EPP 503 - Stage Zero Restoration
Course Summary: Stage Zero is characterized by an abundance of wide range of hydro-geomorphic attributes and ecosystem benefits, high fluvial complexity, and full lateral connectivity between the stream’s channel(s), its floodplains and its hyporheic aquifer. When in a Stage Zero condition, the river characteristically comprises of a river-wetland corridor that may feature a patchy-wetland without a distinct channel, an anabranching planform (which may be braided, wandering, or anastomosed) or a single mainstream, with a straight, sinuous or meandering planform also featuring side-channels, oxbows, and abandoned former courses.
During the early-2000s, US Forest Service river restoration practitioners in the State of Oregon moved from channel-centered restoration to valley-floor wide treatments that focused more on valley and floodplain processes. This shift involved designing channels with bankfull capacities less than the 1.5 year RI and, where possible, in-filling deeply incised channels in alluvial valleys that were undeveloped, with the aim of increasing lateral connectivity across the full width of the valley floor.
However, since 2020, dozens of ‘Stage 0’ and ‘Stage 8’ restorations have been implemented coast to coast, as well as in the UK. Consequently, this workshop will cover not only the theory and practice of restoration to ‘Stages 0 & 8’ but also relate experience gained and lessons learned from projects performed in headwater, middle course, and lowland streams located not only in the Pacific Northwest but also in other parts of the USA.
Course Instructors:
Dr. Brian Cluer RiverMorph
Dr. Paul Burns US Forest Service
Dr. Janine Castro Portland State University
Dr. Brice Crayne Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group
Dr. Becky Flitcroft US Forest Service
Dr. Matt Helstab US Forest Service
Dr. Johan Hogervorst RiverMorph
Dr. Kate Myer RiverMorph
Dr. Paul Powers US Forest Service
Duration: 3 days, In-person
Available Professional Credit: 2.4 CEU, 24 PDH.