Cai Yimam
October 16, 2025 • 3 minutes
FlowWest Presents at the International Symposium on River Science
In early October, Nicole Kwan proudly represented FlowWest at the 7th International Symposium on River Science (ISRS), hosted by the Center for Watershed Sciences at the University of California, Davis. This year’s event marked the first gathering of the global ISRS community since 2019—bringing together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from around the world to exchange ideas, share discoveries, and advance the science and management of river systems.
The symposium’s diverse agenda reflected the complexity of today’s river challenges, with sessions spanning social and First Nations science, ecology, geomorphology, environmental engineering, and river policy. Each presentation contributed to a larger conversation about how scientific innovation and collaboration can promote the health and resilience of rivers worldwide.
Showcasing FlowWest’s Feather River Work
FlowWest Senior Environmental Scientist Nicole Kwan delivered an oral presentation during the session on Advances in Floodplain Science & Implications for Riverscape Resilience. Her talk, titled “Expanding Side Channel Habitat & Floodplain Connectivity in the Lower Feather River Corridor,” highlighted FlowWest’s ongoing collaboration with River Partners to evaluate and implement side channel and floodplain restoration projects along the Feather River.
Nicole’s presentation—coauthored with Cameron Tenner (Staff Engineer) and Skyler Lewis (Project Environmental Scientist)—showcased how multidisciplinary teams at FlowWest are integrating hydrologic modeling, ecological design, and adaptive management to reconnect rivers with their floodplains and enhance habitat for fish and wildlife.
Building Global Connections in River Science
The symposium provided a valuable opportunity to connect with local and international partners, exchange ideas, and explore solutions to the shared challenges faced by river scientists worldwide. From integrating social science into restoration planning to applying innovative data tools for monitoring change, the discussions underscored the importance of collaboration, creativity, and community in shaping resilient riverscapes.
FlowWest was honored to contribute to this global dialogue and remains committed to advancing the science and practice of river restoration—bridging data, engineering, and ecology to create lasting environmental and social benefits.