A brushmattress is used to provide erosion and sedimentation control primarily by armoring the bank. In addition to shielding the surface, a brushmattress can increase infiltration, slow runoff, and trap seed and sediments. This method provides surface slope stabilization through vegetative growth and shallow soil reinforcement through root development. The ability of a brushmattress to function properly depends on the quality and choice of the materials used to construct the brushmattress, the means and methods of fabrication and installation, and proper consideration of site characteristics and time of year. For the brushmattress to function completely, it is important that the live material develops suitable growth. The brushmattress helps to control soil erosion while serving as habitat for birds, small mammals, invertebrates and other organisms that in turn, are fed upon by fish and other higher organisms. Once the vegetation matures, it can provide shade to the streamlowering water temperatures, offering protection from predators, and generally improving fish habitat. Figs. 1-3 show a brushmattress immediately after construction, in the first growing season, and in the 2nd season.

FIG. 1 Brushmattress after Light Backfill of Soil

FIG. 2 Brushmattress in the First Growing Season

FIG. 3 Brushmattress during 2nd Growing Season