A Strategy to Assess River Restoration Success

Authors:
Woolsey, S., F. Capelli, T. Gonser, E. Hoehn, M. Hostmann, B. Junker, A. Paetzold, C. Roulier, S. Schweizer, S.D. Tiegs, K. Tockner, C. Weber and A. Peter

Publication Date:
2007

Abstract/Summary:
A strategy is proposed according to which a set of indicators is selected from the total of 49 indicators to ensure that indicators match restoration objectives and measures, and that the required effort for survey and analysis of indicators is appropriate to the project budget. Indicator values are determined according to methods described in detailed method sheets. Restoration success is evaluated by comparing indicator values before and after restoration measures have been undertaken. To this end, values are first standardised on a dimensionless scale ranging from 0 to 1, then averaged across different indicators for a given project objective, and finally assigned to one of five overall success categories. To illustrate the application of this scheme, a case study on the Thur River, Switzerland, is presented.

Resource Type:
Peer-reviewed Article

Source:
Freshwater Biology

Link:
http://palmerlab.umd.edu/restoration_course_docs/2008resources/Woolsey_et_al_2007.pdf