Bioengineering Technique Used for Reservoir Shoreline Erosion Control in Germany

BACKGROUND: The bioengineering technique used in Germany for erosion control includes a relatively low-cost biodegradable breakwater with wetlands located shoreward. The technique has application for shoreline erosion control on many U.S. reservoirs with dense thickets of young, woody trees, e.g. willow, cottonwood, and alder, located near them since these materials are used in the breakwater. In Germany, the technique has only been applied where water levels do not fluctuate more than 1 m, however, the technique may be acceptable in situations with greater fluctuations.