Watershed Assessments

Services Offered:
Integrated Watershed Assessment and Analysis
Restoration Recommendations

Integrated Watershed Assessment and Analysis

Watershed Consulting, LLC was formed in 1994 by professionals specializing in watershed assessments and stream, riparian, and forest ecological restoration. Our holistic approach utilizes the talents of a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, each with solid experience and expertise in his/her specific discipline. Watershed Consulting has expertise in watershed hydrology, geomorphology, fisheries biology, geographic information systems, forestry, forest soil sciences, vegetation restoration and water quality. We have consistently provided clientele with practical management recommendations and have produced quality restoration projects that take into account all components of a watershed.

Watershed Consulting's approach to a watershed assessment:

1. We approach issues on a process based level. This means we must examine the hydrologic and geomorphic processes that shape the watershed - as opposed to a purely descriptive approach of current conditions.
2. We investigate the interrelationships between the hydrologic, geomorphic and biologic processes and examine how these factors influence each other.
3. We take into account the dynamic variability of the river corridor. For example, the changing channel dynamics of a normal functioning stream. In the end, the assessment should answer the questions of how much and why has a watershed departed from its potential, and what steps are necessary to bring it back.
4. We are result oriented. The assessment must provide information that leads to practical recommendations for future short and long-term restoration and management.
5. Each watershed is unique and dynamic. We work closely with the client to be sure we focus on any special needs or concerns.

Restoration Recommendations

Whereas our experience provides a solid understanding of watershed dynamics, every watershed has unique biotic and abiotic factors and every watershed has unique issues of concern from the stakeholders. We have worked with many clients over the past several years. All with different issues, but all having many of the same questions and concerns. Our completed project list includes a variety of projects, each with specific problems and concerns, and many involving diverse management recommendations and restoration designs. In the end, we have consistently produced a product that has been successfully used by various clients to apply for, and receive funding sources for restoration work.