Watershed Restoration: Principles and Practices

Summary Human demand on our natural resources continues to grow as aquatic and riparian ecosystems continue to decline. Virtually all watersheds have been modified or degraded by human development often resulting in loss of high-quality water, productive soil, and loss of diverse plant and animal communities. Watershed restoration is a fundamental element of the new ecosystem management philosophy. But what is it? What makes it successful? Who carries it out? The authors and editors of this practical guidebook answer these questions, and outline an approach to watershed restoration that combines educating communities about the importance of healthy watershed, a standardized scientific approach to restoration, learning from existing case studies, and the principles of adaptive management. In straightforward, easy-to-understand language, will give you an in-depth understanding of the principles of watershed restoration, how to build partnerships for a restoration program, practices and strategies for achieving restoration, what works and what doesn't, and what is in store for the future.

In addition to providing the scientific, social, and policy frameworks for conducting restoration, the book spotlights how citizen groups, communities, conservation coalitions, private interests, and management agencies are working together to restore watersheds. Case studies address urbanized watershed, farmlands, forestlands, rangelands, and large river systems from New England to California. A critique of these restoration projects summarizes the approaches that offer the best opportunities for long-term success.

This book includes 28 chapters by leaders in the conservation, research, and resource management communities, 41 color photographs; 85 charts and illustrations, comprehensive bibliography, glossary, and a detailed subject index.

This book is intended for: fisheries or conservation biologist, hydrologist, rangeland, forest, or riparian ecologist, landscape planner, natural resource manager, leader of a civic organization, or somebody engaged in or concerned with habitat restoration.