DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE RESTORATION OF FORESTED RIVERINE WETLANDS

Riverine restoration projects that address stream and wetland functions concurrently require special design considerations that are not typically evaluated for projects that restore stream or wetland functions alone. The design should take into account the interrelated functions of the system as a whole. Stream and floodplain functions include the transport and storage of water and sediment. These functions, in turn, provide diverse aquatic and riparian habitats. This systems-based approach allows for the restoration of self-sustaining riverine ecosystems. This paper discusses design considerations for the restoration of riverine wetlands that incorporate stream restoration components. Data are presented from three completed mitigation projects and four reference sites. Sites were located on first or second order headwater stream systems with associated floodplain areas containing hydric soils. Mitigation sites were used for agricultural production prior to restoration of stream and wetland functions, and reference sites were forested reference wetland and stream systems that exhibited little evidence of recent disturbance.