Reference condition approach to restoration planning

Abstract

Ecosystem restoration planning requires quantitative rigor to evaluate alternatives, define end states, report progress and perform environmental benefits analysis (EBA). Unfortunately, existing planning frameworks are, at best, semi-quantitative. In this paper, we: (1) describe a quantitative restoration planning approach based on a comprehensive, but simple mathematical framework that can be used to effectively apply knowledge and evaluate alternatives, (2) use the approach to derive a simple but precisely defined lexicon based on the reference condition concept and allied terms and (3) illustrate the approach with an example from the Upper Mississippi River System (UMRS) using hydrologic indicators. The approach supports the development of a scaleable restoration strategy that, in theory, can be expanded to ecosystem characteristics such as hydraulics, geomorphology, habitat and biodiversity. We identify three reference condition types, best achievable condition (A BAC ), measured magnitude (MM i which can be determined at one or many times and places) and desired future condition (A DFC ) that, when used with the mathematical framework, provide a complete system of accounts useful for goal-oriented system-level management and restoration. Published in

River stage response to alteration of Upper Mississippi River channels, floodplains, and watersheds

“…Upper Mississippi River System hydrology presented a good model of how multiple time periods and modeled scenarios (i.e., multiple reference conditions, Nestler et al, 2010) can be used to characterize and compare environmental parameters. The stepwise exploratory analyses and final combined correspondence analysis showed where each site falls among other sites in multivariate space.…”

“…Within the UMRS region, conceptual models (Lubinski, 1993;Lubinski & Barko, 2003) and data summaries (USGS, 1999;Theiling et al, 2000;WEST Consultants, 2000) support the importance of hydrologic pattern and changes caused by multiple cumulative effects. More recently, a multiple reference condition framework for river restoration and a specific multivariate mathematical framework show how hydrology can be characterized to guide restoration planning using the reference condition concept (Nestler et al, 2010). Richter et al (1996) developed The Nature Conservancy's Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration (IHA) to calculate ecologically relevant statistics regarding: the timing, magnitude, frequency, duration, and rate of change of hydrologic parameters.…”

Levee setbacks : an innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable solution for improved flood risk management

“…Interplay between natural and manufactured wealth over the history of anthropomorphic effects on rivers. Environmental benefits analysis can be used to explore the tradeoffs between manufactured and natural wealth as part of total wealth (taken from Nestler et al 2010). …”

Introduction to Ecohydrology and Restoration of Estuaries and Coastal Ecosystems

“…It is not possible, however, to restore natural eco systems completely, because of the human impact on: (1) the emission of pollutants and its bioaccumulation in food chains with consequences for human health and biodiversity and (2) the degradation of hydrological and biogeochemical cycles (Nestler et al, 2010). It is not possible, however, to restore natural eco systems completely, because of the human impact on: (1) the emission of pollutants and its bioaccumulation in food chains with consequences for human health and biodiversity and (2) the degradation of hydrological and biogeochemical cycles (Nestler et al, 2010).…”