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Let the Water Do the Work is an important contribution to riparian restoration. By "thinking like a creek," one can harness the regenerative power of floods to reshape stream banks and rebuild floodplains along gullied stream channels. Induced Meandering is an artful blend of the natural sciences - geomorphology, hydrology and ecology - which govern channel forming processes. Induced Meandering directly challenges the dominant paradigm of river and creek stabilization by promoting the intentional erosion of selected banks while fostering deposition of eroded materials on an evolving floodplain. The river self-heals as the growth of native riparian vegetation accelerates the meandering process.

Not all stream channel types are appropriate for Induced Meandering, yet the Induced Meandering philosophy of "going with the flow" can inform all stream restoration projects.  Induced meandering strives to understand rivers as timeless entities governed by immutable rules serving their watersheds, setting their own timetables, and coping with their own realities as they carry mountains grain by grain to the sea.  Rivers are to be treasured and respected, never bullied or coerced.  What would life be if there were no rivers to sustain us?

This "how to" manual for restoring health and sinuosity to incised channels contains eight chapters, 252 pages, and is lushly illustrated with 300 color photos, drawings, diagrams and graphics.  Examples of successful treatments are described in detail.  The book contains annotated references, a glossary, and an appendix that includes field forms, worksheets and other tools for collecting and interpreting information pertinent to river and wetland restoration issues. 

Anyone with an interest in natural resource management in these uncertain times should read this book and put these ideas to work.
Source: The Quivira Coalition (http://quiviracoalition.org/Detailed/1113.html)