Willamette river Vegetated Geogrid

Portland, OR

Portland Development Commission
Fall 1999

In 1999, construction commenced along the east bank of the Willamette River, across from downtown Portland, on a redevelopment project to create recreational opportunities in a highly industrialized area. Responding to concerns related to threatened species, a portion of this project involved creating the first “fish friendly” living bank treatment to be constructed in the city of Portland. Designed by Meyer Reed of Portland, a 300 foot long vegetated geogrid (with multiple soil lifts) was installed and supplemented with planted coir logs. The geogrid was planted with willow, dogwood and snowberry. Willow pole joint plantings were also installed in the riprap along the waters edge, upstream of the project.