Stream Mechanics provides classroom and field workshops on stream restoration science, techniques and application.

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONSTREAM MECHANICS is working with the San Antonio River Authority and Michael Baker

Corporation to provide a three-part workshop series on applying natural channel design techniques

in semi-arid environments. The first workshop provides an overview of fluvial processes in

semi-arid environments, providing the background needed for workshops 2 and 3. The second

workshop focuses on performing function-based assessments in degraded streams and

determining restoration potential. The third workshop takes the information from workshop 2

and works through the natural channel design process. Throughout the workshop series, classroom

lectures, exercises, discussions, field work and quizzes are used to reinforce the concepts.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?» Private consultants with backgrounds in water resources engineering, fluvial

geomorphology, environmental science, ecology, or biology

» Federal, state, and local agencies responsible for reviewing stream restoration projects

» Mitigation providers

NATURAL CHANNEL DESIGN Applications in Semi-Arid Environments

WORKSHOP 1: BACKGROUND SCIENCE & TOOLS FOR SEMI-ARID STREAMSThis workshop begins with an historical overview of channel degradation in the San Antonio area and semi-arid regions in general. The Stream Functions Pyramid Framework is introduced and used to describe stream functions in semi-arid environments. Field activities allow participants to determine stream classification and channel evolution, and measure channel form.

WORKSHOP 2: GEOMORPHIC AND FUNCTION BASED ASSESSMENTSThe concepts learned in Workshop 1 are applied here to complete geomorphic and function-based assessments. The Stream Functions Pyramid Framework, along with other geomorphic assessment procedures, are used to assess a degraded channel. Participants determine the condition of the watershed, the condition of the study reach, and the restoration potential. Classroom lectures and field exercises reinforce the concepts.

WORKSHOP 3: NATURAL CHANNEL DESIGN APPLICATIONS This workshop applies the concepts learned in the previous two sessions. Participants learn the natural channel design process and use information from the past workshops in an example project. Tools and techniques are provided for creating natural channel designs in rural and urban environments. A tour of local projects is included.

WORKSHOP INSTRUCTIONThe workshop will be led by Will Harman, PG, with Stream Mechanics. Will developed the Stream Functions Pyramid Framework and has taught stream restoration courses throughout the United States. The class will be co-facilitated by engineers and scientists from the San Antonio River Authority and Michael Baker Corporation.

REGISTRATIONTo register for the Natural Channel Design Applications in Semi-Arid Environments Workshop, visit stream-mechanics.com and click on the Workshops tab, or register by phone at 919.747.9448.

For more information about Stream Mechanics and other available workshops, visit www.stream-mechanics.com, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, or call 919.747.9448.