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<br />~: Above the, mean high water I ine of bank slopes and In backwater areas, the major <br />5011 erosive action results from the mechanical disintegration of soli masses by alternate <br />wetting and drying (periods of preclpltatfon and sunshine) and wind. Grasses have proven <br />to be excellent deterrents to soli erosion under these conditions. Of all the bank <br />protection methods, vegetatIon is the only self-renewable method and tn many cases the <br />most economical and aesthetically pleasIng. <br /> <br />COSTS: $5-7/bank-foot of protection. The cost of planting grass ranges from $500 to $650 <br />per acre, including 5011 preparatIon and terti Ilzer. If woody vegetatIon is planted with <br />the grass, the average cost is approximately three times that of grass alone. <br /> <br />MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS: little. <br /> <br />ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT: Probably the least expensive, most visually attractive, and least <br />complex meThod of combatting bank erosion Is to establ Ish and maintain a deep-rooted <br />vegetative cover along The river. Trees provide the greatest protection againST erosion <br />because of the massive root systems. Grasses and herbaceous species are also valuable, <br />but provide less protection because their root systems are less eXTensive. Grasses, <br />however, can be established more Quickly and at less cost than trees. Tree planting <br />programs, and OTher efforts TO establish a protective vegetative cover can also provide <br />expanded wi ldl ite habitat, enhanced recreation opportunities, improved aesthetics, and <br />improved water Qual ity. Used alone, vegetation is a very positive meThod of erosion <br />control. Revegetation should also be used to supplement and improve The ImpaCTS of al J of <br />the erosion control methods which have been discussed In this section. Thought should be <br />given to selection of plant species which will provide maximum erosion protection, the <br />most benefits to wi ldl Ife, and have the least Impact on existing vegetation. <br /> <br />, <br /> <br />24 <br />