KAWARTHA LAKES-When a land owner contacted Kawartha Conservation with concerns about erosion on their property along the Burnt River, community groups came together with an innovative solution. Brush bundling!
“Given the erosion and conditions along the 45-metre scar, we recommended that the landowner connect with Ontario Streams, a charitable organization experienced in nature-based approaches to streambank erosion mitigation.” John Chambers, Communications, Kawartha Conservation told Kawartha 411 News. “Ontario Streams selected brush bundling as an appropriate technique to complement the larger-scale planting of 325 native trees and shrubs along the top of the bank.”
Brush bundling is a nature based erosion-control technique offered as an alternative to conventional shoreline hardening. Chambers says the natural materials help slow water along the bank, reduce its erosive force, and encourage sediment and naturally occurring seeds to settle within and around the bundles.
“They can also add habitat and structural complexity along the river’s edge. Over time, the intent is for accumulated sediment and vegetation to help the bundles become integrated into a more gradual and stable streambank.” explains Chambers.
Funded through Kawartha Conservation’s Water Fund, the group provided a free site consultation and discussed actions that could help reduce further land loss, erosion and sediment entering the river..
The landowner applied to Kawartha Conservation’s Water Fund for support with the tree and shrub planting. Ontario Streams applied separately through the Water Fund’s community grant program to complete the brush bundle installation on the private property.
“Together, the brush bundles along the erosion scar and the native trees and shrubs along the top of the bank provide a two-pronged, nature-based approach to reducing erosion at the site.” says Chambers.
