John Muhlfeld

John was raised along the Connecticut coast just a few short miles from Long Island Sound, and a mere 40 minute train ride to New York City. He spent his summers swmiming, sailing and fishing the coast of Connecticut, and working at Uncle’s Deli in downtown Darien slinging steak ‘n cheese submarine sandwiches and crafting unique delicatessen concoctions. His family spent the summer months in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York sailing, fishing, snorkeling and diving for crawdads in local tributary streams. Over the course of 15 years, the once pristine Caroga Lake where John spent his summers deterioriated due to the introduction of aquatic invasive species, acid rain, and septic leachate. Observing his childhood lake change dramatically in such a short period of time motivated John to pursue a career in water resources.

John remained in Upstate New York and received his degree in Geoscience and Water Resources from Hobart COllege, where he investigated the effects of non-point source contamination on Seneca Lake, one of five glacially carved lakes forming the Finger Lakes region. In 22 years of professional experience, John has worked for the USDA Forest Service, and as a Forest Hydrologist with the State of Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. With River Design Group, John has been the Project Manager and lead Restoration Hydrologist for numerous large-scale restoration projects in Montana, including the O’Dell Spring Creek and wetland restoration project, and the Upper Blackfoot Mining Complex involving the headwaters of the infamous Blackfoot River.
John participates in all aspects of project development, including geomorphic investigations, design criteria development, preliminary and final design, regualtory permitting, and construction management.