Implementation of Restoration Projects

Salmonid habitat restoration, as described in the Principles of Salmonid Habitat Restoration section, can be accomplished in many ways – via the protection, management, or restoration of landscape scale processes to allow for sustainable habitat features, or through the site-specific resolution of factors limiting salmonid survival and productivity. This section addresses potential approaches to salmonid habitat restoration based on limiting factors analysis, and provides resources for more detailed information about planning and implementing restoration projects, including effectiveness monitoring and regulatory requirements.

The table below outlines examples of site-specific restoration approaches that are targeted to specific factors limiting salmonid survival.

Limiting Factor	Site-Specific Restoration Approach
Excess Sediment	Road repair, culvert repair, road decommissioning, revegetation (upslope or riparian)
Migration Barriers	Culvert modification, dam modification
Excessive Temperature	Riparian revegetation, re-establishment of springs / groundwater sources
Habitat	Installation of large wood, riparian, and upslope revegetation
Water Quantity	Dam or diversion modifications, irrigation system modifications, riparian and upslope revegetation, road repair
Water Quality	Revegetation (upslope and riparian), control of non-point source pollutants
Invasive Species	Removal of invasive plants and animals, restoration of native populations

Restoration projects – depending upon their complexity – may require several years of planning prior to project implementation. It is always a good idea to develop a detailed plan and a schedule that includes all phases of the project, including design specifications for physical modifications, invasive species removal, acquisition of plant materials, and a monitoring strategy (see the Effectiveness Monitoring section for more information). This plan must then be reviewed by the relevant regulatory agencies to ensure that the appropriate permits or agreements are in place prior to project implementation (for more information, see the Regulatory Agencies and Requirements section).

To view maps and information about coastal habitat restoration projects in San Mateo and Santa Cruz Counties, visit the Interactive Mapping section of this Web site.

Additional Resources

Detailed specifications for accomplishing salmonid restoration projects are included in the California Department of Fish and Game's "Salmonid Stream Habitat Restoration Manual" 3rd edition. This manual is in the process of being updated to include detailed sections on riparian habitat restoration and road restoration.

General concepts in restoration design, planning, and implementation are included in the Federal Interagency Stream Working Group's "Stream Corridor Restoration: Principles, Processes and Practices".

Guidance on a systematic approach to coastal ecosystem restoration can be found at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Coastal Ecosystem Restoration Web site.

Information about conducting watershed assessments in California will be included in the California Watershed Assessment Manual (CWAM) (due out in 2004).

For information on funding for salmonid habitat restoration projects, visit the Funding Habitat Restoration Projects section of this Web site.