Biological Benefits of Stream Restoration

Biological benefits of stream restoration are derived from reestablishing important ecological functions on degraded streams. These are functions that can be observed and measured on high quality streams. Restoration accomplishes this by establishing a stable channel morphology which will support the development of a diverse stream ecosystem.

The stream channel includes the “normal flow” channel (between solid lines), the bankfull channel (large dashed line), and the floodplain channel above the bankfull elevation (variable width - depending on flood elevation). The quality of the stream ecosystem depends on these nested channels being present, stable and biologically functioning.

For restored streams to reach their full biological potential, they must be protected. This may be done through a conservation easement, a fee-simple purchase or some other method. It is only through protection that high quality habitat can be realized.

For some time natural resource managers have attempted to preserve and protect the biological functions of rivers and streams through regulation of activities within these habitats. However, the quality and quantity of this habitat continues to decrease. Stream restoration through natural channel design provides methods and opportunities for reversing this trend and for providing the public with the high water quality and natural areas they desire.

courtesy of http://www.ncwildlife.org