The Streambank Protection Program

Program Objective

The purpose of the Streambank Protection Program is to protect the water quality and fish habitat of Wisconsin streams by establishing buffers along selected streams. Whenever possible, these buffers should be at least 66 feet from either side of the stream and at least 66 feet beyond riparian wetlands.

Management Requirements

The following activities are prohibited on land and easements acquired unless approved by the DNR:

1. Alteration of vegetative cover or other natural features. An exception may be made when necessary to reestablish native grasses or protect vegetative cover deemed essential to prevent erosion.
2. Planting or production of agricultural crops. An exception may be made for management of wildlife species (i.e. food patches, nesting cover).
3. Mowing or spraying with chemicals. An exception may be made when necessary to control pests on an emergency basis when such control is necessary to protect public health or for habitat restoration purposes.

The Land Management Plan for property acquired under this program may require the landowner to plant trees or seed at seeding rates determined by the DNR to establish and maintain perennial cover.

The DNR may allow installation and maintenance of management practices meeting USDA soil conservation service standards, such as cattle stream crossings, rip-rap and cattle watering areas, if the management practice does not conflict with the purpose of the easement.

Grant Criteria

An NCO should begin by discussing a proposed streambank project with their Community Services Specialist (CSS). The CSS will bring into the discussion the appropriate regional water resource staff to determine what efforts have been made or are being made on the stream, and whether or not the project meets the criteria of the program and is on a statewide list of priority streams.

The DNR will evaluate NCO streambank projects based on the following criteria:

• The extent to which the water quality and fish habitat of the stream are threatened by urban or agricultural runoff
• The extent to which the threat to the water quality and fish habitat of the stream can be protected through the acquisition of land rights

Streams satisfying the above criteria shall be further prioritized based on the following:

• The extent to which the streambank project provides protection of endangered or threatened resources including natural communities and habitat for rare species
• The inclusion of the stream in or adjacent to other projects
• A determination that the stream’s riparian lands are enrolled in a federal or state program that protects water quality or fish habitat including the Conservation Reserve Program, the Erosion Control Planning Program, a soil and water conservation plan, the Soil and Water Resources Management Program, and the Nonpoint Source Pollution Abatement Grant Program