Damage to earthen dams and dam safety issues associated with tree and woody vegetation penetrations of earthen dams is all too often believed to be a routine maintenance situation by many dam owners, dam safety regulators, and engineers. Contrary to this belief, tree and woody vegetation penetrations of earthen dams and their appurtenances have been demonstrated to be causes of serious structural deterioration and distress that can result in failure of earthen dams. The course material is based entirely on the FEMA 534\September-2005 Technical Manual for Dam Owners: Impacts of Plants on Earthen Dams.

At the conclusion of this course, the learner will have a better understanding about the Impacts of Plants on Earthen Dams as well as the following:

• Advanced awareness of the characteristics and seriousness of dam safety problems associated with tree and woody vegetation growth impacts on earthen dams
• A higher level of understanding of dam safety issues associated with tree and woody vegetation growth impacts on earthen dams by reviewing current damage control policies
• A guidance for remediation design considerations associated with damages associated with tree and woody vegetation growth on earthen dams
• Techniques and procedures for management of desirable and undesirable vegetation on earthen dams