Stream restoration has many meanings. Some define restoration as a return to pre-disturbed conditions. Others take a broader approach and define restoration as the improvement of stream functions to a reference condition. The range of definitions for stream function is often based on the person’s academic and professional background. For example, biologists think of functional improvements to biology and engineers often think of functional improvements to hydrology or hydraulics. These diverse viewpoints about restoration and function create significant challenges for developing stream restoration plans with realistic and quantifiable goals and objectives.

The Stream Functions Pyramid Framework was created to provide an organized thought process for developing stream restoration project goals, function-based assessments, restoration plans, and debit/credit determination methods for compensatory stream mitigation. The framework organizes stream functions into a pyramid-shaped hierarchy with higher-level functions supported by lower-level functions. Hydrology is at the base of the pyramid, followed by hydraulics, geomorphology, physicochemical, and biological functions. This implies that in order to have functioning biology, the lower-level functions must also be functioning.

This framework will be presented along with example applications on how to develop function-based goals and objectives and to evaluate functional lift at restoration projects. A new Stream Quantification Tool (SQT) will be demonstrated that scores a project before and after restoration, yielding a functional uplift score. The SQT is now used by 10 states in stream mitigation or restoration programs. Examples of how the SQT is used in diverse climates and landscapes will be provided.

Continuing Education Credits:  This forum will provide 1 PDH (professional development hour) credit upon completion of registration and evaluations that will be sent with the final event information. Each professional must determine if the content is relevant to his/her individual practice and suitable for his/her continuing education.

Bring a Friend Along to the NCWRA Luncheon for only $5! (with the purchase of a regular luncheon forum admission fee)
Is there a young professional who has recently arrived on the scene at your company or co-worker that is new to North Carolina? Are you looking for quality, affordable, PDHs?  Is there someone at your workplace interested in meeting others in the water resources field, learning about what’s happening in water resources research, policy and implementation?  If so, then we encourage you to bring a friend to the next NCWRA luncheon. We are looking for “fresh faces” to benefit from the valuable, yet affordable, professional development and networking opportunities that our state chapter of the American Water Resources Association (AWRA) has to offer.

Speaker: Will Harman

Will Harman is the founder of Stream Mechanics and Ecosystem Planning and Restoration. In the course of his 31-year career, he has participated in hundreds of stream restoration projects, representing a wide variety of settings and techniques.  He has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and proceeding papers on stream assessment and restoration methods. He developed the Stream Functions Pyramid Framework and co-developed the Stream Quantification Tool, which is being used by many state and federal agencies to improve stream restoration and mitigation practices.

Will teaches stream assessment workshops to federal, state, and local agencies, universities, and private engineering firms. Prior to working in the private sector, Will was on the faculty at NC State University, where he co-founded the NC Stream Restoration Program. He is a licensed geologist in North Carolina.

Tickets

$15.00 Student Member Registration

$350.00 Luncheon Sponsor

$30.00 Member Registration
$35.00 after 10:30 am February 20

$40.00 Non-Member Registration
$45.00 after 10:30 am February 20

$35.00 Bring a Friend Member Registration
$40.00 after 10:30 am February 20

$30.00 Member Webinar Registration

$40.00 Non-Member Webinar Registration

$100.00 Group Webinar Registration

$0.00 Annual Sponsor In-Person Registration

$0.00 Annual Sponsor Webinar Registration