1. NC Wetlands Assessment Method Training Classes: May 1-4, 2012

SHORT COURSES

2. Level I – APPLIED FLUVIAL GEOMORPHOLOGY: Feb. 6-10, 2012
3. Level II – RIVER MORPHOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS: March 5-9, 2012
4. Level III – RIVER ASSESSMENT & MONITORING: March 26-April 5, 2012
5. Level IV – RIVER RESTORATION & NATURAL CHANNEL DESIGN: June 4-14, 2012

1. NC Wetlands Assessment Method Training Classes

Fast, accurate, observational field method classifies wetlands

The North Carolina Wetland Assessment Method (NCWAM) is the culmination of a process begun in 2003 by an inter-agency team of federal and state agency staff with a goal to develop an accurate, consistent, rapid, observational, and scientifically based field method to determine the level of function of a wetland relative to reference condition (where appropriate) for each of NCWAM 16 wetland types.
Pilot View, Inc. is hosting the next training class with USACE, DWQ, EPA, and NCDOT for the private sector in the spring of 2012. The training class will consist of three full days and one half day. Each day will be half classroom and half field work, covering the 16 wetland types, the field assessment form, and the functional assessment. The class will be offered near Brevard in Transylvania County.
The USACE is currently requiring NCDOT to classify wetlands as one of the NCWAM 16 wetland types for all roadway projects. Once training is complete, NCDOT will be assessing the quality of wetland sites using this wetland assessment method. The Division of Water has also stated that the NCWAM form will replace the current DWQ wetland rating form.

NCWAM has already proven to be a valuable tool for project planning, alternatives analysis, compliance/enforcement, mitigation planning, and functional replacement.s course.

Course Application

2. Level I – APPLIED FLUVIAL GEOMORPHOLOGY

• Feb. 6-10, 2012, Asheville, NC
• Instructor: Dr. Dave Rosgen and Dr. Richard Hey
• LEVEL I REGISTRATION FEE: $1,875 Includes materials, books, lunches & breaks

This introductory course is designed to familiarize students with the fundamentals of river behavior, the general principles of: fluvial geomorphology, sedimentation, hydraulics, restoration, fish habitat improvement, riparian grazing management and stream bank erosion. Applications of these principles are presented utilizing a stream classification system. Problem solving techniques for watershed management, riparian assessment, fish habitat structure evaluation, stream restoration, non-point source pollution and the integration of ecosystem concepts into watershed management are taught. A combination of both lecture and field applications are provided.

Reservation Form

3. Level II – RIVER MORPHOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS

• March 5-9, 2012, Asheville, NC
• Instructor: Dr. Dave Rosgen
• LEVEL II REGISTRATION FEE: $1,875 Includes materials, books, lunches & breaks

This course is designed to train individuals to delineate stream types using the stream classification method as published in “Applied River Morphology”, Rosgen, 1996. A combination of lecture and field sessions will provide practical experience in the following subjects and activities:
• Learning and mapping land forms, land types and valley types.
• Pre-mapping stream types on aerial photos and topographic maps.
• Field Validation of the bankfull stage at a USGS stream gaging station.
• Field methods to properly measure morphological variables
• Field visits to all of the major stream types, A-G.
• Discussion of Ecosystem Management applications using stream types:
• Fish habitat structure evaluation;
• Riparian management/grazing methods;
• Watershed management/cum,ulative effects assessment and analysis;
• Hydraulic and sediment relations; and
• Engineering design concepts
This course covers levels I and II of hierarchical stream inventory as published in The Catena and “Applied River Morphology”.

Reservation Form

4. Level III – RIVER ASSESSMENT & MONITORING

• March 26-April 5, 2012, Dobson, NC (Two week course)
• Instructor: Dr. Dave Rosgen
• LEVEL III REGISTRATION FEE: $3,525 Includes materials, books and breaks.
• Field day lunches provided.

This course is designed to train individuals in field data collection methods and analysis techniques for: 1) determining stream channel stability, stream bank erosion prediction, and measurement; 2) sediment relations; 3) potential versus existing stream conditions; 4) influence of riparian vegetation on channel stability; 5) the variables that influence stream condition; 6) integration of ecosystem concepts into field applications. The course includes hands-on techniques of field measurements, data analysis and interpretations and the use of replicate studies for verification and time trend analysis. Design and application of monitoring objectives and methods for channel stability and the collection and analysis of suspended and bedload sediment will also be included. The instruction will utilize the new “Applied River Morphology” book.

Reservation Form

5. Level IV – RIVER RESTORATION & NATURAL CHANNEL DESIGN

• June 4-14, 2012, Dobson, NC (Two week course)
• Instructor: Dr. Dave Rosgen
• LEVEL IV REGISTRATION FEE: $3,300 Includes materials, books and breaks.
• Field day lunches provided.

Prerequisites: Applied Fluvial Geomorphology or Fluvial Geomorphology for Engineers and River Morphology & Applications, and River Assessment & Monitoring

General Description: Natural channel design principles are utilized in a "hands on" course that provides training in river restoration, stabilization and fish habitat enhancement. The complexities involved in natural channel processes require detailed study and a working knowledge of the principles applied in river design, thus, the three pre-requisite courses will help prepare the participants for this advanced river design course. The course will include:
• Understanding the nature and cause of instability/disequilibrium, and poor habitat
• Collecting and analyzing field data
• Completing a river restoration design by integrating physical, biological and aesthetic objectives
• Channel capacity and sediment transport calculations
• Fish habitat improvement designs
• Stream-bank stabilization techniques
• Stream diversion structure design
• Riparian area improvement and function
• Construction methods, equipment selection and contracting procedures
• Design layout,
• Field supervision
• Permit applications
• Effectiveness monitoring
• Other related subjects integrated into the river designs
Check lists and procedural guidelines will be provided to assist in river designs. Participants will evaluate existing and proposed restoration projects and observe the on-site implementation of several designs to be constructed as part of this course.

Reservation Form