Properly fuctioning riparian areas provide numerous, critical ecosystem services; these include uptake of excess nutrients, sediment filtration, and erosion control along watercourses. The Morton County SCD is a major proponent of restoring riparian areas along the Missouri River and its tributaries, especially those that were negatively impacted by recent floods. Any individuals who have an area of concern on their property are encouraged to contact the Morton County SCD staff for both technical assistance and financial options for riparian restorations.
The following links provide basic information about the proper management and restoration of riparian systems:
- After the Flood- Managing Tree Regeneration
- After the Flood- Managing Weeds
- After the Flood- Seeding Grasses
- Principles for Riparian Lands Management – Chapter 5 – Managing the effects of riparian vegetation on flooding
Missouri River Initiative
The Missouri River Initiative is a program to help reduce stream sedimentation through riparian restoration practices. The grant is funded by the US Forest Service. It requires a 50% cash or in-kind match, which could include the use of equipment or volunteer labor.
The funds are intended for use on private and municipal lands next to tributaries of the Missouri River. The program covers the following counties: Burleigh, Emmons, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, and Sioux.
Restoring eroded stream banks to healthy, functional riparian systems includes relatively inexpensive practices, such as tree and shrub plantings to more expensive solutions like bio-engineering and bank reshaping for severe problems. Practices included for funding include:
- Riparian buffer plantings (trees, shrubs, and grasses)
- Live stake plantings
- Grazing system planning
- Exclusion fencing
- Conifer revetments
- Brush mattresses
- Fascines
- Engineering advice
- Stream barbs
- Toe protection
- Bank reshaping
Please contact Thomas Claeys with the ND Forest Service for more information. Telephone: 701-328-9943, or e-mail him at Thomas.Claeys@ndsu.edu.