Copy of a letter to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
Recently, as you are doubtless aware, the clay slope on Cowichan Bay Road opposite the Hecate Park boat launch parking lot has slumped and the road is currently only open to single lane traffic.
Here in the Cowichan Valley we have an internationally recognized expert on the stabilization of such slopes. David Polster (of Polster Environmental Services) has offered his expert advice to use bioengineering solutions to stabilize these slopes.
He has solved many similar problems such as the slopes on the UBC campus in Vancouver which are much larger than those in Cowichan Bay.
Willow stakes are stuck in rows at various levels across the slope and then more willow stakes are woven between these stakes to make fences about a foot in height.
Any soil which slips down will be held behind the fences. The willow will take root and stabilize the slopes.
The parts of the slope which are well vegetated are not failing.
We have been in communication with your staff, which appears to favour an engineering solution to the problem which we understand to be a high wall of concrete blocks. We would urge that a bioengineering solution be used instead under the expert guidance of Mr Polster — it will cost much less and will be aesthetically much more pleasing.
Eric Marshall, president
Cowichan Valley Naturalists Society