River restoration

Abstract

[1] River restoration is at the forefront of applied hydrologic science. However, many river restoration projects are conducted with minimal scientific context. We propose two themes around which a research agenda to advance the scientific basis for river restoration can be built. First, because natural variability is an inherent feature of all river systems, we hypothesize that restoration of process is more likely to succeed than restoration aimed at a fixed end point. Second, because physical, chemical, and biological processes are interconnected in complex ways across watersheds and across timescales, we hypothesize that restoration projects are more likely to be successful in achieving goals if undertaken in the context of entire watersheds. To achieve restoration objectives, the science of river restoration must include (1) an explicit recognition of the known complexities and uncertainties, (2) continued development of a theoretical framework that enables us to identify generalities among river systems and to ask relevant questions, (3) enhancing the science and use of restoration monitoring by measuring the most effective set of variables at the correct scales of measurement, (4) linking science and implementation, and (5) developing methods of restoration that are effective within existing constraints. Key limitations to river restoration include a lack of scientific knowledge of watershed-scale process dynamics, institutional structures that are poorly suited to large-scale adaptive management, and a lack of political support to reestablish delivery of the ecosystem amenities lost through river degradation. This paper outlines an approach for addressing these shortcomings.

Patterns of earthworm communities and species traits in relation to the perturbation gradient of a restored floodplain

“…This has led to major changes in policy, such as the water framework directive (WFD; 2000/60/EC) in the EU. As a result of these policy changes, an increasing number of river restoration projects are being conducted in Switzerland and worldwide (Nakamura et al, 2006;Palmer and Bernhardt, 2006;Palmer et al, 2005;Wohl et al, 2005). These projects generally aim to improve the flood protection and biodiversity reservoir functions of floodplains.…”

Geomorphological Approaches for River Management and Restoration in Italian and French Rivers

“…Nowadays, it is widely recognized that physical processes, including those of sediment production, transfer, and storage, are fundamental to the ecological functioning of fluvial systems [see, for example, Boon et al, 1992;Goodson et al, 2002;Kondolf et al, 2003;Wohl et al, 2005;Brierley and Fryirs, 2005;Florsheim et al, 2008;Habersack and Piégay, 2008]. The geomorphic dynamics of rivers is increasingly seen as vital for creating and maintaining the physical habitats that underpins the survival of aquatic and riparian flora and fauna.…”

Effects of whitewater parks on fish passage: a spatially explicit hydraulic analysis

“…There is a strong interdependence among organisms within an ecosystem, and the extirpation of a species could alter the entire ecosystem energy flow and composition (Baxter et al, 2004). Successful passage for fishes of all life stages across barriers to migration is imperative to restore and maintain ecosystem function (Beechie et al, 2010;Bunt et al, 2012;Wohl et al, 2005). In-stream structures must operate within the physiological limits of a fish's swimming abilities, and understanding how fish respond to micro-hydrodynamic and macro-hydrodynamic conditions within a structure is necessary to effectively design for passage success (Williams et al, 2012).…”