and gravel and keep it from being dumped on bottomland fields. Streamside trees keep banks stable and, by slowing flood waters, cause sand and gravel carried by flood waters to drop out in this buffer strip rather than on bottomland fields. Consult your local Missouri Department of Conservation Forestry office for advice and information on planting and managing streamside trees.
When done properly, sand and gravel can be removed with minimal harm to the stream and can allow you to use some of this material on your farm. However, removal does not address the causes of sand and gravel problems in the stream. It is important to remember that sand and gravel removal can create physical and economic problems for landowners above and below the removal area. If a removal technique is chosen, it should be conducted with the stream's stability in mind. You should consider the following steps to ensure minimal impacts to others and avoid damaging streams:
The "Streams for the Future" program makes it possible for every Missourian to help protect our streams and rivers. For more information, write:
Streams for the Future
Fisheries Division
Missouri Department of Conservation
Box 180
Jefferson City, MO 65102
573-751-4115
The health of Missouri streams depends on you, the landowner. Remember that sand and gravel removal can cause stream problems. Please follow these guidelines when sand or gravel removal is necessary. If you would like advice with your gravel removal decisions, contact your nearest Fisheries Division office or any Missouri Department of Conservation employee for the location of the Fisheries office near you.