Lower reach of Anderson Creek before treatment, February 2005

Implementation: 

The prescription developed for this area was implemented in April 2005; it included the use of brush layers and live cutting pockets in riprap. Planting of structures was machine assisted using an excavator. Straw wattles were also installed in some areas to control surface erosion. Prior to their installation, these wattles were used as temporary sediment barriers during construction. The area was also hydro-seeded with a mixture of native grasses and legumes, and planted with a native rose species (Rosa acicularis).

Live cuttings used in soil bioengineering structures were collected locally in spring 2005, and composed of a mixture of Willow (Salix bebbiana / scouleriana / exigua) and Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus stolonifera).

Placing live cutting pocket into riprap

April 2005

Straw wattle used as temporary sediment barrier during construction, April 2005

Straw wattles installed between brush layers to control surface erosion, April 2005

Monitoring:

During the summer of 2006 weed invasion, mainly Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), was a problem on this site necessitating manual weeding treatments. The seed source for the seeds is assumed to be within the imported construction fill materials.

As of spring 2007 the survival and growth of brush layers, the bulk of the structures installed, was assessed as fair to good. Although a portion of the live cutting pockets placed in riprap were growing well, they did poorly overall. Weed invasion was still a problem, but becoming less so as the Willow and Dogwood are emerging in height growth. Overall the objective of establishing riparian vegetation on this challenging site (due to heavy weed competition) was accomplished.

Growth of pockets in riprap September 2005