CALL FOR Proposals -
Special Sessions

CALL FOR Proposals (Special Sessions)

Submission Deadline: January 31, 2026

Resource Institute invites proposals for Special Sessions at the 2026 National Stream Restoration Conference. These sessions provide extra time and focus for hands-on learning, technical skill building, and regional or topical discussion.

Special Sessions may include:

  • Technical Deep Dive Workshops

  • Regional or Thematic Roundtables

  • Panels or Structured Discussions

  • Tool and Technology Labs

Special Sessions are typically scheduled on Monday morning before the main conference, with limited opportunities during the regular program at the discretion of the planning team.

Submit proposals and email questions to:
phinkle@resourceinstituteinc.org

Possible Topics: The list below reflects topics suggested by recent conference participants. It is not exhaustive. If your idea supports better restoration outcomes, we encourage you to propose it.

Modeling and Hydraulics

  • 2D modeling for stream restoration

  • HEC-RAS, including rain-on-grid and TR-20 / TR-55

  • Floodplain modeling and flood risk reduction using nature-based solutions

  • H and H modeling workflows and troubleshooting

  • Scour analysis and sediment transport

Design, Details, and Constructability

  • Stream design criteria and grading techniques

  • In-stream structure and detail design

  • Bankfull identification in flashy watersheds

  • Constructability and implementation planning

  • Restoration approach selection and “step by step” failures and fixes

Dam Removal, Fish Passage, and Connectivity

  • Dam removal project management and training

  • Fish passage at culverts and roadway crossings

  • Stream crossing replacement with habitat enhancement

  • Sediment deposition and sediment management in dam removal

Nature-Based Solutions and Beavers

  • Nature-based solutions for flood and erosion risk

  • Working with beavers, BDAs, and PALs

  • Beaver dams and floodplain design

Monitoring, Ecology, and Field Skills

  • Macroinvertebrate and fish identification

  • IBI and ecological uplift metrics

  • Physical and biological monitoring methods

  • eDNA applications in project monitoring

  • Habitat assessment and riparian vegetation communities

Vegetation and Invasive Species

  • Native plant restoration and propagation

  • Plant identification and planting plans

  • Invasive species management techniques and maintenance

GIS, Data, and Technology

  • ArcGIS, Field Maps, and GIS workflows for projects

  • Drone usage and drone-based survey methods

  • Civil 3D and other design platforms

  • Emerging technologies and digital tools for restoration planning and design

Policy, Permitting, and Programs

  • Permitting hurdles and strategies for working with regulators

  • MS4 permits and stormwater driven systems

  • Mitigation banking, SQT, and TMDL crediting

  • WARSSS and watershed assessment tools

Community, Communication, and Funding

  • Building community support and effective engagement

  • Public communication, marketing, and messaging

  • Youth engagement and outreach on project sites

  • Grant writing and proposal writing best practices

Regional Roundtables

  • Regional discussions, including Midwest, coastal, and other focus areas

  • Regulator and consultant collaboration in specific states or basins

  • Sharing regional programs, funding, and permitting experiences

Session Formats

You may propose one of the following formats:

1. Technical Deep Dive Workshop
90 to 120 minutes, with a short break.
Hands-on, how-to instruction on a specific method, tool, or design approach. May include exercises, demos, or guided examples.

2. Regional or Thematic Roundtable
60 to 90 minutes.
Facilitated discussion focused on a region, basin, state, or shared challenge. Emphasis on peer exchange, practical examples, and relationship building.

3. Panel or Structured Discussion
60 to 90 minutes.
Three to five speakers plus a moderator. Focus on contrasting perspectives, lessons learned, or case comparisons.

4. Tool and Technology Lab
60 to 90 minutes.
Focused on specific tools or platforms such as modeling software, GIS, or field data tools. May include live demo or guided walk-through.

Notification of Acceptance: Session Organizers will be notified by March 10, 2026.

When submitting a proposal, please be specific. List one topic from the list above; do not list more than two topics.

Please include the following in your proposal submission:

  1. Session type
    Technical Deep Dive Workshop, Regional Roundtable, Panel, or Tool / Technology Lab

  2. Proposed title

  3. Lead organizer / primary contact
    Name, organization, city, state, email, and phone

  4. Co-organizers / presenters/facilitators
    Names, organizations, city, state, and email

  5. Format and length
    Preferred length (for example, 60, 90, or 120 minutes) and format (workshop, roundtable, panel, lab)

  6. Target audience
    For example, designers, regulators, contractors, program managers, academics, and nonprofit staff

  7. Session description
    A concise description of the topic, focus, and relevance to stream, river, or wetland restoration
    (300-word maximum)

  8. Learning objectives
    Three to five specific things participants will gain from the session

  9. Participant engagement
    How you plan to encourage questions, discussion, or hands-on participation, especially for roundtables

  10. Special needs
    Any special room set-up, AV, or software needs

Submit proposals and email questions to:
phinkle@resourceinstituteinc.org