Erosion is a natural process, but human activities and extreme weather can significantly accelerate it—leading to soil loss, water quality issues, and damage to property and infrastructure. SNC works with landowners, municipalities, and partners to reduce erosion risks and protect the health of our watershed.

What is erosion?

Erosion occurs when soil is worn away by water, wind, or ice. In the South Nation watershed, water erosion is the most common form, often caused by rainfall, snowmelt, or fast-moving water in rivers, streams, and drainage systems.

When erosion happens faster than soil can naturally rebuild, it can result in:

• Loss of valuable topsoil

• Sedimentation in rivers and streams

• Increased flooding and bank instability

• Impacts to fish habitat and water quality

• Damage to farmland, roads, and structures

Common causes of erosion

Erosion can be intensified by:

• Heavy rainfall and spring snowmelt

• Steep slopes and unstable streambanks

• Bare or exposed soil

• Poor drainage or altered water flow

• Construction and land development activities

• Agricultural practices without adequate soil protection

Climate change is also contributing to more intense storms, which can increase erosion risks across the watershed.

Why erosion matters

Healthy soil and stable shorelines are essential for a resilient watershed. Excess sediment entering waterways can:

• Smother fish habitat and aquatic plants

• Carry nutrients and contaminants downstream

• Reduce water clarity and oxygen levels

• Increase maintenance costs for drainage and infrastructure

Managing erosion helps protect the environment while supporting agriculture, development, and community safety.

Erosion control and prevention

Effective erosion control focuses on keeping soil in place and slowing down water movement. Common best management practices include:

• Maintaining vegetative cover (grasses, crops, trees, shrubs)

• Stabilizing streambanks and shorelines

• Improving drainage design and maintenance

• Using erosion and sediment control measures during construction

• Implementing agricultural practices such as cover crops, buffer strips, and grassed waterways

SNC support and services

SNC provides technical expertise and support to help reduce erosion across the watershed, including:

• Site visits and technical advice

• Review of erosion and sediment control plans

• Streambank and shoreline stabilization guidance

• Drainage and water management support

• Agricultural stewardship programs and funding opportunities (where available)

We work collaboratively with landowners and municipalities to find practical, cost-effective solutions that reflect local conditions.

Solutions for Shoreline Erosion