In some places, rock weirs are built into streams. In addition, they can steer water flow toward the middle of the stream, keeping the erosive power away from vulnerable banks. Other tools include logs of coconut fibers which resist rot and, when staked at the edge of the stream, absorb much of the erosive force of the water, giving newly planted vegetation a chance to take root. Other materials, such as clumps of woody brush and tangled masses of roots salvaged from dead trees are also used to buffer streambanks. So, in many places, workers are attempting to merge bioengineering with traditional engineering techniques.
Rip rap is placed at the water's edge with trees planted just beyond.
The hope is that the willows will grow and provide shade. The willows could provide shade to cool water temperatures for the sensitive fish - something the gabions alone would not do. But we do have an alternative and with a little bit of open-mindedness and flexibility, a lot can be accomplished. May 20, 1996.