WATERSHED, SOIL, AND AIR PROJECT PROPOSAL USDA Forest Service, Technology & Development Program 09-14
Project Name or Title:	Stream Restoration Planning and Construction Methods and Techniques
Submitted by (your name):	Bob Gubernick and Brian Bair
Unit name and address:	Tongass NF and TEAMS (planning and aquatics), Box 309, Petersburg, AK 99833
Telephone:	907-772-5840
IBM or Internet Address:	rgubernick@fs.fed.us
Date:	March 13, 2008
OVERALL OBJECTIVES/PROBLEM STATEMENT (Describe the problem, how the work is currently being done, and why improvement is needed.)
Stream restoration is actively being performed across the nation in many types of geomorphic settings. There are also many types of structures and methods that are utilized with no formal construction procedural documents or step by step instruction. This is the case with other aspects of restoration such as how do you plan to dewater a project, what do you need in the specifications, how do you administer equipment rental contracts, how do you estimate the cost of the project, and what are the capabilities and limitations of various types of equipment. These are critical for success of the project. Some of these topics are discussed in brief and limited fashion in the stream corridor restoration manual but are of limited practiacl use for project implementation. In addition, due to the number of restoration experts retiring from the agency, there will be a huge loss in mentoring and a significant need of how to plan and construct these types of projects in the near future. A publication on this subject matter would provide important HOW TO information and reference material for practicing restorationists and those new to this type of work.
PROPOSED TECHNOLOGY & DEVELOPMENT WORK (Describe your concept of the end product, i.e., a new equipment design, a video production, a guide, etc.)
The product would be a publication detailing methods, time series construction photos, equipment rating diagrams, example calculations and specifications, and real world examples from successful projects.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS (Describe how this project will improve safety, reduce cost, save time, increase efficiency, provide improved resource management, or increase customer satisfaction.) A publication of this nature would: 1) Improve the planning, construction, cost efficiency and effectiveness of restoration projects 2) Provide real world examples, instruction and reference material for journey level to inexperienced staff doing restoration planning, design and implementation. 3) Reduce professional / agency liability risk and the amount of project failures due to poor planning, design and construction implementation. This publication would address the water priorities set by the Chief. “The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.” One of the primary mission goals is to “Improve watershed condition. Increase the number of forest and grassland watersheds that are in fully functional hydrologic condition.” Restoration is vital to achieving this goal, Forest Service Mission and the long term health of watersheds and aquatic resources. The proposed publication will provide state of the art proceedures and methods that will insure that we do a better job restoring the health of our watersheds, aquatic and terrestial ecosystems.