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Recipes for You to Use and Adapt

Numerous recipes and conceptual diagrams exist for low-tech process-based restoration structures. Here we highlight some examples and references for you to follow and/or adapt.

Erosion Control Field Guide


Structure Recipes


Low-Tech Techniques & Resources Organized by Processes Promoted

Adapted from Appendix C (Table 4) in Chapter 1 - Shahverdian et al. (2019)


Promoting and/or Mimicking Wood Accumulation

NameHelpful Reference(s)
Seeding of Wood – Direct Recruitment of Unanchored Wood
Direct FellingCarah et al. 2014. Low-Cost Restoration Technique for Rapidly Increasing Wood Cover in Coastal Coho Salmon Streams. DOI: 10.1080/02755947.2014.943861
Grip-HoistingMicelston, 2014. Rigging Handbook for Trail Work
Introduction to Rigging for Trails
Structural Placement of Wood Accumulations
Post-Assisted Log StructuresChapter 5 (Shahverdian et al., 2019)
Submerged SheltersWhite and Bryndilson 1967, pp. 34–35
Improving Supply of Woody Material
Riparian PlantingsHall et al. 2011
Practical Grazing Management for Riparian AreasSwanson et al., 2015
FencingWhite and Bryndilson 1967, pp. 34–35

Promoting and/or Mimicking Beaver Dam Activity

NameHelpful Reference(s)
Beaver TranslocationWoodruff and Pollock, 2015
Beaver Dam AnaloguesChapter 5 (Shahverdian et al., 2019)
Trapping ClosuresFigure 7 (Valachovic)
Grazing ManagementSee Chapter II of Kraebel and Pillsbury (1934); see Butterfield et al. 2019 - Holistic Management Handbook

Promoting Root Mat Production in Wet Meadows with Erosion Control

Many of these structures are commonly used in erosion control intermittent and ephemeral channels, but not exclusively. These are used frequently in channels that have headcuts extending into wet meadows and threaten the continued key process of root mat production. In such situations, these meadows may have naturally had no channels, or less incised channels, or discontinuous channels. See Kraebel and Pillsbury for brush, wood, and rock examples and some rock-based examples.

NameHelpful Reference(s)
BafflesZeedyk and Clothier 2009, pp. 85–91
One Rock DamsMaestas et al. 2018; Zeedyk and Clothier 2009, pp. 102–104; Pocket Guide
Post and Brush DamsKraebel and Pillsbury 1934 - Structures 7 & 8 (Figures 20–29)
Post and Brush PlugsKraebel and Pillsbury 1934 - Structure 2 (Figure 10)
Tree DamKraebel and Pillsbury 1934 - Structures 11 & 12 (Figures 36–38)
Tree PlugKraebel and Pillsbury 1934 - Structure 3 (Figure 11)
VanesZeedyk and Clothier 2009, pp. 92–98
Wicker WeirsZeedyk and Clothier 2009, pp. 100–102
Zuni BowlsMaestas et al. 2018; Zeedyk and Clothier 2009, pp. 106–107; Pocket Guide

Helpful References


Ones You Can Use Legally

Creative Commons

Of the recipes we provided in the Manual, most are open source, so you can use them in your own designs, permit applications, and reports. Like most recipes, local adaptations, substitutions, and changes can be made to best suit your needs. However, when getting started, or for defining minimum standards of practice, these recipes are helpful. We license all these with a Creative Commons Attribution License so you can adapt, distribute, and share.

Despite making all the recipes (link) in the #lowtechPBR manual free for re-use with @creativecommons licenses, people still are confused 🙄. Yes, it’s okay to use or adapt them! For example: Typical Schematics of #BDAs link
— Joe Wheaton (tweet)