Water...Its got the power!: Bad River Turned Good

In my blogging experience I not only wanted to address flooding issues but also wanted to explore soil erosion by water and prevention methods. A great example of this in South Dakota is the Bad River in the west central part of the state. The United States Environmental Protection Agency outlined the project on its site at the following link: http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/success319/SD.cfm
Note, there was also another interesting study on riparian improvement on the East River in which I will not be addressing this but feel free to read about it.

In the 1990s it was decided that the sediment load carried by the Bad River was excessive and accumulating in the river itself and the Missouri River in which it drains. The watershed is comprised mainly of dense clays that are easily erodible which causes many issues. These issues include filling the channel which in turn causes flooding, this can effect the turbidity and both of these effect sport fishing. Sport fishing is a large income for the Pierre/Fort Pierre area which is where the Bad River meets the Missouri River. Also the Oahe Dam creates power for many communities and needs the ability to flow adequately, which channel fill can hamper.

A committee was started to document where the largest sediment loads were originating. While it was proposed that most came from the upper watershed in the badlands area, the study showed that the lower watershed produced about two-thirds of the sediment due to gully erosion on grazing lands and streambank scour. So, what could be done to reduce the amount of sediment reaching the river? Many solutions were recommended including planned grazing and proper grazing use, structures to control erosion, riparian revegetation, seeding of range areas, water spreader systems, and alternative stock watering areas. The majority of these solution involved plant growth to hold the soil with their root systems. The alternative stock watering areas allowed for cattle and other stock to drink away from the river so as to not disturb the sensitive riparian areas. This also allows stock to graze other parts of pastures that are not near the river to prevent overgrazing, as they tend to stay near water sources. Water spreader systems divert water from continuing to flow in narrow channels and "spread" the water runoff across a broader area thus reducing gullies and rills (see image at bottom of blog). The structures more then likely included such things as dams and rock placement to reduce water flow; and fencing to keep livestock from entering sensitive and fragile areas.

Most of these solutions could not be completed without the willingness of farmers and ranchers within the watershed. The farmers and ranchers also understood the benefits to their land in actively participating. The results were higher then expected and there was a decrease in erosion and sediment load.