Streams

Streams

Since Kentucky’s border is created mostly by the Mississippi, Ohio, and Big Sandy Rivers it should be no surprise Kentucky is rumored to have more streams than any other lower 48 state. Our rivers are fed by the streams and creeks that run through Kentucky’s farm land, coal fields, and plateaus. Due to water’s lazy nature a natural stream meanders across the landscape creating bends, bows, and zigzags. The result is a longer creek and consequently a larger volume of water. When rain fills a stream it bursts from its banks and spreads across the flood plain. These riparian zones and adjoining lands are generally flat and filled with nutrients, making them perfect for agriculture. Unfortunately, wet land and frequent floods create difficult conditions for farming, industry, roads, homes, etc. The historical solution for alleviating the land of excess water, whether from flood or water table, has been channelizing streams.

A change in shape drastically changes the dynamic of the stream. What was once a meandering body that occasionally burst its banks has become a deep straight cut. Instead of bursting its banks, the straight stream sends its water quickly “on down the line”. While this works well to remove water it is not without repercussion. The increased velocity of the stream increases erosion, causes head cuts, and negatively impacts wildlife in the stream. As the water “eats” away the stream’s bank the stream bed also erodes. This sediment impounds the quality of life in the stream and consequently any body of water into which it empties.

The signs of stream channelization are very common in Kentucky, look for straight stream paths or bedrock bottoms.