Live Fascine and Brush Layer Techniques in Stream Bank Restoration

BALDFACE CREEK PROJECT

Location: Nelson, British Columbia

Client: Kalesnikoff Lumber Co. Ltd.

Objective:

To protect the creek bank after bridge removal by establishing vegetation, stabilizing the slope and enhancing and creating fish habitat.

The Baldface Creek project is located near the town of Nelson, in southeast British Columbia. This project was carried out for Kalesnikoff Lumber Co. Ltd. in the spring of 2002.

The prescribed work consisted of treatments such as brush layers/contour fascines, riprap placed at the toe of slope using local rocks, and the planting of native seedlings. The site was then hydro-seeded with a grass and legume mix in the summer.

This treatment will enhance fish habitat by creating shade, cover and small organic debris input to the stream. The site was monitored in the summer and fall of 2002 and in the summer of 2003. The results showed very good survival and growth. The site was re-visited in the fall of 2005 and average growth of 1.5 to 2.5 m was observed along with large caliper stems and estimated survival of 95% .