Our experience in wetland habitat restoration began 30 years ago with the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program (UMRR), the largest restoration program ever undertaken on a major waterway, worldwide.  Since then we have carried out many more restorations along the inland waters of the United States, including restoration after large-scale environmental remediation.  

One of the challenges faced during a remediation, restoration, or construction project located
in the middle of a marshland is access.  Typically contractors have to construct temporary roads to safely reach work areas.  This requirement is costly, especially in the case of an environmental remediation project where all materials have to be removed and disposed of as hazardous waste.  Building temporary roads also negatively impacts the sensitive wetland environment and its inhabitants.   There are other options that can save time and money, while greatly reducing the negative impact on both aquatic plant and animal species. 

Our final installment of becoming a tow boat master focuses on the demanding schedule that one will encounter if he or she chooses this path.  It is not an easy schedule, but the rewards have drawn many.