Working with Streams 



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SECTION 



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^mJ ^^ f you live next to a stream, your 

 ^^^H streamside management activities 

 ^^^H can directly affect stream health and 

 function. This section examines some of the 

 most common ways that we impact streams 

 and change their features and behavior. 



Most problems can he traced hack to something 

 that has changed the supply of water or sediment 

 in the stream or altered the stream channel or 

 banks in some way. We can often lessen the 

 impact through preventive measures or 

 adjustments in our management of the 

 stream. When making streamside management 

 decisions, you should ahvays practice preventive 

 thinking because stream degradation is much 

 easier and cheaper to avoid than to fix. You can 

 prevent stream disturbance if you 

 understand stream behavior and the 

 "personality" oiyour stream. 



LOOK FOR THIS ALERT— it reminds you to ahvays seek 

 guidance and obtain permits from your local land management 

 agencies before work in or near a stream. Always refer to the 

 chart on page 76 before beginning a project. 



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