Introduction to Stage 0 Restoration

October 22–24, 2019
Black Butte Ranch, Sisters, Oregon
Sponsored by River Restoration Northwest and Portland State University

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Day 1 – Stage 0: Genesis & Theory

Colin Thorne kicked things off with a foundational introduction:

• Basis & Theory – Slides (PDF)

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Western Streams: Evidence & Stream Evolution Model

Brian Cluer shared evidence for Stage 0 in western riverscapes, plus guidance on using the Stream Evolution Model (SEM):

• Brian's Slides (PDF)

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Stage Zero Valley Types

Paul Powers explained how to read valley settings suitable for Stage 0 restoration:

• Stage 0 Valley Types – Slides (PDF)

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Introduction to Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration

Joe Wheaton presented on how low-tech restoration supports Stage 0 objectives:

• Intro to Low-Tech – Slides (PDF)

Reference reading: Design Manual Chapter 1 and Chapter 2, plus the Pocket Guide.

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Afternoon Field Visit

Wychus – Camp Polk Field Visit
Participants observed restoration examples and an introduction to low-tech construction.

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Day 2 – South Fork McKenzie River Field Trip

Kate Meyer introduced Stage 0 Restoration on the South Fork McKenzie River:

• South Fork McKenzie – Slides (PDF)

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Example of Vision

A case study from Wychus Creek:

• Wychus Design Example – Slides (PDF)

It highlighted phased implementation, simple monitoring indicators, and overlapping zones of influence.

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Additional Slide Resources

For deeper study:

• Whychus Creek – Additional Slides
• Design Exercise with Staley Creek (PDF)
• Floodplain Evaluation Tools (PDF)
• Stage 0 Geomorphic Analysis (PDF)
• Benefits & Risks of Stage Zero (PDF)
• Monitoring, Permitting & Adaptive Management (PDF)

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Day 3 - Building Low-Tech Restoration Structures

• Reviewed design objectives (see Design Manual Chapter 4 and Pocket Guide)
• Split into groups to discuss, layout, and flag designs
• Covered logistics, safety, and post pounding (Design Manual Chapter 6)
• Hands-on building of PALS, Post-Assisted BDAs, Postless BDAs
• Adaptive management discussions (Chapters 3, 4, 6)
• Final workshop synthesis and help resources (Contractor Resources)

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Instruction Team

(You could list instructors here if you wish — let me know if you want to add them!)

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References & Further Reading

Stage Zero Fundamentals

• Cluer & Thorne (2013): Stream Evolution Model
  DOI: 10.1002/rra.2631

• Walter & Merritts (2008): Natural Streams & Legacy Mills

• Hauer et al (2016): Gravel-bed River Floodplains

• Powers et al (2018): Stage 0 Process-based Approach

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Other Recommended Papers

• Castro & Thorne (2019): Stream Evolution Triangle
• Hiers et al (2016): The Precision Problem
• Johnson et al (2019): Biomic River Restoration
• Sedell (1984): Streamside Forests
• Thorne et al (2012): Burn of Mosset Stage 0 UK

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Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration

• Wheaton et al. (2019) – Design Manual (PDF)

And more supporting studies (click to expand):

• Silverman et al (2018)
• Weber et al (2017)
• Wall et al (2016)
• Bouwes et al (2016)
• Bouwes et al (2016) – Adaptive Management
• Macfarlane et al (2015)
• Pollock et al (2014)

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