Stream and wetland restoration endeavors to return impaired systems to their near natural state. Often this is constrained by the many aspects of human activities, and that is why complete restoration may not always be possible. Restoration activities cover a very large spectrum, including but not limited to: changes to hydrology (for example instream flow, or connection of flood plain wetlands), dam removal, improved stream crossings, geomorphic stream designs, riparian buffers, improved floodplain conveyance, creating hyporheic fluxes, and improving connectivity.
In order to ultimately get to the process of restoration, understanding fundamental ecosystem functions and characteristics is imperative. This understanding is biologic, hydrologic, geologic (sediment and geomorphology), hydraulic, and sociologic. The better the understanding of these system components, the more likely the success of the restoration activities.
To learn more you can visit the Stream and Wetland Restoration home page here.