This book addresses societal relationships to river systems, highlighting many unexplored possibilities in how we know and manage our rivers. Brierley contends that although we have good scientific understanding of rivers, with remarkable prospect for profound improvements to river condition, management applications greatly under-deliver. He conceptualizes approaches to river repair in two very different ways: Medean (competitive) and Gaian (cooperative). Rather than 'managing' rivers to achieve particular anthropogenic goals (the former option), this book adopts a more-than-human approach to 'living with living rivers' (the latter option), applying a river rights framework that conceptualizes rivers as sentient entities. Chapters build on significant experience across many parts of the world, emphasizing the diverse array of river attributes and relationships to be protected and the wide range of problems to be addressed. Although the book has an environmental focus, it is framed as an argument in popular philosophy, contemplating the agency of rivers as place-beings. It will be of great value to academics, students and general readers interested in protecting river systems.

Across much of the industrialized world, rivers that were physically transformed and ecologically ruined to facilitate industrial and agricultural development are now the focus of restoration and rehabilitation efforts. "River Futures "discusses the emergence of this new era of river repair and documents a biophysical framework for river science and management.

The book provides a holistic overview of considerations that underpin the use of science in river management, emphasizing crossdisciplinary understanding that builds on a landscape template.

This volume

- frames the development of integrative river science and its application to river rehabilitation programs - develops a coherent set of guiding principles with which to approach integrative river science - considers the application of cross-disciplinary thinking in river rehabilitation experiences from around the world - examines the crossover between science and management, outlining issues that must be addressed to promote healthier river futures

Case studies explore practical applications in different parts of the world, highlighting approaches to the use of integrative river science, measures of success, and steps that could be taken to improve performance in future efforts.

"River Futures "is a valuable resource for anyone involved in river restoration and management, including restorationists, scientists, managers, and policymakers, as well as undergraduate and graduate students.