Posted by Mark (4.181.33.18) on December 03, 2004 at 17:26:46:
We need more BS on this bulletin board!!!
I can't believe people are talking about fixing that ledge. I tried for years to get someone interested.
When the grassy ledge went, it went in a hurry. I surmise that the vegetation had finally had enough and croaked, allowing the thick soil layer to wash away pronto. It used to be a short hop to a jug. Last time I did it, I had to stand in a sling, and that was a long time ago.
To restore it, you could haul soil up there and bring the level up above the bathtub ring that is plainly visible. Then you could bring up shovel fulls of grasses from the base and replant it. I would guess you would have to stay off of it for a full growing season, at least. Then it would get trampled all over again and wash away.
Another, less aesthetic option would be to have a bucket brigade hauling gravel out of the pit next to the parking lot. Build the ledge up entirely out of gravel, admitting that the ledge will never be stable enough to rely on plants to hold back that soil, with all the traffic it will see.
I know of three geologists that watch this board (I am one of them), so maybe they could chime in. I guess Terry already has. Anyway, I think Terry took Geomorph like I did, and remembers that a gravel terrace is about the most stable landform on the planet. Sure, some gravel would get kicked off, but it would be much easier to repair than the first option.
I have also heard of a product kind of like Portland Cement that can be mixed with soil or gravel to hold them together. Not like a cement front porch or anything; something light and not noticeable. It's some landscaping stuff.
M