Bio-Logs to Protect our Shoreline
Davis Grant
WID Director of Operations
From time to time the natural shoreline of the Lake may erode. There can be several causes including heavy storm water flow, subsidence, and unusual boating activity. WID offers a solution that looks very natural, causes very little disturbance during installation, and is very cost effective. That solution is the installation of Bio-Logs along the affected shoreline.
What are Bio-logs? Bio-Logs are natural looking 20 foot long, 16 inch diameter “logs” that are staked to an eroding shoreline to protect it. They are made of a 100% natural product (coconut fiber) and blend in with the natural colors of the landscape—they even have “hair” covering them. WID staff can place them without causing any disturbance to the soil, working from WID barges at lakeside. Their cost is reasonable, and they do not require costly specialized equipment for installation. Lastly, Bio-Logs give residents the ability to revitalize deteriorated sections of their own natural shoreline.
What can we expect after Bio-Logs are installed? Initially, Bio-Logs will be installed tightly against the shoreline and secured with wooden stakes driven through them into the lake bottom. There will be small voids between the Bio-Log and the irregular shoreline, which over time will be filled in by sediment and plant growth. Within months, nearby exposed tree and plant root along the shoreline will begin to grow into the Bio-Logs, and we can expect the logs to sprout plants from seeds that are naturally distributed by Mother Nature. All these will find their way into the fibers of the Bio-logs, attach themselves and begin to grow.
In two to three years, the growth of vegetation on and around the logs will eventually consume them, thus creating a strong, healthy and secure shoreline laced with root structures and looking completely natural. After about five years, the Bio-logs will no longer be noticeable.
Please contact Davis Grant (LBWID General Manager) at (703) 820-1300 for more information.