The goal of this project was to design a bio-revetment structure along a 100-foot reach of a side channel of the Gunnison River in the Curecanti National Recreation Area. The National Park Service (NPS) desired a structure that would appear as natural as possible and provide habitat for native aquatic species.

DJ&A’s team of engineers and specialists provided technical and scientific input to address the need for infrastructure protection, while also allowing for natural bank function.  The design of the structure created roughness on the bank to slow near-bank flow velocities and encourage movement of the thalweg toward the center of the channel.  In addition to the design, DJ&A provided inter-agency and public coordination, NEPA documentation, and all necessary permits needed for construction.

Key Services

• Provided initial site survey to assess possible treatments for eroding bank
• Designed a bio-revetment structure using wood native to the area
• Designed riparian zone improvements
• Prepared detailed construction drawings to halt further erosion of the north bank of the river

Value Added

For this project, DJ&A was able to call upon their extensive experience with bio-revetment structures, bank stabilization, trails, and the environmental review process to provide multiple conceptual designs for the client to choose from.