Controlling Shoreline Erosion with Bioengineering Techniques at Cheney Reservoir State Park, Cheney, Kansas

by Terry M. Conway, Plant Materials Specialist
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Salina, Kansas

Cheney Reservoir, Reno County, has experienced significant shoreline erosion since its construction. Shoreline erosion is a significant issue and concern at a number of locations where extensive facilities have already been developed and in areas where additional facilities are being planned. The erosion occurring at Cheney presents unique challenges due to the shallow soils over shale bedrock, the high degree of wind/wave erosion forces working on the fragile shoreline, and the harsh growing environment for plants.

Structural measures, such as riprap, have been used and are effective in protecting the shoreline. However, cost, aesthetics, and safety concerns of these structural measures have necessitated looking at other options. In more recent years, the application of nonstructural methods utilizing vegetation in conjunction with applied engineering, otherwise referred to as bioengineering, has gained in recognition and application.

Through a combined effort of the NRCS Manhattan Plant Materials Center, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and USDI Bureau of Reclamation, a shoreline stabilization emonstration project was initiated at Cheney. Several different bioengineering techniques have been installed at select areas along the reservoir shoreline. The installed techniques include live willow stakes, willow fascines, coir rolls enforced with plant materials, log revetments, cribwalls, and offshore barriers. All techniques are being evaluated for their effectiveness in controlling shoreline erosion. Information generated from the evaluations will ultimately lead to the development of alternatives to be considered when faced with addressing shoreline as well as streambank stability problems.

Shoreline erosion before bioengineering technique installation.

Shoreline four months after the installation of cribwalls plus willow plantings.

For more information about controlling shoreline erosion at the Cheney Lake Reservoir, please contact the Manhattan Plant Materials Center, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 3800 South 20th Street, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.

For more information about NRCS programs, visit the Kansas NRCS web site at www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov.

This article is also available in Microsoft Word format.

Controlling Shoreline Erosion with Bioengineering Techniques at Cheney Reservoir State Park, Cheney, Kansas (DOC; 332 KB) (Click on images above to download larger version of the pictures)

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Last Modified: 09/09/2008