How to be a "Stream-Friendly" Landowner

There are hundreds of salmon streams in Juneau and chances are that you live next to or close to one of them. Streamside landowners in Juneau play a critical role in protecting and maintaining the high quality of water and habitat our salmon and wildlife populations need to thrive.

Being "stream-friendly" means making choices that minimize impacts to our creeks, streams, rivers and lakes. The pay off is clean drinking water, healthy and functioning fish and wildlife habitat, and sustained fish and wildlife populations.

Check out our newest brochure, " Living Next to Salmon Stream" for hints and tips for stream friendly yard and lawn care, and for resources for local landowners.

Living Next to a Salmon Stream- How to be a "Stream-Friendly" Landowner

What is a Riparian Zone?

Riparian Zones are where water and land meet, such as stream banks and lake shores. Riparian zones serve several functions to maintain healthy water systems including: providing cover for fish to avoid predators, stabilizing stream banks, filtering sediment to maintain salmon habitat, and supplying food and nutrients important for fish and other aquatic organisms.

What are stream setbacks or buffers?

In urban areas stream buffers, or setbacks, are corridors of limited use or development adjacent to streams. They are often established to ensure the values and functions of riparian areas area protected for the benefit of wildlife and landowners.

What size buffer is right for your property?

The CBJ requires landowners living next to a salmon stream to site all structures at least 50 ft. from the water, and leave a 25 ft. buffer zone between the lawn/yard and stream where no vegetation is removed or disturbed. That is the bare minimum requirement for riparian buffers on salmon streams in Juneau, though more ecological value is gained with each additional foot of buffer width.

10 Things YOU Can Do to Protect Riparian Areas:

    1. Allow your lawn to grow just and inch or two higher than normal between mowing.
    2. Choose permeable paving or gravel for driveways.
    3. Use organic fertilizers on your lawn and garden, and apply them sparingly because even chemical-free varieties can leach nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients to streams and lakes.
    4. Never dump garbage or debris into a waterway.
    5. Vegetate bare spots in your yard.
    6. Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces and consider a rain garden to capture stormwater runoff.
    7. When washing your car, do it on a grassy surface rather than on your driveway.
    8. Check your car for leaks and recycle your motor oil.
    9. Clean up after your pet.
    10. Have your septic tank pumped and system inspected regularly.