Stream Channel Restoration Design Curves Student Research Project

Introduction

The California Urban Streams Partnership has a paid internship opportunity for a few selected
students starting in the fall of 2015. This is an unusual opportunity to learn about the field of
river science also known as fluvial geomorphology. This is the study of the way streams flow,
shape channels, flood, meander and create habitat. This field work project will help scientists
who are measuring Pescadero Creek channel shapes where the creek is the most natural and
therefore relatively stable. This information will be used to reshape stream channels on
Pescadero Creek which have problems from excessive erosion. Data collected for this project can
also be used to help design stream restoration projects in other watersheds on the San Francisco
peninsula which flow in similar environments.

The students will learn basics about how urban streams can be healthy and diverse ecosystems.
The introductory lecture which can involve a whole class will cover the basics about what
considerations go into designing stream restoration projects. The restoration design tool the
selected students will be working on provides information for professionals who restore streams
so the restoration channel designs do not produce streams which are too narrow or too wide. If
streams are too narrow they will typically erode too much. If they are too wide they typically will
drop too much sediment. Often the goal of stream restoration is to return a stable shape to what is
referred to as a bankfull channel which carries the most frequent stream flows.

Background

Students will assist with field surveys of stable creek sites to develop graphs also called curves
which can be used by restoration practitioners. Students will measure some aspects of fluvial
geomorphology, such as bankfull flow in stable creek channels in Pescadero Creek. The
concept of stable or bankfull flow and dimension is based upon observations and
measurements that natural stream channels are created and maintained by moderate, frequent
flow events because these events move the most sediment over time and thus do the most work
to form the creek channel dimensions (i.e. width, depth, and area). Stable channel dimensions for
width, depth and cross-sectional area will be plotted against the drainage areas at the sites where
this data is collected.

Many poorly functioning or failed restoration projects are caused by failure to build appropriate
channel dimensions, especially for both bankfull channels and floodplains. Poor choices in
channel dimensions in the design of restoration projects can lead to a cycle of unanticipated
channel adjustments that can lead to landscape instability, costly repairs, and problems of
excessive sedimentation or erosion, as well as diminished water quality and aquatic habitat.

Student Involvement

Training in river science and engineering skills will be provided through the Stream Restoration
Curves Development Project. Students will attend an introductory lecture on channel shape and
basic fluvial geomorphology given by a representative from the California Urban Streams
Partnership. To help students identify bankfull stage Pescadero Creek, a video from the USDA
on field identification will be shown prior to field work. This video demonstrates techniques that
can be used to consistently identify the bankfull level for a variety of different streams and rivers
in the western United States.

Students will survey key characteristics of creek channels and floodplains to inform subsequent
modeling work. Students will collect data in the field, analyze results, and write a report
describing field techniques, data analysis, and survey results.

Field Data Collection Methods

Students will work in teams with Acterra to collect data in Pescadero Creek.

Streambed Longitudinal Survey The elevation of the streambed will be surveyed to best
determine the bankfull stream gradient using a survey level and rod.

Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment A digital camera will be used to document conditions
in the creek and photos will be included in the final report. A field data survey describing study
area will also be completed to provide a more comprehensive summary of site conditions.

Field Experience

Native willow species are a workhorse of stream restoration because of their ability to grow
quickly from live cuttings and provide bank protection as well as habitat. Students will be
provided an opportunity to experience willow collection at a 5-year-old daylighting project site
in Portola Valley. Students will also process the live cuttings and install fascines and cuttings at a
downstream location on San Francisquito Creek.

Project Timeline

September 2015: Introductory lectures and meetings on river science, field methods. Complete
background readings on fluvial geomorphology and restoration design curves.

September-October 2015: Teams meet in Pescadero Creek to complete longitudinal survey,

pebble count, and quantitative and qualitative assessment of stream.

October-November 2015: Data analysis and report preparation. Students will prepare a short
illustrated report outlining field techniques, data analysis, results of surveys of stream channels,
and summary of findings that can assist in the design of similar community college-sponsored
field training projects.

November 2015: Hands-on field experience on San Francisquito Creek (two half-days).

We will ask each student to contribute a total of 40 hours to the project. $500 stipend provided at
the completion of the internship paid for by Committee for Green Foothills. There are three
positions available.

Interested candidates please send cover letter and resume to: info@greenfoothills.org with the
subject line: Pescadero Student Researcher.