Ongoing Applied Research Studies

The symposium planning committee has discussed the importance of having a levee vegetation policy based on peer reviewed science and engineering. The committee feels there is a timely opportunity to add to the substantial body of information presented at the symposium regarding the role of vegetation on and near levee structures. Towards this end, SAFCA will be seeking funding for a research collaborative whose tasks could include:

• Ascertaining how and where tree roots grow relative to levees and if they contribute to ‘piping’ and seepage through these structures, including through soil cement slurry cutoff walls; one approach would be to identify opportunities where levee improvements are planned in the near future as field study sites.
• Developing a tree windthrow management and decision support tool;
• Studying burrowing animal abundance on vegetated and un-vegetated levee systems;
• Developing levee inspection, maintenance access and flood fighting criteria.

Also, please note that the planning committee would welcome your ideas on research topics and methods and is interested in receiving any relevant research or other unpublished information not yet identified in the planning process or at the symposium.  If you know of any relevant scientific studies or informal information sources please send this information to Lizette Crosbie at SAFCA - email crosbiel@saccounty.net.