What is it?

Fascines (also known as bundles or wattles) are constructed from bundles of live, dormant, or dead cuttings of branches or other biodegradable fill. Fascines are commonly held tegether with biodegradable rope or netting and then secured to the bank with wooden stakes. These structures can be used individually or in rows to help stabilize banks, trap sediment, promote revegetation, deflect water currents, and slow sheet flow velocities. Fascines constructed of live or dormant cuttings should root quickly to further stabilize the bank and promote revegetation. See coir fiber log for a specific BMP example used for stream bank stablization.

Conservation Benefits

• Decrease water velocities before entering streams
• Promotes stormwater infiltration
• Provides fish and wildlife habitat
• Reduces erosion keeping sediment in riparian and upland areas

What does it include?

Fascines (also known as bundles or wattles) are constructed from bundles of live, dormant, or dead cuttings of branches or other biodegradable fill. Common woody plants used for live or dormant cuttings are willow, cottonwood, and dogwood. Branches are tied together to form rolls and secured with rope or netting. The entire fascine structure is attached to the bank using wooden stakes. Fascines can be used individually or in rows depending on the objective and the extent of erosion.