NATR 215: River Restoration

Credits 4
Quarter Offered
Fall

Many of the streams and rivers of the Pacific Northwest have been altered from their historic conditions due to anthropogenic influences. Some of the negative impacts to streams include: impassable fish barriers, reductions of instream wood, disconnection of floodplains and off-channel habitat, removal or alterations of riparian forests, and the encroachment of invasive species. In this class, students will explore threats to healthy rivers in Washington State, and principles for sustainable river restoration. Includes methodologies, tools, and techniques for monitoring, assessing, and analyzing upstream conditions and data for river restoration. This class may include students from multiple sections.

  1. Discuss the political, social, ethical, economic issues in river restoration
  2. List principles for sustainable river conservation and restoration
  3. Compare and contrast natural and man made fish passage barriers
  4. Describe Washington State fish passage policies
  5. Develop a plan to monitor and analyze upstream conditions that affect river restoration