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Rising to Future Challenges: Lessons Learned from Yesterday to Direct Restoration for Tomorrow

Dave Rosgen, PhD, PH
Wildland Hydrology
Fort Collins, CO

As humans, we all make mistakes…however, we must avoid the tendency to make the same mistakes again — if we fail, cinch up, shift directions, and don’t be afraid to change horses! This presentation includes important lessons learned from some of my mistakes and observations made over the last 6 decades to help you avoid unanticipated consequences with your restoration designs. I’ll also address some river fundamentals based on extensive empirical research, such as those described in the classic Fluvial Processes and Geomorphology, that I see the restoration field discarding while discussing the potential damage and avoidable mistakes that may result.

About Dave Rosgen, PhD, Ph
Dave is a Professional Hydrologist and Geomorphologist with field experience in river work spanning 49 years, 20 of which were with the U.S. Forest Service. Dave has designed and implemented over 70 large-scale river restoration projects. Dave developed a stream classification system, the BANCS streambank erosion model, the FLOWSED/POWERSED sediment transport models, the WARSSS methodology for cumulative watershed assessment, and a geomorphologic approach to Natural Channel Design restoration methodology. Dave utilizes his extensive experience to conduct short courses in watershed management, river morphology, restoration, and wildland hydrology applications. Dave is also the author of Applied River Morphology and Watershed Assessment of River Stability and Sediment Supply (WARSSS) and over 70 reports and articles in research journals, symposia, and federal agency manuals. Dave and his projects have been featured in Time, Science, 5280, National Geographic, The Denver Post, and The New York Times.