River Training Center

The River Management Society’s River Training Center (RTC), established in 2018, supports the effective management and stewardship of North American rivers by providing training for professionals and volunteers who study, protect, and manage them.

Online and in-person training workshops on various river-related topics are targeted towards river managers, river advocates and businesses who conduct work projects in or around rivers.

The RTC also has a special emphasis on Wild and Scenic River (WSR) management for both agency and public audiences.

Courses are scheduled by contract on an ongoing basis. Open enrollment training opportunities and other training related information can be found on the RMS calendar or at the RMS River Training Center Facebook page.

To schedule a course for your agency unit or organization please contact:

Angie Fuhrmann
RMS River Training Center Coordinator
[email protected]

Upcoming Training Opportunities

Contact Angie Fuhrmann, RTC Coordinator, at [email protected] for more information!

April 12-15, 2021: Visual Resource Management Workshop

The purpose of this 4-day workshop is for participants to become familiar with the language of visual inventory and impact, and the reasons for doing visual inventories, assessments, and quality ratings. In addition, the workshop will introduce different formats of doing visual inventories (especially as it relates to public property owners), and participants will experience a visual inventory in order to understand the process. Lastly, the workshop will introduce how to use the inventory and develop partnerships to be more effective in using inventories and assessments for land conservation. This training is held in conjunction with the 2021 RMS Symposium.
Register Here

April 12, 2021: An Introduction to the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act

This 1-hour training will cover the history and main components of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. This training is held in conjunction with the 2021 RMS Symposium.

We are excited to partner with American Trails to offer learning credits to attendees for this webinar. Learning credits are a separate $15 fee from the registration and can be purchased here. In order to receive these credits for distance learning, attendees must complete a quiz and fill out an evaluation survey for the webinar they attend. Attendees will receive an email from American Trails with these details following the webinar. A certificate will be emailed to attendees requesting learning credits within 21 days following the conference.
Register Here

April 12, 2021: GIS and Drone Mapping Workshop

This 3-hour workshop is designed for individuals who desire knowledge using Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for mapping projects in their organization. Attendees will learn the background skills required to safely capture UAS imagery and will be given examples of recent projects involving UAS systems. Participants will be encouraged to participate and resources will be provided for students in the areas of data collection, processing, and dissemination of UAS derived data. An emphasis will be placed on visualization in 2D and 3D along with ancillary products that can be exploited.
Register Here

April 13, 2021: Scenic River Designation Process for Virginia - An exercise in community efforts

This 1-hour training will walk through the 50-year history of the VA Scenic Rivers Program and present its challenges and successes. It will show the breadth of the program and highlight how citizen involvement makes the program a success. It will also include training on how to do a Virginia Scenic River Evaluation.
Register Here

April 21, 2021: Wild and Scenic Rivers Webinar Series - Section 7 and a Broader NEPA Analysis

2:00 - 3:30 EST

In the fourth webinar of the series, participants learn how to incorporate the Section 7 process into a broader NEPA analysis or permit process for a proposed project. Registration is free for RMS members and $15 for non-members.

May 19, 2021: Wild and Scenic Rivers Webinar Series - Outstandingly Remarkable Values

2:00 - 3:30 EST

In the fifth webinar of the series, participants learn the criteria used to determine whether a value qualifies as an outstandingly remarkable value (ORV) and how to document ORVs. Registration is free for RMS members and $15 for non-members.

May 24-28, 2021: National Wilderness Skills Institute

In the river section of the NWSI, attendees will learn the basic underpinnings of the WSR Act, how it is implemented on the river, the core competencies for river specialists, and field skills related to their positions.
More Information Here

June 3, 2021: Virtual River Ranger Rendezvous

The 2021 Virtual River Ranger Rendezvous, hosted by River Management Society, is a one-day workshop geared toward individuals responsible for the day-to-day management of our nation’s rivers. The workshop is an opportunity for participants to share leadership and management ideas, build skills related to their everyday job duties, and connect with other river rangers. The workshop will take place virtually on Zoom and is open to river rangers of all experience levels, from new hires to veterans.
More Information Here | Register Here

June 16, 2021: Wild and Scenic Rivers Webinar Series - Steps to Address User Capacities

2:00 - 3:30 EST

The sixth, and final webinar of the series, covers the basis and rationale for addressing user capacities for WSRs, and outlines a recommended framework with steps for addressing user capacities. Registration is free for RMS members and $15 for non-members.

Mission & Goals

Mission

To provide timely and effective training materials, programs and opportunities that improve the quality, consistency and capacity of river management.

Goals

To be a valued contributor to advancing the River Management Society mission.
To ensure river management professionals, their organizations and partners have the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage river resources.
To ensure a diverse pool of students and transitional professionals are aware of and well prepared for success in careers that support and advance river management.
To ensure the River Training Center brand is recognized and trusted by river managers, administrators and partners for its value in advancing professional river management practice and effectiveness.