The straw can stay there. It will rot.

Just out of curiosity, where do you live? Because the dead of summer is the worst time to put new seed down...unless you live north of Hudson's Bay or if you were seeding bermuda in the south.

dc hall, I live in WV' s Eastern Panhandle; I know this is not a good time to reseed, but we had three large Arbor Vitae bushes removed and ended up with three five foot circles --devoid of anything except dirt--which had already begun to erode. We just wanted enough grass to hold things together, till it's cooler and we can overseed.

If that grass does not stop the erosion, I would suggest mulching it to hold the soil in place. An inch thin layer of mulch may float away depending on how much water is running through but if you pile it up a couple inches higher, mulch will slow a lot of runoff or other drainage. Mulch is also ridiculously good for the underlying soil biology.

Next time you seed straw is not necessary. It is customary in some parts of the country but unnecessary. What works best is to roll the seed down pressing it into the soil surface. A water fillable roller can be rented. If you need to stop water flowing through small areas while the seed is there, mulch to the rescue. Pile it up to the uphill side of the seeded area to slow the flow of water over it. Then get the mulch out of there as soon as the erosion danger is over.

dc hall, thanks so much for the information and your knowledge. I truly appreciate it!