This introductory course is designed to familiarize students with the fundamentals of river behavior, the general principles of: fluvial geomorphology, sedimentation, hydraulics, restoration, fish habitat improvement, riparian grazing management, and stream bank erosion. Applications of these principles are presented utilizing a stream classification system. Problem solving techniques for watershed management, riparian assessment, fish habitat structure evaluation, stream restoration, non-point source pollution and the integration of ecosystem concepts into watershed management are taught. A combination of both lecture and field applications are provided.

Prerequisite:  FIS3200 Stream Habitat Measurement Techniques

Who should attend:  Field staff involved in stream habitat assessment and restoration.  This course is a pre-requisite to the FIS3310 River Morphology & Applications - Level II course.

Length:  5 days/32 hours

Objectives: 

• Discuss geomorphology and the role of the river including discharge and flood frequency, meander geometry/channel dimension and pattern, riffle/pool relations, bankfull discharge, and valley morphology;
• Perform extrapolation and prediction of hydrologic characteristics including hydraulic geometry relations, basin character/discharge relations, and channel morphology as predictors;
• Discuss sedimentation including role of sediment-aggradation/degradation processes, bedload/suspended load relations, sediment rating curves, stream flow relations to sediment size and load, and analysis and prediction;
• Determine and define stream classification including purpose of classification, delineation criteria, influences, interpretations of stream types, and applications such as Manning’s roughness and riparian management guidelines;
• Analyze watershed management implications including cumulative effects procedures (HYSED, WRENS, etc.), stream threshold concepts and procedures, and streamside management guidelines.