River Morphology - Short course
Presented by Brightwater, Inc.
Overview:
The process of land development often results in significant alterations to
local hydrology that can adversely impact entire watersheds. Increased impervious area
often leads to reductions in infiltration and evapotranspiration, and increases in both
the quantity of runoff and the rate at which runoff is delivered to receiving streams. In
order to reestablish their natural equilibrium of flow and sediment transport, such
disrupted streams typically undergo adjustments in their geomorphologic pattern. These
adjustments frequently result in further erosion and sedimentation problems that lead to
additional destabilization downstream. The end result can become a self–perpetuating
progression of degradation within a given watershed.
Stream restoration has become an increasingly frequent practice as state and local governments begin to comply with various mandates that seek to restore and protect the quality of our aquatic resources.
Conservation and environmental groups, fish and wildlife organizations, private landowners and individuals committed to the responsible enjoyment of our natural resources are also getting involved and supporting watershed improvement efforts. Restoring stream reaches to appropriate NATURAL GEOMETRY is an inexpensive, permanent alternative to the heavily engineered, structural approach.
Objectives:
This course presents a methodology for evaluating the causes of stream
degradation through the use of the ROSGEN CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM, and the geomorphological
features, which shape them. It provides a framework for classifying stream reaches by
delineative criteria. The methods presented have been successfully implemented to diagnose
problems and prescribe restoration measures for streams of 3 to 500 feet in width.
This course will enable you to develop diagnostic and problem solving techniques for Watershed Management, Riparian Assessment, Fish Habitat Enhancement, and Integration of Ecosystem Concepts into Watershed Management. It will also provide the basic information necessary to understanding natural restoration techniques.
Course Outline:
| General Principles Overview of Course
Hydrology and Hydraulics
Field Work Field Calibration of Bankfull Discharge |
Stream Flow and Classification Flow Estimating Models:
Introduction to Stream Classification
Field Work – Classification of Streams Sediment Suspended Sediment Load Applications of the Classification System Stability–Instability |
Who Should Attend?
- Consultants
- Landscape Architects
- Planners
- Environmental Regulators
- Land Developers
- Highway Engineers
- Fish & Wildlife Managers
- Hydrologists
- Biologists
- Civil Engineers
- Stormwater Engineers
- Bridge Designers
- Conservationists
Instructors:
Jim Gracie has over 25 years experience in stream assessment, enhancement and restoration. He has successfully applied the Rosgen Stream Classification System in many restoration projects throughout Maryland and the Mid–Atlantic region. Mr. Gracie has trained over 300 regulators and environmental professionals in the use of these methods.
Mike Clar, P.E., has over 25 years experience in the development and application of Urban Stormwater Management technology. He co–authored the Maryland Standards and Specifications for Infiltration Practices, and the Design Manual for Use of Bioretention in Stormwater Management. He has been involved with stream restoration efforts for over ten years, and is a member of the ASCE Urban Water Resources Research Council.