I received a BS in Forest Management from Colorado State University (1965), an MS in Forest Hydrology from Utah State University (1967) and a PhD in Watershed Management (minor in hydrology) from the University of Arizona (1974). I am also a Certified Professional Hydrologist (#317) by American Institute of Hydrology. Since 1974, I have been involved in the teaching, research and extension programs at Oregon State University where I am currently an Emeritus Professor.

Previous research activities have included sediment transport in mountain streams, effects of riparian vegetation on stream temperatures, large organic debris and channel morphology, subsurface flow in riparian areas, hydrology of wetlands, the influence of land use watersheds, riparian areas and streams and others. I have served on two National Research Councils: (1) factors affecting salmonid stocks in the Pacific Northwest and (2) principles of riparian management. I chose my profession because of an interest in how streams and rivers function; these interests have evolved over time to understanding how land uses and natural disturbance regimes affect riparian and aquatic resources.

Relevant Publications

Beschta, R.L. (2003). Cottonwoods, elk, and wolves in the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park. Ecological Applications, 13(5), 1295-1309.

Ripple W. J., and Beschta R. L. (2004). Wolves and the Ecology of Fear: Can Predation Risk Structure the Ecosystem? BioScience. In press.