Episode 10 - Mapping Rivers, Saving Streams with Hydrologist Brett Connell

In this episode Aaron Rich sits down with hydrologist and entrepreneur Brett Connell, Director of Sales at Trutta Environmental Solutions. Brett shares his journey from fishing the waters of Lake Erie as a kid to pioneering the High Definition Stream Survey (HDSS)—a groundbreaking technology used to map and restore rivers across the U.S. They dive into Brett’s field experiences, the challenges of starting a water-focused business, and how data-driven stream mapping is changing the way communities, agencies, and anglers think about conservation. From abandoned mine cleanup to hurricane recovery, Brett explains how his work helps balance development with protecting natural resources. Whether you’re passionate about fishing, water quality, or environmental innovation, this episode is full of insights, stories, and even a few laughs about cows, gators, and life on the river.