Decision Sequence for Functional Wetlands Restoration

As wetland functions are being more clearly evaluated, demand is increasing for the ability to mitigate for specific wetland functions that have been degraded. When wetland restoration project goals specify functions, success of the project depends heavily on proper guidance for project siting, design, implementation, and monitoring. A decision sequence is presented for wetland restoration projects to help achieve functional replacement. This methodology incorporates site selection and design features for specified wetland functions into three phases of a project planning decision sequence. The first phase, site selection, situates a wetland where there is the potential to perform a function. Phases two and three, the incorporation of functional design features into design criteria and project plan development, focus on the optimization of the functional capacity of a site. An example is given of how a wetland restoration project planning team can consider enhancing vegetation diversity during the project plan development phase to achieve a goal of improved wildlife habitat.