Appendix B: Bioengineering for Streambank Erosion Control -- Guidelines
2 Bioengineering Design Model
A conceptual design model is offered below that leads one through the steps of planning
and implementing a bioengineering project. It draws largely upon similar thought processes
presented by Leiser (1992) for use of vegetation and engineered structures for slope
protection and erosion control. Where appropriate, the report will reference examples in the
main text (Vol. I) and case studies (Vol. II) that describe particular bioengineering treatments
on selected and monitored stream systems. The model includes planning and its associated
components that will be defined below; use of hard structures and bioengineering; a
vegetative zonal concept; and various bioengineering fixes by zone. Monitoring, followup,
and care should naturally follow.
Planning
A bioengineering project may be primarily desired for erosion control, but often there are
other considerations. Thought should be given to important functions that the bioengineering
treatment can perform, such as habitat development, archeological site protection, water
quality improvement, aesthetics, or a combination of these. The political and economical
requirements or constraints of implementing any project must be considered. Any
bioengineering streambank stabilization project should be planned within the context of the
landscape in which the stream is located. Activities near the stream that is influencing its
erosion must be identified. It is a wasted effort to install bioengineering treatments in an area
where cattle are allowed access to the treated reach immediately after construction. The
stream must be examined as a system, but the restoration must be accomplished at the reach
level from a practical perspective. The planning part of the model should address potential
functions of the treatment and the political and economical concerns (Figure 1).
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