Guidelines, processes and tools for coastal ecosystem restoration, with examples from the United States

Abstract

This paper presents a systematic approach to coastal restoration projects with five components: planning, implementation, performance assessment, adaptive management, and dissemination of results. Typical features of the iterative planning process are synthesized, beginning with a vision, a description of the ecosystem and landscape, and goals. The conceptual model and planning objectives are developed, prioritization techniques are used for site selection, and numerical models contribute to preliminary designs as needed. Within the planning process, cost analysis involves budgeting, scheduling, and financing. Performance criteria and reference sites are selected during design of the monitoring program. Particular emphasis is given to the monitoring program, used as a tool to assess project performance and identify problems affecting progression toward project goals, within an adaptive management framework. Key approaches to aspects of the monitoring program are reviewed and detailed with project examples. Another important means of strengthening the restoration project or program is documentation, peer review, and the distribution of information outside the planning team prior to finalizing construction plans, during implementation, and throughout monitoring and adaptive management. Introduction to the Restoration Project ComponentsIn planning a coastal restoration project, sound ecological science and engineering and rigorous planning procedures are equally important. A failure in any area can lead to costly retrofitting during or after project implementation (Noble et al. 2000). A range of planning methods and theories may be used, including, for example, rational, incremental, adaptive, and consensual approaches.Implementation may include many forms of construction "actions". Shreffler et al. (1995) list common actions including ground enhancement, rip rap installation, culvert installation, culvert cleanout and removal, channel cleaning, erosion control, vegetation planting, dike removal, dike/dam/levee building, and cattle fencing. In a national review of coastal restoration methods, Borde et al. (2003) describe innovative restoration methods in habitats including coral reefs, mangroves, salt marshes, and intertidal zones (seagrasses), including the placement of reef balls and other underwater structures.A monitoring program for performance assessment does not need to be complex and expensive to be effective (Kentula et al. 1992a). The National Research Council (1992) recommended that to assess the equivalency of the restored system to the antecedent one, wetland restoration monitoring programs should observe ten conditions. In developing monitoring protocols for assessment of two large estuaries on the West Coast U.S.A. (Simenstad et al. 1991, Roegner et al. 2009), we have found that these ten conditions are generally applicable to coastal restoration projects: (1) assessment criteria should include structural and functional attributes; (2) criteria should be based on known antecedent condi...

Estuary ecosystem restoration: implementing and institutionalizing adaptive management

“…CEERP managers make decisions about which restoration projects to advance in the restoration design and construction phase, in context of the basic restoration strategy to reconnect tidal wetlands to the main stem estuary and in consultation with restoration sponsors and other stakeholders. These decisions are informed by results from a prioritization exercise (Thom et al ) that is based on disturbance theory applied at site and landscape scales (Shreffler & Thom ) and project rating criteria involving predicted changes in ecosystem function, likelihood of achieving project goals, size of project, and cost (Evans et al ). Management decisions are also informed by project reviews conducted by the ERTG for estuary ecosystem restoration (Krueger et al ) and the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership's Project Review Committee.…”