This guide presents a strategy and information to assist professional judgment in developing cost-effective erosion control treatments for conditions commonly encountered on USDA Forest Service lands. This guide focuses on erosion control treatment and does not specifically address sediment control. While the guide emphasizes permanent, long-term erosion control on steep slopes (greater than 50-percent slope gradient), the strategy and information may also apply to temporary construction-related erosion control and on flatter slopes. In addition, a strategy is presented for considering complicated and high-risk erosion conditions, such as gullies and landslide prone areas. However, solutions are not provided for these complex situations. Instead they are addressed in general terms to assist with determining when additional analysis or technical assistance may be needed.