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USA Restoration - guiding principles
Restoration of degraded ecosystems is experiencing a groundswell of support
across the United States in particular in relation to wetland restoration. Many
on-going or completed restoration projects now offer valuable lessons. To help
build on these lessons and promote effective restoration, the Watershed Ecology
Team, of the US Environmental Protection Agency (http://www.epa.gov/nep/),
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (http://www.epa.gov/owow/)
has produced a set of "Guiding Principles". These are designed to
promote effective restoration approaches and practices. Although these have
been prepared for wetland restoration projects they are equally valid for other
habitats.
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Restoration Guiding Principles
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| Preserve and protect wetland resources |
Use reference sites |
| Restore ecological integrity |
Anticipate future changes |
| Restore natural structure |
Involve a multi-disciplinary team |
| Restore natural function |
Design for self-sustainability |
| Work within the watershed/landscape context |
Use passive restoration, when appropriate |
| Understand the potential of the watershed |
Restore native species, avoid non-native species |
| Address ongoing causes of degradation |
Use natural fixes and bioengineering |
| Develop clear, achievable and measurable goals |
Monitor and adapt where changes are necessary |
| Focus on feasibility |
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Guidance: "These principles focus on scientific and technical
issues, but as in all environmental management activities, the importance
of community perspectives and values should not be overlooked. The presence
or absence of public support for a restoration project can be the difference
between positive results and failure. Coordination with the people and
organizations that may be affected by the project can help build the support
needed to get the project moving and ensure long-term protection of the
restored area. In addition, partnership with stakeholders can also add
useful resources, ranging from money and technical expertise to volunteer
help with implementation and monitoring." (USEPA
2000). Copies of the report can be found on the OWOW Restoration
web site at http://www.epa.gov/owow/restore/
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References
USEPA
2000.
Principals for the Ecological Restoration of Aquatic Resources.
United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, Office of Water (4501F)., 1-4.
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