"River Profiles" takes readers on an immersive journey into the world of river and freshwater restoration. The author does an incredible job describing the work he is reporting on, and even participating in, which makes you feel like you're right there with him, experiencing the challenges and successes of river restoration. The descriptive writing made learning even more engaging and understandable, especially for folks who may not have an existing interest in river or freshwater restoration.

A quote that really resonated with me, as someone who also has worked in river restoration and conservation, as well as ocean conservation, was, "Like many fields, diagnoses are plentiful and cheap, solutions are rare and unusually expensive“.

I had never heard of river cane before reading this book and the chapter was illuminating! I immediately started to research more about these plants and conservation efforts.

Very importantly, Pete Hill makes sure to include the critical importance of restoration involving and centering Indigenous people, and the uses of plants, food, and habitat as a part of restoration project goals. Land and food sovereignty are a core part of restoration work. This is commonly forgotten, or deliberately ignored, in restoration work. This needs to change in the field.

This book also dives into dam removal, speaking about the Elhwa and Snake River. The author does a great job delving into some of the nuances of dam removal and the rivers impacted by dams, both before dam installation, during, and after. The following quote is a great example of his perspective and understanding of dam removal: "I tell people river restoration is the goal, dam removal is the tool". One such topic the author touches on is the complexity of hatcheries for salmon conservation and relating to dam removal. While river restoration can lessen the dependency on hatcheries for salmon conservation, hatcheries are still an important part of preserving salmon populations, though there are issues with many existing hatcheries. The author also uses dam removal to show how folks who usually stand on opposing political sides have come together, and continue to come together, to breach the Snake River dams.

I received a free ARC via NetGalley for this book. Thank you to NetGalley, publisher and author!