West Virginia University West Virginia University Natural Stream Natural Stream

Restoration ProgramRestoration Program

An Interdisciplinary Program Focusing on An Interdisciplinary Program Focusing on Research, Education, and Professional Services in Research, Education, and Professional Services in

Natural Stream Assessment and DesignNatural Stream Assessment and Design

West Virginia UniversityWest Virginia UniversityCenter for Environmental Center for Environmental

ResearchResearch

For Information Email Us at:streams@mail.wvu.edu

Or Find Us Online at:www.forestry.caf.wvu.edu/

Programs/Wildlife&Fisheries/drjanderson/natstreams/

Webindex.HTML

Course IV – Introduction to Natural Stream Channel Design: This final course covers advanced topics in natural stream channel design, including:• Sediment transport analysis• Design layout• In-stream structures• Techniques for bioengineering and bank stabilizationInformation is provided on contractor selection, construction oversight, and post-construction monitoring. Students work in teams to complete two hands-on design projects that integrate topics covered in the four courses. Course IV will be co-taught by WVU and other professionals.Prerequisite: Course III

Course V – Stream Ecosystem Assessment: Stream ecology and sampling and analysis techniques used to conduct stream ecological assessments. Key topics include: • Characteristics of natural stream ecosystems• Water quality sampling• Quantifying in-stream habitat and riparian condition• Quantifying fish habitat quality• Sampling benthic invertebrate and fish communities• Statistical analyses• Computation of habitat suitability and ecological condition• USEPA Rapid BioAssessment ProtocolsPrerequisite: a degree or senior in a field of natural science

Course ScheduleCourse I:Introduction to Stream Functions and ProcessesMorgantown, WV (40 Students)May 17 – 20

Course II:Methods for Stream Channel Assessment and AnalysisBlackwater State Park: Davis, WV (40 Students)June 21 – 25

Course III: Introduction to Natural Stream Channel DesignSnowshoe Mountain Resort: Snowshoe, WV(40 Students)July 12 – 16

Course IV:Advanced Natural Stream Channel DesignPipestem State Park: Pipestem, WV (40 Students)August 9 – 13

Course V:Stream Ecosystem AssessmentCamp Caesar: Cowen, WV (25 Students)August 1 – 6

Course VI:Taxonomy and Ecology of Riparian & Wetland PlantsCamp Mohonagon, Upshur County, WVJune 27 – July 2

West Virginia University UnitsCollege of Engineering and Mineral ResourcesDepartment of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Eberly College of Arts and SciencesDepartment of Geology and Geography

Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Consumer SciencesDivision of Forestry

Division of Plant and Soils SciencesDivision of Resource Management

PartnersWest Virginia Division of Highways

American Council of Engineering Companies of WVBuck Engineering

For more information, please contact us at: streams@mail.wvueduOr visit our website at:

http://www.forestry.caf.wvu.edu/Programs/Wildlife&Fisheries/drjanderson/natstreams/Webindex.HTML

Course VI – Taxonomy and Ecology of Riparian & Wetland Plants:This course is intended for working environmental professionals and senior and graduate students who are interested in or are required to know how to technically identify riparian and wetland plant species and to understand their habitats. The course emphasizes hands-on practice using technical keys to out sedges, grasses, rushes, and other riparian and wetland species. Students will also learn basic methods for sampling and describing plant communities.Prerequisites: a degree or a senior in a field of natural science

Courses Offered through the WVU-CER

Course I – Introduction to Stream Functions and Processes: This introductory course is designed to provide students with a background in natural stream functions. Topics covered include:• Stream ecology• Fluvial geomorphology• River hydraulics• Hydrology• Sediment transport• Stream classification• Stream restoration goals. Prerequisites: None

Course II – Methods for Stream Channel Assessment and Analysis: This course focuses on stream channel assessment, with an emphasis on fluvial geomorphology and ecology. Students participate in classroom and field exercises to learn the following:• Methods and purposes for evaluating stream dimension, pattern, profile, and channel materials• Assessment of habitat conditions and ecological functionPrerequisite: Course I

Course III – Introduction to Natural Stream Channel Design: This course introduces the basic principles of analogue, empirical, and analytical design techniques, with an emphasis on analogue and empirical methods. Students learn reference reach survey methods and basic techniques for designing morphology and habitat based on reference reaches. The students participate in one advanced reference reach field survey and one conceptual design problem. Construction documents will be available for review. The use of design software will be demonstrated. Course III is co-taught by WVU faculty and staff and other professionals. Prerequisite: Course II

Why is natural stream design important?

There is currently a tremendous need for stream restoration services throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and the United States. Impacts from human-related activities have severely degraded many of our streams and rivers, causing problems that include instability, sedimentation, loss of ecological function, and decreased aesthetic and recreational value. Consequently, regulatory agencies commonly require stream restoration as compensatory mitigation for unavoidable stream impacts. Under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, in order to receive permits for construction projects where streams are affected, regulatory agencies now require stream mitigation. Projects such as land development, highway construction, urban storm water control, and channelization often require this type of mitigation.

Who needs natural stream training?

There is currently a critical need for professionals in fields of engineering, geology, wildlife and fisheries management, environmental sciences, and others. Often these professionals are associated with:• State DOT’s• Utilities• Developers• Consulting firms• Conservation organization

What is our program?

The WVU stream program features an applied research program in stream function, processes, and design. The research component is supported by diversity of on- and off-campus stream or stream-related courses. Off-campus instructional components include a six-course series on stream assessment, design, ecological sampling, and vegetation studies. Each course is 4-7 days and includes classroom and field instruction. Courses are appropriate for all professionals working with water resources issues related to streams and degree-seeking students.

Areas of stream research include stream assessment, natural stream design on mined lands, and riparian vegetation.

What is Natural Stream Design?

Natural stream design is the practice of designing streams so that they:• Function naturally• Provide suitable habitat• Maintain stability over timeProjects are often extremely challenging and require specific expertise in the following areas:• Hydraulic engineering• Aquatic ecology• Fluvial geomorphology

Who are we?

We are part of a campus-wide Environmental Center program. Our program was developed by faculty and staff involved in teaching and research related to stream functions, processes, and design. The WVU stream program is an interdisciplinary approach to instruction and research that is guided by both broad-based and focused disciplines that include engineering, geology, ecology, soils, and resource management.