Freshwater Restoration

Freshwater restoration aims to restore the health and functionality of freshwater ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, wetlands, and aquifers, by addressing various stressors and restoring natural processes.

Natural disasters, while impactful, are not considered common stressors specifically affecting freshwater ecosystems. Pollution, overfishing, and climate change are more prevalent stressors.

Denitrification is the process by which certain bacteria convert nitrates into nitrogen gas, removing excess nitrogen from water bodies and reducing eutrophication.

Riparian revegetation involves planting native vegetation along riverbanks and streams to restore riparian habitats, improve water quality, and provide habitat for wildlife.

Fish passage improvement projects aim to restore the natural movement of fish by removing barriers such as dams and culverts, allowing fish to access spawning and feeding grounds.

Invasive species control involves the removal and management of non-native plant species that have negative impacts on freshwater ecosystems.

Flow restoration involves modifying or removing human-made structures that alter the natural flow of water, such as dams and levees, to restore natural flow patterns and improve aquatic habitats.

Wetland restoration involves the creation or restoration of wetlands, which provide important habitat for wildlife, filter pollutants, and reduce flooding.

Streambank stabilization projects aim to reduce erosion and sedimentation by using bioengineering techniques, such as planting vegetation and installing erosion control structures, to stabilize riverbanks and protect water quality.

Dam removal involves the removal of dams and other barriers to restore the natural flow of water, improve fish passage, and restore aquatic habitats.

Floodplain restoration involves restoring the natural functions of floodplains, such as floodwater storage, nutrient cycling, and habitat provision, by removing or modifying human-made structures that have altered floodplain connectivity.

Constructed wetlands are engineered systems that use natural processes to treat wastewater and stormwater runoff by filtering pollutants and providing habitat for beneficial microorganisms.

Estuary restoration involves restoring the natural functions of estuaries, such as sediment trapping, nutrient cycling, and habitat provision, by removing or modifying human-made structures that have altered estuarine processes.

Bioremediation involves the use of microorganisms to break down and remove contaminants from water bodies, such as oil spills and heavy metals.

Lake restoration involves restoring the natural functions of lakes, such as nutrient cycling, habitat provision, and water quality, by addressing stressors such as pollution, invasive species, and altered hydrology.