About ICF

Brendan Belby

Principal Geomorphologist and Hydrologist, Habitat Restoration
Brendan is a certified professional hydrologist and ecological restoration practitioner with more than 20 years of experience in fluvial geomorphology and surface water hydrology.

Brendan applies his knowledge of hydrologic and geomorphic processes to develop strategies to counteract degradation, provide environmental stream flows, and design and implement habitat restoration designs. His emphasis is on stream restoration and investigation of human impacts in riverine environments.

Brendan manages projects with key geomorphology and hydrology objectives using hydrologic modeling to assess unimpaired and impaired stream flows.  He uses 2D hydraulic modeling and sediment transport analysis to evaluate how altered flows change suitable habitats for target species; recommends channel maintenance flows; and develops new channel, fish passage, and habitat structure designs.

Brendan also evaluates the impacts of dams and diversions on hydrologic processes and sediment deliveries to regulated reaches. He implements channel assessment, stream gaging, sediment transport measurement, groundwater well installation, wetland water budgets, and numerical modeling in his work.

In his habitat restoration work, Brendan uses GIS to analyze air photos, LiDAR, and other data to evaluate historic land-use changes, identify key geomorphic processes, and identify the opportunities and constraints of alternative restoration designs.

"Working on habitat restoration allows me the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded folks who share a similar dedication. As a consultant, I assist clients with implementing their visions for enhancing the lands they manage, and in the communities they live."
Education
  • Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner, Society for Ecological Restoration
  • Certified Professional Hydrologist, American Institute of Hydrology
  • M.S., Geomorphology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign