Friday, October 22, 2010

Construction Complete

Construction and grading at the Cate Bank Stabilization site is finished. All heavy equipment has been removed from the staging area. The California Conservation Corps (CCCs) have been working this week to install erosion control material and start the revegetation efforts at the site. Native seed was racked into the soil before the installation of erosion control fabric in order to help stabilize the soil but also the fabric as plants start to grow up through the fabric. Willow staking was done along the toe of the slope, around and between the root wad structures, as well as into the erosion control fabric. Today 200 native container plants, consisting of blackberry, giant rye, clematis, elderberry,  toyon, and monkey flower to name a few were planted into the erosion control fabric.


CCCs working to install the erosion control material at the downstream end of the project site. Willow poles were laid into the trench at the bottom end of the erosion control fabric. Additional Willow and Sycamore stakes were also placed throughout the toe of the slope.





The CCC members installing erosion control fabric and staking willows at the upstream end of the project site. The most upstream root wad in a series of four is shown at the bottom of the frame. Staking and seeding was also done around and behind these structures to help stabilize the bare soil.

CCC members planting native container stock throughout the project site. Plants were primarily purchased from Santa Barbara Natives with a few additional plants purchased from Growing Solutions in Goleta. All plants were propagated from local sources. Coastal Restoration Consultants helped design the restoration plan for the project. Over 200 container plants were planted throughout the project area today.