Gully Plugs (Maneuver Access Structures)

Gullies present a major obstacle to maneuvers as well as other types of training. By trial, it has been found that the BMP for this situation is to use rocks to create a series of check dams within the gully network. Gully plugs or maneuver access structures (MAS) are constructed with rock to form a weir in the gully channel to keep the flow of water in the center of the gully. They are placed in a stair-step method so the elevation of the top of one gully plug is level with the tow of the plug above it. Eventually the once-deep gully will fill with silt, starting on the upstream side of the MAS, and form a stair-step down the slope. These structures are placed in line across the slope to enhance the flow of maneuver traffic. Military trainers have accepted the use of MAS to enhance the flow of maneuvers.

The MAS BMP was developed and implemented in partnership between Fort Hood and USDA-NRCS; Information on gully plugs (MAS) were extracted from the Fort Hood-ITAM Workplan - LRAM Section (Fort Hood-ITAM, 2006)

Cross-sectional diagram of a gully plug
Gully before construction of a gully plug	Gully after construction of a gully plug

Photo acknowledgements to Dennis Hoffman, BREC.