Water Resources Engineer
GEI Consultants
Marquette, MI
Sam Prentice is a civil engineer specializing in dam removal, fish passage, and stream restoration. His recent work includes design and construction of fish passable rock rapids for warm and coldwater species while maintaining similar water surface elevations as the former dam. This design is the first of its kind to be constructed in Michigan and is a unique design pioneered by Dr. Luther Aadland to balance the ecological needs within a river system with the potential requirements to maintain an impoundment for industrial, recreational, or other community needs. In addition to these design projects, Sam had led field data and design efforts for channel restoration following dam removals over the past decase, primarily working in Michigan and the Great Lakes region. He has completed all four levels of Dr. Dave Rosgen's Natural Channel Design courses which are a national standard for stream restoration and ecological uplift. Prior to joining GEI in 2015, Sam worked at a conservation non-profit organization which helped him realize the need for public and private partnerships to fund, manage, and restore our impacted ecosystems.
PLT19 - Modifying Existing Low-Head Dams to Fish Passable Rock Rapids
Monday, September 22, 2025
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM ET