Streambank erosion control practices would include shaping and seeding for areas with minor erosion problems. Rapidly eroding sites, such as the left bank just west of Baseline Road, would require more stable materials, such as rock riprap or other structural practices having the ability to withstand higher streamflows. The stabilization of the streambank would also require some earth movement to regrade and reshape the eroding bank and the removal of some woody vegetation along the streambank. It is a low gradient, meandering stream that drains approximately 47 square miles. The streambed in Prairie Creek is mostly rocky with cobbles and gravel.
Prairie Creek has several areas of obstructed flow.
Bankside and banktop vegetation along Prairie Creek is dominated by disturbed woodlands of honeysuckle, cottonwood, box elder, black willow, osage orange, black cherry, ash, and elm. Riparian areas along Prairie Creek vary from relatively undisturbed land uses to those severely eroded by livestock or other farming activities. Some of the fish species in Prairie Creek include the smallmouth and largemouth bass, green sunfish, striped shiner, and carp. The macroinvertebrates include such species as the torpedo mayfly, riffle beetle, and biting midge. Two major factors have contributed to the resource degradation occurring in the proposed project area, stream mile 8.7 to 9.2 of Prairie Creek.