Stream Banks and Drainageways 



The steep banks of running streams need the protection of natural 

 shrub growth to prevent cutting and consequent meandering of the 

 streams through fields, pastures, and woods (fig. 5, B). Even inter- 

 mittent streams and drainageways should have such protection (front 



B 



Figure 5. — Shrubs on steep slopes A and stream banks B control erosion and 

 provide shelter from which wildlife may forage into the adjoining fields for 

 food. 



cover). The common practice of cutting and burning vegetation 

 on the banks of streams not only adversely affects soil conservation 

 and wildlife but is, after all, rather useless. 



If woody vegetation is left along the banks of streams, unharvested 

 seeds in adjacent fields and pastures can be used by game birds and 

 other wildlife that feed from the vantage of the cover. Fish find cool 

 retreats beneath branches that overhang the streams. In pastures, 

 shrubs should be left only on the banks of streams and other drainage- 

 ways that cannot be reached with a mowing machine. 



8 



U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1940 



For sale by the Superintendent of Documents. Washington. D. C. 



Price 5 cents 



