The three-day course will be held online November 6-8, 2023 with an optional one-day virtual field trip on November 9, 2023. This course covers the basic principles of fluvial geomorphology and their use in watershed assessments and designing stream restoration projects. The virtual field trip will be from the Chesapeake Bay region with additional virtual trip locations potentially developed based on the interests of course registrants. The course is being organized and hosted by the River Management Society (RMS). A brief course description is found below with more details available on the RMS website along with registration information and pricing: https://rms.memberclicks.net/stream-restoration-course-2023
Feel free to call John Field at 207-491-9541 or e-mail jfield@field-geology.com for further information on registration or course content. Registration discounts are available for registration prior to October 6th and for RMS members (and those that join during registration). Please call or email regarding additional discounts for students and groups of 3 or more. We look forward to seeing you in November!
Using Fluvial Geomorphology to Improve Stream Restoration and Watershed Management
This 3-day short course with an optional virtual field trip will provide an overview of fluvial geomorphology with a thorough discussion of key concepts such as the principles of equilibrium, channel classification methods, channel evolution, and sediment transport capacity. A number of examples and case studies from New England, Pacific Northwest, Chesapeake Bay region and elsewhere in the country will demonstrate how an understanding of fluvial geomorphology can be used in watershed assessments to identify the underlying causal mechanisms for erosion and flooding problems that are responsible for significant infrastructure damage and environmental degradation. Additional case studies will be used to reveal common errors made in stream restoration projects when the basic principles of fluvial geomorphology are poorly understood. The course will conclude with a discussion of the appropriate settings and conditions within which to employ a variety of widely used stream restoration techniques. The virtual field trip will visit degraded streams where restoration projects may be completed and to already completed stream restoration sites in order to illustrate the fluvial geomorphology concepts and stream restoration techniques discussed in the course.
The short course will consist of visual presentations, small group exercises, and hands-on activities that will provide participants with practical experiences and examples to recognize unstable channel reaches in a watershed and identify the most appropriate stream restoration techniques that will best address the identified instabilities, if present.
The course is designed for government officials, environmental and engineering consultants, construction contractors, non-profit watershed groups, educators, and others dealing with flooding, erosion, nutrient loading, and habitat issues along rivers and streams.