Introduction to Stream Restoration - Hydro-Environmental Analysis: Freshwater Environments - page 234

8.4.8 e ducatIon
There are a wide variety of educational opportunities associated with stream restoration, from K-12
and college-level education to professional development and general public involvement. Public
involvement, acceptance, and, ideally, support are an important component of the success of res-
toration projects and an educational and stakeholder involvement program should be part of any
restoration project.
For professional development, a relatively large number of courses and workshops are available
as well as online educational material from a variety of organizations and agencies. Several uni-
versities offer programs and certiication programs in stream restoration, such as the Restoration
Ecology Certiicate from the University of Washington and the North Carolina University Stream
Restoration Program. A number of private irms and consultants also provide training. As a result
of the diversity of courses and professional workshops that are available, the American Society of
Civil Engineers-Environmental and Water Resources Institute formed a stream restoration educa-
tional materials task committee (TC) of the River Restoration Committee to provide the restoration
community with (1) a recommended standard curriculum based on needs (technicians, engineers,
planners, ecologists, biologists, etc.); (2) a list of educator traits most properly suited to cover that
curriculum (not speciic individuals or institutions); and (3) the logistics of where and how to most
effectively disseminate information.
A number of programs for the public and K-12 students and teachers are available that pro-
vide workshops, ield trips, and educational materials on stream restoration. Agencies such as the
U.S. EPA through its teaching center (available at: http://www.epa.gov/teachers/index.htm) provide
materials for teachers and classrooms. Adopt-a-Stream programs provide irsthand information
about the importance of restoration and gain support for restoration. Public involvement may also
be through cleanup efforts and monitoring programs.

8.4.9 e radIcatIon of w eedS /n onnatIVe p LantS
A goal of restoration projects is to restore a sustainable, healthy, and diverse native plant commu-
nity, where, in many cases, undesirable or invasive species dominate the existing conditions. A vari-
ety of techniques are available for weed abatement and the removal of invasive species, including
physical, chemical, biological, and cultural methods. Mechanical methods include pulling, cutting,
mowing, or burning, while chemical control typically involves the use of pesticides. Biological con-
trol involves the introduction of a predator, pathogen, insect, or herbivore that feeds on the invasive
species to keep the size of the population of that species in check. Cultural control can be used to
prevent reintroduction, such as through transport via boats or the improper disposal of aquarium
plants, and also involves public involvement through removal programs, such as “invasive pulling
pa r ties.”

8.4.10 f ISHwayS
Fishways are structures or modiications to a natural or artiicial structure for the purpose of ish
passage (WDFW 2000a). Fishway components usually include: attraction features, a barrier dam,
entrances, auxiliary water systems, collection and transportation channels, a ish ladder, an exit, and
operating and maintenance standards (WDFW 2000b). Some of the design considerations and steps
in the design of ishways include (NRCS 2007b):

• Target species for ish passage or screening

• Migratory timing and life history stage at migration

• Physical limitations on ish passage (swimming speed, jumping ability)