Process-Based River Restoration for Project Sponsors and Managers
Course Description
Process-based restoration (PBR) is a conceptual philosophy of restoration that recognizes rivers as dynamic systems driven by interacting processes and encourages restoration of those processes to improve and sustain river health.
The uncomfortable truth is that most restoration is not realizing its goals because it is not embracing these principles. Riverscape restoration isn’t rocket science, but there are practical considerations and principles that can make or break a project or lead to greater certainty in outcomes.
This course is designed for project sponsors and project managers who want to give their projects the best chance of success. It presents principles and applications of PBR and a structured framework and practical take-home tools for project management. Through this training you will understand the state of the science and practice of river restoration and how to carry the principles of PBR through funding, contracting, project design and stewardship. Whether you know a little of the science and practice or a lot, the workshop will serve as a forum to learn and share.
Your instructors bring a wealth of experience in practical project management, teaching and training, and development of restoration science and foundational industry guidance.
Students will earn 1 CEU through Utah State University.
Course Details
- Date: May 26 and June 2, 2026
- Time: 1:00-4:30 PM Mountain Time
- Format: Online
- Live Course Time: 7 hours
- Total Time Commitment: 10 hours, including course assignments
- Credit: 1 CEU through Utah State University
- Cost: $250, including the $35 CEU processing fee
- Audience: Project sponsors, funders, agency staff, land managers, watershed groups, NGO staff, consultants, and restoration project managers
- Experience level: No technical background required
What You’ll Learn
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the principles of process-based river restoration
- Identify common reasons restoration projects fall short of their goals
- Apply PBR principles to project selection, funding, contracting, design, implementation, and stewardship
- Ask better questions of designers, contractors, partners, and project teams
- Use a structured framework to improve restoration project outcomes
Register Now
Earn 1 CEU through Utah State University
Instructors
Peter Skidmore
Principal, Dipper Consulting – Restoration Strategy, Policy, and Project Guidance
Jeremy Sueltenfuss, PhD
Colorado State University – SWCA – President, Society of Wetland Scientists, Rocky Mountain Chapter
Contact Us
If you have any questions about the course, please contact Peter or Jeremy: peter@peterskidmore.com, Jeremy.Sueltenfuss@colostate.edu