Editor's Comments: Where Do We Go from Here?

Growing up, New Year’s resolutions were a bit of an event. We would write down several resolutions and put them in a jar or a box, which would be put away until the next New Year’s Eve when we would take them out and read them to see how well we had done. I’m a bit of an overachiever, so I like to start thinking about resolutions early. Now, when the leaves start to turn and the temperature dips (yes, even here in sunny California), I reflect on what goals I achieved and what I still want to accomplish. It’s easy to get bogged down in a particular project or goal, so I relish the opportunity to think about my life more broadly.

This year, I find myself applying a similar kind of thinking to the erosion and sediment control industry. Those in the industry tackle myriad projects—including shoreline stabilization, vegetation management, post-fire mitigation—and solutions are just as varied. What new regulatory challenges are ahead? How can erosion control experts tackle problems in creative, efficient, and cost-effective ways? In this issue of Erosion Control, we’re bringing you stories that cover a variety of industry topics and even look to the future.

Vegetation plays an important role in keeping soil and sediment in place, but without topsoil, revegetation is a challenge. In “Healthy Soil, Strong Trees,” we look at the reforestation efforts in Mexico and the research going into limiting erosion and finding a permanent vegetative solution to the loss of topsoil around the country.

In “A Diversity of Options,” we examine projects that used geosynthetic materials in unique ways. Whether it’s stabilizing canal banks in Florida, relining a stormwater culvert in Ohio, or as part of a LEED-certified aquatic and recreation center, geosynthetic materials are showing their strengths.

As this year comes to a close and we look ahead to the next, what can we expect in the erosion and sediment control industry? In “The Future is 2020,” several experts in the field weigh in on what they think the new year will bring in terms of regulation, staffing, and more.

Between rising sea levels, longer fire seasons, and increased regulation, there’s plenty to be done. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the industry? What would you like to see a greater focus on in 2020? Send your thoughts to [email protected].