Inter-Fluve specializes in the design, construction, and restoration of rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and wetlands. Since 1983, we have been committed to integrating natural science and engineering to provide environmentally sound solutions to river restoration.
Our designs emphasize minimal disturbance and rapid recovery of aesthetics, geomorphic function and ecologic complexity. As a result, Inter-Fluve has won a number of national awards.
- 2004 National Environmental Excellence Award
National Association of Environmental Professionals
- 2002 New Innovations Award
U.S. Forest Service
- 2002 Design Excellence Award
Society of American Engineers
- 2002 National Honor Award
American Society of Landscape
Architects, Pennsylvania
- 2002 National Honor Award
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon
- 2000 Oregon Chapter Merit Award
American Society of Landscape Architects, Oregon
- 1998 Community Pride Design Award
Clark County Public Utilities, Washington
- 1998 Project Restoration Award & Certificate of Appreciation
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, California
- 1998 Outstanding Achievement Award
Industrial Fabrics Association International, Ohio
This site uses frames. If you are seeing this message, your web browser does not support frames. You can still learn about Inter-Fluve by clicking "home" on the menu bar to reset this page in its original format, or click here. Professional Natural Resource Services
The professional team at Inter-Fluve provides full-service planning, design, permitting, and construction services for over 500 projects throughout the country and internationally since 1983. At Inter-Fluve, we understand that project success depends on strong communication among multiple professions. Our work history demonstrates this proficiency. Emergency Response
At Inter-Fluve, we are experienced in participating in, and working with, response teams and Joint Restoration Committees. When spills occur that impact river, wetland and lake environments, Inter-Fluve is called to assist with the emergency response planning, coordination, and construction of remediation and restoration measures. We understand processes, issues, and regulations important to the variety of federal, state, city, tribal, private and corporate representatives involved in active, changing, and time sensitive emergency environments. Stream Restoration, Reclamation, Rehabilitation, Enhancement, and Relocation
River and stream restoration is a catchall phrase that includes any physical modifications intended to restore, rehabilitate, or enhance natural value and function of damaged river systems. Inter-Fluve has been restoring natural rivers and streams for decades. We have stabilized and improved degraded rivers and streams in highly urbanized watersheds, remote and pristine trout streams, large coastal rivers, and small mountain streams. Our restoration approach emphasizes long-lasting solutions that account for watershed history and anticipated watershed change, promote natural function for all aquatic and native species, and meet stakeholder objectives. Natural Channel Design
Inter-Fluve led a design/build team contracted to reconstruct a meandering segment of Big Spring Creek that had been straightened decades earlier. The goal of Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MDFWP) was to restore a section of channelized stream through a public access site to provide high quality fish habitat and angling opportunities. Recognizing the potential to both create new wetlands and enhance existing wetlands by reconnecting the floodplain with the channel, Inter-Fluve facilitated negotiations for the project to qualify for contributions to the regional wetland reserve program. Inter-Fluve negotiated with the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide 7.1 acres of wetland credits to the MD0T. For their part, MDOT agreed to contribute almost $100,000 to the project. As part of the design process, Inter-Fluve conducted a functional wetland assessment consistent with protocols established by the MDOT. Design also included topographic mapping, hydraulic modeling and a geomorphic assessment. Construction was conducted over two field seasons. A 2,800-foot long reach of stream was lengthened to almost 4,000 feet and now provides aquatic, wetland and riparian habitat. This project is one of MDFWP’s largest stream restoration design/build projects. Wetland, Lake Pond Creation/Enhancement
Inter-Fluve has built and enhanced hundreds of aquatic amenities including ponds, lakes, and wetlands. Our designs result in natural bodies of water that blend with surrounding landscapes and local land use practices, provide excellent habitat for fish and other wildlife, and offer premier angling and recreational opportunities. Inter-Fluve provides wetland delineation, design, permitting and construction services for a wide range of applications including wetland banking, pond and lake enhancement, and waterfowl habitat. Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Assessments
Inter-Fluve's multidisciplinary staff performs fish and habitat survey, inventories, and assessments for landowners and resource agencies. We regularly perform both standardized and customized assessments including fisheries and aquatic invertebrate population surveys; habitat mapping and assessements; channel, bank and riparian condition evaluations; in-stream flow assessments (IFIM); and water quality evaluation. We cater surveys and inventories to both pre-design applications and post-implementation monitoring in river systems throughout the United States.
Fish and Aquatic Habitat
We believe that effective stream habitat improvement should result in sustained habitat stability, diversity, and function within the hydraulic, geomorphic, and biological parameters of each stream system. Because streams and rivers are physically dynamic and biologically complex, effective fish habitat improvement requires innovative approaches. We maximize habitat variability and availability on every project we undertake. Our approach to in-channel habitat improvement relies on the manipulation of bedforms and channel geometry to create habitat that appears and functions naturally. Recognizing that fish habitat also relies on watershed and riparian condition, we promote sound land stewardship practices and tailor our projects to reduce out-of-channel degradation.
Geomorphic Assessment
The science of fluvial geomorphology provides a foundation for river management decisions. Fluvial geomorphologists have been integral members of Inter-Fluve staff since the company was founded. Inter-Fluve’s geomorphic assessment include field observation and measurement, classification of river reaches, analysis of field data, and lab analysis of field samples.
Sediment Transport Analyses
Sediment transport is at once the most important element of natural channel design and the most difficult to accurately quantify. Inter-Fluve specializes in sediment transport in urban and wild rivers, from incised and aggrading channels to those in equlibrium with careful attention to current research and applied sciences.
Hydrologic and Hydraulic Analyses
Inter-Fluve regularly performs detailed hydrologic and hydraulic analyses that include field discharge measurements, statistical analysis of flood probabilities and return intervals, synthetic derivation of channel flow, and determination of channel forming discharge. Our hydrologists and licensed professional hydraulic engineers are skilled in conducting all necessary hydrologic and hydraulic analyses and modeling.
Geotechnical Investigations
Inter-Fluve’s geotechnical engineers provide subsurface explorations that evaluate streambank materials for erosion and mass failure potential as well as for drainage and soil properties under saturated conditions or rapid drawdown scenarios. Various floodplain soil materials are studied for suitability for streambank and wetland construction, stream channel relocation, and constructability issues. Those findings are then applied toward innovative alternatives and design of stabilization.
Permit Acquisition
Inter-Fluve assists in securing all federal, state, and local permits for all projects we design. Permitting is a phased effort that requires careful consideration of regulatory requirements and the local and regional requirements of specific rivers and projects, as well as appropriate timeframes for submittal of permit applications.
Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, and Turnkey
Inter-Fluve has extensive experience building projects we have designed. That experience enables us to provide cost-effective design-build approaches to any project, and to complete projects under established timeframes and budgets. We have well-established relationships with construction firms in all of our market regions and our design professionals are seasoned field construction supervisors. Inter-Fluve is well versed in providing bidding materials and services to ensure a smooth transition from design to construction.
Construction Oversight
Inter-Fluve builds the projects designed by Inter-Fluve -- our professional scientists and engineers are experienced not only in targeted stream restoration, but also in overseeing the construction and implementation of their designs. River projects require a thorough understanding of materials and processes that result in both habitat value and channel stability. We provide quality assurance and quality control to ensure that projects are constructed as designed, to find creative solutions to unexpected site conditions during construction, and to ensure cost-effective approaches to all construction methods.
Urban River Design and Planning
Inter-Fluve understands the complexity of watershed management within an urban corridor. Our qualified civil engineer, water resources engineer, fluvial geomorphologists and fisheries biologists work closely with architects, landscape architects, and structural engineers to enhance and restore natural resources within urban environments.
Courses and Training in Natural Channel Design
Inter-Fluve offers daylong and weeklong courses in natural channel design to practitioners and regulators from consulting firms, regulatory agencies, and other industry professionals. Our background in both academic and applied resource sciences allows us to communicate effectively with a wide audience. Our weeklong course covers all related natural and engineering sciences applied to natural channel design, state-of-the-art practices in channel design, construction methods and techniques, bioengineered bank design, and fish habitat enhancement.
Workshops and Seminars
Inter-Fluve is committed to the development of the science of river restoration and to continually raising the standards for the industry. We are recognized as leaders in the field, and as such are regularly involved in providing workshops and seminars to public agencies, to stakeholders and the interested public. We have presented our restoration approach and techniques at universities and federal research facilities, and in the field through guided fieldtrips to disturbed and restored channel systems.
Bank Stabilization and Soil Bioengineering
Inter-Fluve pioneered the application of soil bioengineering to riverbank stabilization. Our professional staff has conducted extensive research and development of geotechnical, structural, vegetative, and hydraulic design of state-of-the-art applications for stabilizing eroding banks. We develop environmentally sensitive solutions to address any design criteria, from protection of infrastructure to providing naturally deforming natural banks in pristine dynamic environments. Bank design and construction is a key element in natural channel design, and our experience developing innovative solutions to stabilizing banks is applied in all channel design projects. Our comprehensive understanding of biodegradable erosion fabrics, riparian vegetation, and other bank protection materials and methods enables us to develop site-specific solutions to erosion problems.
Dam RemovalInter-Fluve has performed feasibility studies, design, and implementation of dam removal projects including low head dams in Florida, small dams in the Midwest, and large western dams. Inter-Fluve applies expertise in natural sciences and engineering to evaluate the feasibility and orchestrate the design and removal of small and large dams. Dam and structure removal requires careful attention to addressing accumulated sediments, altered sediment transport and hydrologic regimes, creation of new channels, and associated streambank construction.
Hydraulic Structures
Inter-Fluve specializes in the design of hydraulic structures that promote habitat value in streams and rivers. We have designed and built diversions: drop structures; fish ladders, barriers, and screens; siphons; flumes; and numerous other structures that control or direct the flow of water. We develop structural solutions that not only maintain a long life of service under dynamic river conditions, but that also meet the often-conflicting needs of water users and fish.
Inter-Fluve offers an incredible depth of experience that remains unchallenged nationally and internationally. Our professional team maintains a focus on integrating science and engineering for complex water resources and aquatic habitat restoration. Mr. Koonce has twenty-four years experience formulating and managing restoration projects for the development of salmon habitat and trout habitat throughout the United States, Canada, New Zealand and South America. He has conducted research into life stage habitat requirements for trout, steelhead, coho and chinook salmon, and has developed strategies to remedy migratory passage for both adult and juvenile salmonids. Mr. Koonce combines his fisheries background with fluvial geomorphology, studying stream channel form and process, including characteristics of natural channel and sediment transport dynamics. Greg’s communication skills and knowledge of fisheries issues are commonly used to facilitate the interaction between agencies, developers and citizen groups concerned with riparian areas, greenways and stream habitats. Mr. Mikkelsen has twenty-one years of experience working in the fields of natural resource restoration, fisheries and biological investigation. For the last 12 years, he has focused specifically on aquatic habitat enhancement for Pacific salmonids. His extensive background in ecosystem restoration combined with his proven project management skills has led to many successes on demanding national and international water resource projects. Lon’s skills and background knowledge are used to facilitate the interaction between agencies, landscape architects, citizen groups and multi-disciplinary design groups. He specializes in developing multi-use restoration plans and strategies in a variety of urban and rural landscapes. He has taught ecosystem and environmental restoration seminars for the USACE, Washington State Department of Ecology, US Fish & Wildlife, University of Oregon School of Architecture and Allied Arts, Harvard University School of Design and for many local and state resource agencies and citizen concern groups. Mike Brunfelt Mike Brunfelt has thirteen years of experience as a hydrologist/ fluvial geomorphologist. His experience includes fluvial geomorphic stream assessment, stream channel design, forest hydrology, natural resource management and construction supervision. Mike’s interests include fluvial geomorphic river histories, large wood function in world rivers and project construction. He has extensive experience managing, designing and building projects that require large volumes of wood material to restore aquatic habitats within streams, rivers and valley floor floodplains. His ability to direct construction using 30% designs provides clients an option that, in many instances, produces a higher value and lower cost alternative to traditional construction level design-bid contracts. Mr. Melchior has ten years of professional experience in salmonid and warmwater fish habitat restoration, fisheries population analysis, fluvial geomorphology and biotic assessment, natural channel design and watershed management. He is skilled in examining the biotic and physical characteristics of stream systems and in using these relationships to solve restoration problems. Marty has presented bioengineering techniques to both State and Federal agencies, was a facilitator of the 2001 Small Dam Removal Workshop and is an active member of the multi-disciplinary Wisconsin Small Dam Committee. Jason Smith has more than eight years experience as a fisheries biologist. His indepth understanding of stream and riparian habitat, as well as natural resource construction techniques, provides invaluable expertise when working on complex river systems. He is adept at project scoping, biological investigations, field habitat reviews, design consultation with project planners, agency consultation, and environmental permitting. Jason applies his education and experience to fisheries, riparian, wetland, and upland habitat evaluation projects. He has established positive working relationships with regulatory, educational, private, and public organizations. Mr. Southall has over five years of professional experience related to creating and implementing environmental solutions. As part of Inter-Fluve’s design team for a variety of channel restoration projects, Nick contributes his fluvial geomorphologic and natural resource knowledge to design development and often assists in refining designs and producing construction documents. Additional experience includes participation in a variety of environmental impact assessments and wetland delineations. Nick has a strong understanding of working with a variety of disciplines which compliments Inter-Fluve’s multidisciplinary approach to project management. His experience in fieldwork and research techniques includes soil, water and vegetation analysis, habitat surveys, biochemical techniques, and data analysis and processing. Mr. Phaneuf has eleven years of experience in computer aided drafting focusing on architectural and civil engineering design. He has participated in over 100 Inter-Fluve projects involving bioengineered streambank stabilization, large-scale river channel relocation, wetland restoration, biotechnical erosion control, and habitat enhancement for trout and salmon. His background in traditional architectural engineering enables him to develop drawings and plan sets that are easily interpreted by contractors, permitting agencies and citizen advisory groups. Mr. Rye has fifteen years of professional experience in the areas of river engineering, natural resource and watershed management as a hydrologist, design engineer, and project manager. He is proficient in channel designs, hydrology, design of hydraulic structures, and related computer software applications. Marty’s project experience includes dam removals, hydraulic and hydrologic studies, design of hydraulic structures, flood routing, floodplain analysis, and storm water quality analysis. Marty’s broad experience has given him a unique perspective into issues that have a direct impact on water resources management. Janet Corsale has fifteen years of broad professional experience in stream, river and wetland restoration design and construction; drainage system planning and design; storm water quality management; and flood control and mitigation. Her project expertise includes: hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, bioengineered bank stabilization, channel design and relocation, aquatic and riparian habitat restoration, fish passage analysis and design, developing construction documents, and construction inspection. Janet has worked on projects located in urban watersheds, as well as wildland and desert environments. She has twelve years of experience managing multi-disciplinary teams for complex water resources projects that include field investigations, technical studies, planning, permitting, design, construction and monitoring. Dan Miller has over thirteen years of applied open channel hydraulics and sediment transport engineering experience. Mr. Miller’s work has focused on stream hydraulics, sediment transport and fisheries engineering along wild land and urban stream systems. Dan’s projects include analysis and design preparation of construction documents, and construction oversight for stream creation, relocation and restoration; streambank stabilization; fish passage; dam removal; aquatic habitat enhancement; prediction of sediment transport loads/budgets and assessment of stream process. He has managed a number of large-scale water resources projects. His projects are scattered throughout the Rocky Mountain West, the Pacific Northwest, and Alaska. Bill has eleven years of professional experience, specializing in hydraulic & hydrologic analyses, field engineering, wetland and stream channel design. His civil engineering background provides balance and a knowledge of engineering fundamentals which are incorporated into our natural science design approach. Bill has managed a number of diverse water resource projects in the Pacific Northwest, including biotechnical riverbank stabilization for urban streams containing endangered salmonids, wetlands design and construction, fisheries enhancement and fish passage channel designs. Mr. McAllister has eight years experience working with multidisciplinary teams at Inter-Fluve. Mike has been involved in all facets of stream channel and restoration design for projects located in urbanized and agriculturally impacted environments. He has specific expertise in hydrologic analysis, hydraulic analysis, scour & erodability investigations, bed and bank stabilization design, topographic surveying, ACAD design & drawing oversight, and construction oversight. While water resource engineering and streambank bioengineering are his forte, his environmental background includes constructed wetland design, water pollution chemistry, and aquatic ecology. Mr. Selle has over four years of professional experience in fisheries management, engineering, and river restoration. He has a unique interdisciplinary background in fisheries biology, fluvial geomorphology, and hydraulic engineering. He is adept at evaluating, designing, and implementing projects that encounter complex biological issues requiring equally complex hydraulic and/or geomorphic solutions. Andy has been involved in several research projects representing new trends in the science of restoration including the analysis of large woody debris structures in stream habitat restoration and the effects of dam removal on channel geometry and instream aquatic fauna. His experience involving projects with many facets of the river system make him an invaluable member of multidisciplinary teams assembled to address such issues. |