STE. GENEVIEVE -- An eroding stream bank that once was a liability for Phillip and Lucille Gegg has become an asset for them and for other Missourians who downstream-side property.

The Geggs' land south of Ste. Genevieve includes frontage on the River Aux Vases. Most of the river corridor is in good condition, lined with a border of trees ranging from 30 to 80 feet wide. The exception was a 213-foot stretch where the stream makes a bend. The outside of the bend bordered a crop field. With no trees to protect it, the steep bank was eroding badly.

The Geggs turned to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) for help in stopping the erosion. To conservation workers, the Geggs' problem looked like an opportunity.

"The problem the Geggs had is a common one," said Fisheries District Supervisor Dennis Norman. "It isn't difficult to solve, but it takes some work. Landowners don't like to invest their time and money in stopping stream problems unless they are sure they will work. That's why we try to provide areas where landowners can see successful stream management in action. The Geggs provided an excellent chance to demonstrate erosion-control techniques for other landowners."

So, MDC pitched in with the Geggs. Together, they installed a 213-foot cedar tree revetment to prevent the stream from cutting into the toe of the bank. They planted willow stakes on the upper portion of the bank to further stabilize the bare soil. To ensure the future stability of the bank, they planted a 50-foot corridor of trees along the edge of the stream bank. And between the trees and the field, they established a 50-foot corridor of native warm-season grasses.

All the work was accomplished under an agreement between the Geggs and MDC.

MDC provided some materials and equipment for the project. In return, the Geggs agreed to let other landowners come and see how well the bank stabilization techniques and stream corridor plantings work.

The Geggs' demonstration area is one of a dozen in Benton, Boone, Hickory, McDonald, Miller, Pettis, Phelps, Shannon, Taney, Texas and Wright counties. Additional information on these areas is available by contacting Rich Wehnes, Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo., 65102-0180, telephone (314) 751-4115, ext. 162.

Landowner Cooperative Projects are part of Streams for the Future, MDC's umbrella program aimed at protecting stream resources by cooperation with private landowners.