The Process of Stream Ecosystem Restoration
"Stream Ecosystem Restoration" is a "process". A process of understanding and working with nature, of integrating science and interpolating data, of observing natural processes and making numerous decisions that will ultimately drive the success of a project. It is an adaptive process that relies on multiple disciplines with multiple objectives and a shared appreciation and knowledge of the natural processes that will allow the efforts of a restoration project to succeed.
Stream Ecosystem Restoration Is:

Adaptive
Decision Based
Responsive to Spatial and Temporal Scales
Within this context, the restoration effort must follow a standard decision making process that guides all decisions and helps to weigh benefit-costs and compromise. The decision making process must include:
1. Understanding and defining the end-point goals

(CWA) Clean Water Act, restore the physical, chemical and biological integrity of the resource
(OEPA) Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, achieve full aquatic life-use attainment

(TMDL) Total Maximum Daily Loads, effectively reduce pollutant loadings
Drinking water standards, improve and protect source water quality
2. Understanding the impairments of the stream resource
Hydromodification (channelization and drainage works such as ditches)
Siltation
Flow alteration
Nutrient enrichment
Organic enrichment (loss of pollutant assimilation)
3. Understanding the science that links stream ecosystem function with water quality.
The physical integrity or habitat characteristics of the stream system directly correlate to the ability of the stream to process pollutants effectively. This can be measured with biological indices-biocriteria and bioassessment.
4. Understand how to interpolate and apply the science to a project
Satisfying the end point goals - how will the project be implemented
Center for Applied River Science at the River Institute