31 Aug Pembina River – Biotechnical Training Workshop
The Clip below was excerpted from Dirt Time videos made during a hands-on training workshop up in the Canadian Rockies back in 2006.
This workshop was sponsored by the Alberta Transportaion who wanted to “get the word out” about NCHRP Report 544 – Environmentally-Sensitive Channel and Bank Protection Methods , aka, Alternatives to Riprap.
We (Dirt Time) ended up implementing and filming several more workshops (projects) throughout the Provence. Â See Hinton and Willow Creek
Many more of these Dirt Time Bioengineering and BMP video clips (5-10 minute long) will be available for you to watch, take a test, and get Continieing Edcation Units (CEUs).
See www.dirttime.tv for similar courses in near future.  The video clips are also avaiable at the Watch Your Dirt Store.com in the “Dirt Time BMP and BIOENGINEERING Complete Works” for $299
Also see Forester University for Dirt Time Courses –  https://www.foresteruniversity.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=2065
22 Aug CARR FIRE – Post Fire Erosion Control Tips
Some of the post-fire remediation may include seeding and mulching the bare soil.  By consulting your natural resource or Erosion Control Specialist you can determine the extent and range of treatments necessary, and an experienced professional can help you evaluate the risks.
But generally, if seeding is recommended, in the urban / wild land transition area you will want to look at re-seeding with a ânative seed mixâ.  This is so important from an ecosystem point of view.  Grasses native and endemic to your area will develop deep roots, set the stage for “natural successionâ of other native shrubs and trees, be drought tolerant (they are California natives after all ) and reduce risks of developing an even more fire prone landscape.  Try to avoid the temptation of using quick nâ cheap erosion control blend of seeds that are non-native annuals, like Italian rye grass.  In three or 4 years youâll probably end up with a nice stand of weeds, burrs, and star thistle.
Also consider adding mychorrizae fungi and a biotic organic fertilizer.  Consider AM-120 Mycorrhizal Inoculum and Biosol or Sustaneorganic fertilizers.  Most California Native grasses, especially in our North state area, have a symbiotic relationship with mychorrizae fungi.  CA ‘natives’ donât need commercial fertilizers with high water soluble N, however weeds and annuals love commercial fertilizer – so feed the good seeds, not the weedy annuals!
Seeding and then mulching with straw is the most common means to âprotect” smaller areas, say <0.5 acres.  Straw Mulch should be “clean” and weed-free. On construction site, especially highway projects, the straw should be anchored so it doesn’t blow away.  Anchoring is not that critical on restoration or fire rehab sites – the first rains will “lay the straw down”.
Hydromulch and hydroseeding, that slurry you often see spread by a big mulching truck, is another way to go.  It will be much more cost-effective for large areas and much quicker – with good access and available water (to make a new mix) an experienced Hydromulching professional can treat 2-5 acres a day.  While Straw Mulch is the most common hand-applied mulch, hydromulchers use mulch derived from wood fiber.  Wood fiber mulches can be the âMercedes Benzâ of mulches, long lasting and very effective.  Profile Products make a reputable line of products.  There is a relatively new hydraulically applied mulch made from sterile wheatgrass, called Hydrostraw.  Then the seed and fungi and fertilizer can be added to the slurry.
There is so so much to know with regards to proper erosion control.  It is so much more than âCommon Senseâ.  A practitioner friend often says, â erosion control is not brain surgery or rocket science – it is much more difficult!
Stay tuned for a few videos on this subject coming here soon!
01 Nov Sacramento Side Channel is Opened Today
After lots of planning and hard work this “side channel” – once the river had split flow around Rancherie Island – this channel was ready to be opened toda. More on this epic salmon “rearing habitat” restoration project as the river rises and “does the remainder of the work” – cleaning itself out after over 80 years of being plugged.