ERM 447Stream Restoration

3 credits · Environmental Resource Management · Penn State

Stream restoration will focus on understanding stream impairment by evaluating the stream channel, its floodplain, and the watershed supplying runoff to the stream. A wide variety of stream assessment tools will be introduced along with several stream classifications systems. Students will be introduced to the concepts of stream stability and evolution and how human activities and our infrastructure impact the health of a stream. Various restoration approaches designed to restore impaired stream reaches to stable channels will be introduced. Stream stability and the role of sediment transport in the context of pebble-count data will be introduced along with several sediment transport models. Stream biology, macro-invertebrates, the role of riparian buffers, and desirable plant populations will be introduced. The laboratory experiences will focus on stream assessment tools and stream surveys needed for the stream restoration design process. Students will be responsible for assessing a stream and developing a preliminary design for restoring an impaired local stream reach.