Streamside Landowners Guide

If you live next to a creek, stream, or wetland, you are very lucky to enjoy a little bit of nature in your own backyard. The privilege comes with the responsibility of understanding how to manage your property to protect the health of this natural resource. 

Streams are natural commons, providing ecological services. As a streamside landowner, you can positively impact the health of your stream and watershed. Communities, fish and wildlife all benefit from healthy streams.   

Protecting Riparian Zones 

The vegetated area along either side of a stream is called a riparian area. This is an important transition zone between the land and water. The trees and plants within a riparian area help to:  

• Shade the water  

• Provide food and habitat for fish and wildlife 

• Reduce streambank erosion 

• Filter stormwater run-off 

• Protect water quality 

Being a steward to your backyard or neighbourhood stream means working to maintain healthy and intact riparian areas to ensure a safe and reliable supply of freshwater for your family, community, and the environment. How you manage your land directly impacts stream health, fish, and wildlife. 

Protect and Plant Native Vegetation  

Native plants provide habitat for aquatic and terrestrial species and encourage beneficial insects. They also help protect watersheds from the spread of invasive species. In riparian areas, native vegetation helps to protect the stream in several ways.  

If you have a stream on your property, retain and protect existing native vegetation within riparian areas. Plant native species in areas with little or no vegetation. 

Learn more about native vegetation in the Team WaterSmart Native Plants Handout or contact your local nursery for more information on what plant species might work best for you and your stream! 

Control and Remove Invasive Species  

If you live next to a stream, its import you do your part to remove or control the spread of invasive species. Invasive species compete with native species and negatively impact stream health. 

Always check the invasive status of a plant before purchasing and planting it on your property. Ask your local nursery how best to manage or contain exotic plant species.  

Unsure if a plant is invasive or not? Visit the Invasive Species Council of BC to learn more through a complete list of resources, including a Field Guide to Noxious Weeds and Other Selected Invasive Plants of British Columbia and Grow Me Instead Guide.  

Manage and Filter Rainwater 

Hard surfaces, such as roads, sidewalks, patios and pathways, prevent rainwater from infiltrating into the soils below and recharging groundwater. Rainwater is instead shed across the land surface as stormwater run-off.  Run-off may pick up debris, pollutants, and pet waste as it runs directly into a watercourse. This can impact water quality and compromise fish habitats.  

Turn your yard into a 'sponge' - one that slows water flow and filters run-off by adding topsoil, compost, or mulch, or by creating raingardens or bioswales. 

Learn more about raingardens in the Team WaterSmart Rain Gardens Handout and other water smart garden practices at Team WaterSmart! 

Compost and Safely Dispose of Garden Waste  

Never dump yard or garden waste into a riparian area or stream. Dumped garden waste may smother native vegetation, impact stream water quality, and introduce invasive species to the ecosystem. 

Unsure of where to dispose of garden waste? Contact the RDN Solid Waste & Recycling Department to find a facility near you. 

Need to report illegal dumping? Contact the Ministry of Environment Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) Hotline: 1-877-952-RAPP(7277) 

Manage People, Pets and Livestock 

Keep a stream wild and healthy by refraining from building pathways, bridges, and structures within a riparian area and managing access for pets and livestock. Refrain from allowing waste to enter a stream. 

Before you develop land near a waterway, be sure to check with your local & provincial authorities for rules and regulations. Learn more at Province of British Columbia Riparian Areas Protection Regulation (RAPR).