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![]() 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). 
B-6 
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