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About STREAMS

The STream Restoration, Ecology, & Aquatic Management Solutions (STREAMS) Project is a multi-agency initiative whose goal is to provide education, information, technology and communication on stream management strategies.

Throughout the world we have many examples of large dams, bridges, and river lock systems that are truly astonishing engineering feats. We also have countless examples of bridges and culverts that allow us to safely cross streams and rivers without fear of collapse or flooding.

However, we also have countless situations where these same structures have adversely impacted these channel systems or where streams and rivers have been straightened, dredged, and their banks artificially hardened. Often the focus has been on hydraulics, with little regard to ecology or natural stream processes, and limited understanding of the influence of rapid land use change on many of our watersheds.

The STREAMS Project is dedicated to the protection, enhancement, and restoration of streams and watersheds around the world.

We invite your comments, questions and recommendations.

Stream and Watershed Modification: A Brief History

For thousands of years humanity has been modifying streams and watershed. Most Roman cities were built next to rivers and roman bridges, roads, and aqueducts that date back to 312 BC are still in use today. There are also many examples of water engineering projects performed by earlier civilizations.

However, most modifications to streams and watersheds have occurred in the last 200 years. Perhaps this is not surprising as the population of the world has increased from one billion people, in 1800, to a current population of about seven billion people.

As global populations continues to grow, managing our streams and watersheds will continue to be a challenge as we strive to provide food and clean water.