Biotechnical Erosion Control was used to help stabilize the Stafford Slide, reduce surficial erosion, and revegetate bare, exposed slopes. PALCO workers harvested cuttings of locally-adapted willow species. The miracle of willow is that it can form adventitious roots from the portion of the stem that is in contact with soil and water, while branches sprout above. The roots eventually spread out and stabilize the soil. Biotechnical systems are strong initially and grow stronger with time as the vegetation becomes established. The photo above shows a willow wattle which is beginning to form adventitious roots. (Stafford Slide, June 2, 2000)
