AbstractSince 1982, Danish legislation on streams and drainage has included clauses which make it possible to implement river restoration. In this paper, the Danish shift in policy from drainage to the return of wetlands is described. To illustrate the new beginning on catchment management, two major river‐restoration schemes, i.e. the River Brede demonstration project and the River Skjern Nature project, are presented. Both projects have been implemented and consist of many parts, including (a) returning the straight, regulated rivers back to their former meanders, (b) introducing better hydraulic interaction between the river and its meadows, and (c) establishing former lakes, bogs, ponds and marshes. Also, an increase in security against flooding has resulted, as the regulated 'water‐motorways'have become more natural, with buffer‐zones and retention of water in the restored features.
Originating as the Stream Corridor Management Workgroup early in 1997, the first major milepost in seeking a statewide-integrated approach to working in and near streams, lakes, and wetlands was a Stream Corridor Management Symposium, held in Ellensburg in June 1998. Major partners in this effort were the Washington Departments of Transportation, Ecology, and Fish and Wildlife. The three-day symposium was structured with three areas of emphasis: • The first section presented the fundamentals of watershed assessment, stream channel classification, hydrology, geomorphology, aquatic and terrestrial riparian ecology, function and fate of woody debris in streams. • The second emphasis section was a presentation of alternative approaches to stream restoration, streambank stabilization, and the regulatory environment. • The third emphasis section was an intensive, all-day peer review workshop for the draft Integrated Streambank Protection Guidelines (ISPG), developed by a team led by Ken Bates and Michelle Kramer, at WDFW. Continuing efforts by WDOT toward regulatory streamlining, the rapidly expanding list of anadromous salmonids designated Threatened or Endangered under the federal ESA, the creation of Washington's salmon recovery plan and Salmon Recovery Funding Board, combined with a widespread recognition that many private and government stream habitat restoration efforts were well-meant but poorly designed and executed. Many regulatory agency staff have general skills in resource and environmental management, and project proponents are often lay persons. Neither regulated community or regulators typically have skills in stream sciences. Anadromous salmonid recovery efforts must incorporate important marine and estuarine habitats, as well as freshwater components. The Stream Corridor Management Symposium peer review workshop, subsequent technical editing and rewriting of the ISPG led to an understanding among WDOT, WDFW and Ecology that a systematic, structured approach was needed to address the technical and scientific dimensions of most routine activities and initiatives for watershed restoration efforts throughout Washington. Thus, the original workgroup became the steering committee for what is now known as the Aquatic Habitat Guidelines project. The project addressed this huge task by developing a systematic survey of the issues and current state of the knowledge on categories including gravel mining and dredging in freshwater environments, marine dredging, freshwater overwater structures, marine overwater structures, process based channel design, treated wood in marine and freshwater environments, floodplain-riparian ecological issues, shoreline modifications, et cetera. These "white papers" were drafted by the best experts obtainable from resource and environmental management agencies, academia, and the private sector, and were subjected to peer review and iterative revision as in accepted scientific practice. From these peer reviewed white papers, a number of Guidance Documents will be produced, similar in scope and utility to the ISPG and guidance prepared by WDFW for culvert design and installation, and fishways and fish passage. An $850K grant from the Washington Salmon Recovery Funding Board underwrote eight advanced White Paper drafts, which will be available by the end of April, 2001, for review and downloading electronically, with links from the participating agencies. The first guidance document will be the much-needed Channel Design Guidelines, which will be ready in 2002. The US Army Corps of Engineers is joining the AHG Steering Committee, with their need for ESA programmatics for Section 404 CWA permitting and Section 10 Rivers and Harbors Act responsibilities. NMFS and USFWS were invited, and attended the peer review workshop in Tacoma in November 2000. Funding for continued development of guidelines documents for freshwater and marine overwater structures, treated wood, shoreline modifications, dredging and gravel mining, and AHG training and implementation are not yet committed by participating agencies. The AHG program will be integrated into statewide implementation of transportation facility design, construction and maintenance, streamlined local, state, and federal regulatory review of activities in or near aquatic, riparian, and floodplain environments, stream restoration design, and we anticipate federal review of projects, programmatics, and Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) under Sections 4D, 7 and 10 of the federal ESA, using AHGs. Aquatic Habitat Guidelines are to be integrated into the Washington Salmon Recovery Plan, granta review under Centennial Clean Water Fund and Section 319, federal Clean Water Act grants, and other grant sources.
This paper presents a comparison of the successes and failures associated with two urban creek restoration programs, one in northern California (Temescal Creek, Alameda County) and another in southern California (White Oak Creek, Ventura County). Both programs were undertaken in response to flood control planning needs in urbanizing areas. The Temescal Creek effort was initiated nearly 30 years ago while the White Oak Creek program was completed about four years ago. Based on success criteria developed by the author, it is evident that the more recent White Oak Creek program has resulted in significant success while the earlier Temescal Creek restoration has not achieved what are considered generally acceptable levels of success criteria. An explanation for the differential degree of restoration achievement is provided in this paper. This explanation can be summarized briefly as being attributable to the following changes in management and scientific practice over the past 30 years. First, the legal basis for achieving successful restoration has changed substantially during this time period. Monitoring requirements imposed by wetland/riparian regulatory agencies have provided an effective platform to enforce sustained monitoring and to require modifications to horticultural programs that fail during the monitoring period. Conservation easements are now typically required to provide perpetual legal protection to habitat restoration oriented programs. Monitoring programs and their periodicity are critical to long-term restoration success--the author recommends that the standard annual monitoring frequencies adopted by state and federal regulatory agencies should be increased. Second, it is evident that properly engineered low flow distribution structures between retention basins and downstream areas are critical to success. Without proper engineering and careful testing and monitoring of low flow diversions, the essential sources of water and nutrients for a successful restoration program cannot be insured. The introduction of constant low flow water to an urbanized stream converts ephemeral and intermittent streams to new "artificial" perennial systems. These new hydrologic conditions are prone to invasive plant dispersion and can impact the adaptability of indigenous vegetation. This situation further supports the need for on-going monitoring and maintenance through the use of conservation easements. Finally, social and local government political factors also play a role in the process of whether a sustained program of streambed restoration will succeed or fail. Changing demographics and community values may alter the integrity of the approved plan over time. Understanding and properly anticipating urban design issues and population pressures on a restored streambed substantially influence whether a program will, in the long run, succeed or fail as an habitat restoration effort. Planning the transition from professional monitoring to community 'Streamkeeper' programs is one way to ensure reliable long term monitoring.
In: Nienhuis , P H , Bakker , J P , Grootjans , A P , Gulati , R D & de Jonge , V N 2002 , ' The state of the art of aquatic and semi-aquatic ecological restoration projects in the Netherlands ' , Hydrobiologia , vol. 478 , no. 1-3 , pp. 219-233 .
The Netherlands are a small, low-lying delta in W. Europe (42 000 km 2;50degrees-54degrees N; 3degrees-8degrees E), mainly consisting of alluvial deposits from the North Sea and from the large rivers Rhine and Meuse. The country was 'created by man'. The conversion of natural aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems into drained agricultural land was a major cultural operation over the past 1000 years. Roughly 55% of the country's surface area is still agricultural land. Some decades ago, The Netherlands' landscape was characterised by an armoured coastline and bridled estuaries, a drastically reduced area of saline and freshwater marshes, fully regulated rivers and streams, and numerous artificial lakes. The aquatic ecosystems beyond the influence of the large rivers, the Pleistocene raised bogs and moor lands, have almost been completely annihilated in the past. Acidification and eutrophication led to the deterioration of the remaining softwater lake vegetation. Last but not least, an artificial drainage system was constructed, leading to an unnatural water table all over the country, high in summer, low in winter. Only very recently, some 25 years ago, the tide has been turned and ecological rehabilitation and restoration of disturbed ecosystems are in full swing now, enhanced by the European Union policy to set aside agricultural land in the Netherlands in favour of the development of 'nature'. The state of the art of aquatic and semi-aquatic ecological restoration projects in the Netherlands is given. Starting from the conceptual basis of restoration ecology, the successes and failures of hundreds of restoration projects are given. Numerous successful projects are mentioned. In general, ecological restoration endeavours are greatly benefiting from progressive experience in the course of the years. Failures mainly occur by insufficient application of physical, chemical or ecological principles. The spontaneous colonisation by plants and animals, following habitat reconstruction, is preferred. But sometimes the ...
When considering a watershed system in the context of restoration, it is important to understand the fundamental processes controlling the form and function of the stream environment. Among these fundamental processes are the lithologic and structural geologic controls on hydrology, especially when restoration includes complex systems like wetlands. Rodeo Creek in the Marin Headlands portion of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area has undergone numerous anthropogenic changes in the past century, including agricultural forcing as well as military development. In order to investigate the way the underlying bedrock is affecting the creeks' wetlands, the area was mapped for structural orientation and lithology. The bedrock was found to be generally oriented in a northwest to westerly fashion and dipping toward the southwest at angles ranging from 15 to 75 degrees from the horizontal. A bedrock geologic map was constructed using these data as well as existing survey work. Areas of known wetlands were then superimposed upon the underlying bedrock structure. Wetlands were found to exist in larger distributions over contacts between different rock types. Differential erosion is suspected of creating hollows within the bedrock where alluvium can collect and become saturated with groundwater creating wetlands. This holds relevance to stream restoration work, in that, this is a way to assess the spatial distribution of where wetlands naturally occur. This technique may provide guidance to restoration efforts by more effectively locating wetlands where the watershed "wants" them to be. Additionally, this may also be a way to assess the groundwater regime of similar watersheds.
This work presents recent research in fluvial geomorphology related to the assessment and characterization of riverine and riparian habitat and the response of biota to changes in their environment. Some papers describe methods for investigating geomorphic habitats, while others compare and contrast active geomorphic processes and human disturbances, and describe restoration methods and mitigation strategies. A conclusion discusses issues involved in integrating an understanding of geomorphology and riverine habitat into landscape- scale environmental management. Material originated at the 1998 fall meeting of the American Geophysical Union, held in San Francisco. This work lacks a subject index. c. Book News Inc
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Freshwater biodiversity is under threat worldwide, but the intensity of threat in the Oriental biogeographic region of tropical Asia is exceptional. Asia is the most densely populated region on Earth. Many rivers in that region are grossly polluted, and significant portions of their drainage basins and floodplains have been deforested or otherwise degraded. Flow regulation has been practiced for centuries, and thousands of dams have been constructed, with the result that most of the rivers are now dammed, often at several points along their course. Irrigation, hydropower, and flood security are among the perceived benefits. Recent water engineering projects in Asia have been exceptionally aggressive; they include the world's largest and tallest dams in China and a water transfer scheme intended to link India's major rivers. Some of these projects, i.e., those on the Mekong, have international ramifications that have yet to be fully played out. Overexploitation has exacerbated the effects of habitat alterations on riverine biodiversity, particularly that of fishes. Some fishery stocks have collapsed, and many fish and other vertebrate species are threatened with extinction. The pressure from growing impoverished human populations, increasingly concentrated in cities, has forced governments to focus on economic development rather than environmental protection and conservation. Although legislation has been introduced to control water pollution, which is a danger to human health. it is not explicitly intended to protect biodiversity. Where legislation has been enforced, it can be effective against point-source polluters, but it has not significantly reduced the huge quantities of organic pollution from agricultural and domestic sources that contaminate rivers such as the Ganges and Yangtze. River scientists in Asia appear to have had little influence on policy makers or the implementation of water development projects. Human demands from agriculture and industry dominate water allocation policies, and in-stream flow needs for ecosystems have yet to be widely addressed. Restoration of Asian rivers to their original state is impractical given the constraints prevailing in the region, but some degree of rehabilitation will be possible if relevant legislation and scientific information are promptly applied. Opportunities do exist: enforcement of environmental legislation in China has been strengthened, leading to the suspension of major dam projects. The 2003 introduction of an annual fishing moratorium along the Yangtze River, as well as breeding and restocking programs for endangered fishes in the Yangtze and Mekong, offer the chance to leverage other initiatives that enhance river health and preserve biodiversity, particularly that of fish species. Preliminary data indicate that degraded rivers still retain some biodiversity that can be the focus of rehabilitation efforts. To strengthen these efforts, it is important to identify which ecological features enhance biodiversity and which ones make rivers more vulnerable to human impacts. ; published_or_final_version
The Montana Water Trust, located in Missoula, Montana, is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization founded in 2001. Our mission is to work cooperatively with farmers, ranchers, and other landowners to develop voluntary agreements that increase stream flows at critical times. Using a grassroots, collaborative approach to restore and protect native fisheries and benefit local communities, the Montana Water Trust seeks to acquire water rights on dewatered tributaries in western Montana, and eventually throughout the state. In 1995, the Montana legislature amended the state's water code to allow water right holders to donate or lease some or all of their water rights for transfer to instream use. The Montana Water Trust transfers water rights from interested landowners through a variety of innovative methods, including water right purchases, leases, donations, and water saving projects. We work to maintain mutually beneficial relationships, create healthy streams for the enjoyment of local communities, and maximize the benefits of efficient water management by landowners. The Montana Water Trust uses systematic science-based methodology to ensure protection of our instream water rights and to help demonstrate and monitor the ecological benefits of our acquisitions. Restoring instreams flows is an essential part of watershed restoration. Using incentive-based conservation, the Montana Water Trust has restored 13 cubic feet/second -- over 8 million gallons per day! -- to tributaries in western Montana during seasons critical for native fish. We have several projects scheduled for 2005 that should provide ecological and economic benefits to streams & communities in western Montana.
The U.S. Geological Survey has monitored and assessed the quality of our Nation's streams and ground water since its inception in 1879. Today, USGS provides information on issues such as the suitability of water for public supply and irrigation, aquatic ecosystem health, effects of agriculture and urbanization on water resources, acid rain, and disposal of radioactive waste. Through the integration of its six major water-quality programs, the USGS continues its mission to provide timely and relevant water-resources data and information that is freely available to all levels of government, non-governmental organizations, industry, academia, and the general public. The information provides a scientific basis for decision making related to resource management and restoration, and how we as individuals interact with our environment.
Intro -- Cover -- Half Title -- Title Page -- Copyright Page -- Dedication -- Preface -- Acknowledgments -- Editors -- Contributors -- List of Color Plates -- Table of Contents -- Chapter 1: Introduction -- Chapter 2: Definitions and Classifications -- Chapter 3: Setting and History -- Chapter 4: Hydrology and Impacts of Disturbances on Hydrologic Function -- Chapter 5: Linkages Between Riparian Corridors and Surrounding Watersheds -- Chapter 6: Human Alterations of Riparian Ecosystems -- Chapter 7: Riparian Flora -- Chapter 8: Mammals, Avifauna and Herpetofauna -- Chapter 9: Native and Introduced Fishes: Their Status, Threats and Conservation -- Chapter 10: Insects and Other Invertebrates: Ecological Roles and Indicators of Riparian and Stream Health -- Chapter 11: Livestock Grazing in Riparian Areas: Environmental Impacts, Management Practices and Management Implications -- Chapter 12: Wildlife Population and Habitat Management Practices -- Chapter 13: Fish Habitats: Conservation and Management Implications -- Chapter 14: Water Availability and Recreational Opportunities -- Chapter 15: Riparian Ecosystem Assessments -- Chapter 16: Restoration of Riparian Ecosystems -- Chapter 17: Institutional Limitations to Management and Use of Riparian Resources -- Chapter 18: Future Themes and Recommendations -- Index.
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