Skip to main content

2023 Lake County Low-Tech Riverscape Restoration Workshop

Save the Date

This workshop will be held July 18–19, 2023, combining classroom instruction and hands-on field exercises.

Workshop Sponsors

Overview

This workshop was developed by NRCS Oregon, Pheasants Forever, Blue Forest Conservation, Lake County Umbrella Watershed Council, Intermountain West Joint Venture, and Anabranch Solutions. Its goal is to equip local landowners and conservation professionals with training and support to implement process-based restoration at landscape scales.

There is funding available for landowners and managers, and Pheasants Forever and Blue Forest are piloting new systems to further support the community’s goals of sustainable agriculture and landscape resilience.

Workshop Description

Participants will learn about low-tech, process-based restoration approaches for streams and their associated riparian and meadow areas (“riverscapes”), to benefit grass production, water reliability, sustainable working lands, and fish and wildlife habitat.

You will explore principles guiding low-tech restoration, and get hands-on experience with tools like Beaver Dam Analogues (BDAs) and Post-Assisted Log Structures (PALS), designed to mimic key ecosystem processes.

Content will blend lectures, discussions, and field exercises, supported by a published design manual.

Audience

This workshop is intended for local conservation professionals, agency staff, landowners, and land managers.

Agenda

Day 1 – Classroom & Field

Tuesday, July 18, 2023
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

  • Introduction to Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration
  • Underlying Science & Case Studies
  • Discussion with local landowners on support opportunities

Location: Lake County Administrative Office
3 Center St, Lakeview, OR 97630

View on Google Maps

Day 2 – Field / Construction

Wednesday, July 19, 2023
7:30 AM – 3:00 PM

  • Implementing Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration

Meeting Location:
Best Western Skyline Motor Lodge
414 N G St, Lakeview, OR 97630

View on Google Maps

Course Materials

Videos

Landowner 1-pager coming soon!

Readings

Design Manual

Pocket Field Guide

Instruction Team

Workshop

  • Stephen N. Bennett
    Ecologist, Adjunct Professor
    Profile

  • Joseph Wheaton
    Professor of Riverscapes
    Profile

Virtual Resources

  • Scott Shahverdian
    Fluvial Geomorphologist
    Profile

Logistics

Registration

Registration is free. Contact: michael@blueforest.org

Lodging

Reserve by July 8, 2023 to receive a group rate at:
Best Western Skyline Motor Lodge

Call (541) 947-2194 to book directly. Mention Pheasants Forever to get the group rate.

Field Gear

This is a hands-on workshop. Please come prepared for a range of mountain weather, from hot/dry to cold/snowy conditions. Bring:

  • Chest waders and wading boots
  • Layers (coats, gloves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
  • A dry change of clothes
  • Work-appropriate clothing
  • No open-toed shoes for Day 2
  • Personal water bottle

PPE (gloves, eye protection, hard hats, ear protection) will be provided. Please notify instructors of any allergies or medical conditions.

Meals

  • Day 1: morning coffee/snacks provided
  • Day 2: bag lunches, snacks, beverages provided
    (No breakfast/coffee on Day 2, please fuel up before arriving.)

Gluten-free snacks will be available; other dietary needs, please plan accordingly.

Emergency Preparedness

More details will be shared prior to the event.