The Courses

STREAM RESTORATION is being required more and more for mitigation of impact of stream crossings, culverts, bridges and even for wetland mitigation in some cases. Local and county governments also have capital programs to restore streams impacted in the past. This series of workshops is designed for specialists involved in stream assessment and restoration watershed analysis, watershed analysis, water quality management, evaluation of riparian ecosystems and cumulative impact assessment. The series of short courses provides training in fluvial geomorphology, river channel processes, and techniques for interpreting, predicting and monitoring these processes.

The natural channel approach to stream restoration is being used across North America. This workshop series gives participants tools needed to analyze and diagnose stream problems. It will also help in prescribing restoration approaches that will work.

Participants will gain a basic understanding as well as learning field procedures for measuring parameters that shape and maintain stream channels. Design techniques using the natural channel approach will be presented. Participants will also gain hands-on experience in field techniques with a basic understanding of processes affecting stream channel stability and habitat quality in rivers and streams.

Effects of changing land-use, altered flow regimes and responses of stream channels to these impacts are explained. Techniques for predicting and monitoring these changes are demonstrated. Applications for management, protection and restoration are covered. Participants will also learn how to locate and use reference reaches for establishing dimensional relationships hat lead to successful designs for restored stream channels.

These courses are offered in 2-day modules to facilitate the ease of participation by personnel of local agencies, institutions and consulting firms. The workshops are offered locally to eliminate costly transportation expenses. Additional short courses planned for the near future are Stream Restoration Design, Procedures to Comply with NPDES Stormwater Monitoring Requirements, and BMPs and Other Measures for Watershed Protection.