Engineering applies technical, scientific, and mathematical knowledge in using natural laws and physical resources to design and create materials, structures, machines, devices, systems, and processes in order to accomplish a desired objective. Engineers within AWAE work with soil and water research, aquatic probability and prediction modeling, erosion control materials and other mitigation techniques, fire behavior models, etc.

Civil Engineering deals with design, construction and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including works such as bridges, roads, canals, dams and buildings.

WEPP: Water Erosion Prediction Project

WEPP The Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) soil erosion model is being developed by an interagency group of scientists including the USDA's Forest Service, Agricultural Research Service, and Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Department of Interior's Bureau of Land Management and Geological Survey. Scientists from these agencies throughout the United States have been working since 1985 to develop WEPP to replace the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE). The WEPP model is a complex computer program that describes the processes that lead to erosion. MORE

Recent Publications

Elliot, W.J. 2010. Effects of Forest Biomass Use on Watershed Processes in the Western United States. Western Journal of Applied Forestry 25(1):12-17.

Elliot, William; Hyde, Kevin; MacDonald, Lee; McKean, James. 2010. Tools for analysis. Chapter 13 in: Elliot, W.J.; Miller, I.S.; Audin, L., eds. 2010. Cumulative watershed effects of fuel management in the western United States. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-231. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 246-276.

Elliot, William J.; Miller, Ina Sue; Audin, Lisa., eds. 2010. Cumulative watershed effects of fuel management in the western United States. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-231. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 299 p.

Robichaud, Pete R.; MacDonald, Lee H.; Foltz, Randy B. 2010. Fuel management and erosion. Chapter 5 in: Elliot, W.J.; Miller, I.S.; Audin, L., eds. 2010. Cumulative watershed effects of fuel management in the western United States. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-231. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 79-100.

Foltz, R.B.; Wagenbrenner, N.S. in press. An evaluation of three wood shred blends for post-fire erosion control using indoor simulated rain events on small plots. Catena.

Robichaud, P.R., J.W. Wagenbrenner, R.E. Brown, and K.M. Spigel. 2009. Three years of hillslope sediment yields following the Valley Complex Fires, western Montana.  Research Paper, RMRS-RP-77, USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fort Collins, Colorado.

Scott, D.F, M.P. Curran, P.R. Robichaud, and J.W. Wagenbrenner.  2009. Soil erosion after forest fire.  In A. Cerdá and P.R. Robichaud (Eds.) Fire Effects on Soils and Restoration Strategies. Science Publishers, Enfield, NH. pp.177-196.