Landscape homogenization and the degradation of proximate ecosystems have greatly impaired local aquatic environments and entire catchments throughout North America. Numerous conservation and incentive programs have the potential to mitigate lost ecological function to which a loosely defined collection of species are expected to respond. However, when implemented, the ability of stream conservation programs to meet ecological goals has been limited; likely a result of focused manipulations on isolated fragments within the stream mosaic without adequate consideration of multi-dimensional interfaces that influence local environments. The riverscape paradigm explicitly embraces the hierarchical and heterogeneous nature of linear aquatic habitats and recognizes important ecological processes at increased spatial complexity thereby providing context to understand biological response patterns to conservation. To be effective, management needs to identify and maintain important ecosystem processes, dispersal pathways, accept the ephemeral nature of local populations while planning for regional species persistence. With greater emphasis on landscape-level ecosystem function being included in the modern conservation of lotic fishes, now is an opportune time to share knowledge of lotic ecosystems at the spatial scales in which conservation outcomes are mediated. Attendees will discuss contemporary issues facing lotic systems by integrating landscape and local perspectives of lotic systems to better understand management effectiveness. Specific topics will address issues of stream connectivity, metapopulation dynamics, fish movement behaviors, occupancy patterns, and species habitat needs to better understand local lotic environments. Through discussion of the complex ecological processes that dictate local stream conditions, attendees should leave this symposium with the knowledge necessary to realistically predict species response to management actions. Attendees should leave with a better understanding of riverscape processes that will mediate outcomes to management of river systems on a national scale.