Riverine Connectivity Restoration
A riverine system is a watershed-scale network of integrated aquatic habitats and hydrological processes (McCluney et al. 2014). A riverine system consists of the area drained by a primary river and its tributaries. A riverine system functions as both a habitat and migration corridor, with connectivity projects enhancing the sustainability of both (Seliger and Zeiringer 2018). Riverine connectivity is concerned with providing longitudinal access between points along the main channel of a river. A well-connected river sustains natural riverine processes, including the unimpeded movement of fish, sediment, and nutrients to points further up- and downstream (MDBA n.d.). This reduces habitat fragmentation, flow alterations, and conditions conducive to invasive species (Arboleya et al. 2021). Riverine connectivity is blocked by numerous anthropogenic alterations to rivers, including weirs, dams, culverts, fords, sluice gates, and roads (Soton 2018). Restoring riverine connectivity as a nature-based solution (NBS) involves removing these physical barriers, eliminating hypoxic zones, redesigning road stream crossings, and reintroducing natural meanders back into river morphology (Woolsey et al. 2007).
Case Studies
Adaptive Management in Action: the Trinity River Restoration Program
An Integrated Plan for Water and Long-Term Ecological Resilience
Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge Desert Spring Restoration
Carmel River Restoration Project
Charlotte Harbor Estuary Program, North Fort Myers (Gulf of Mexico)
Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan
Corydon, Indiana Removes Two Dams to Restore Ecosystem Health and Water Quality
Ecological Response to Restored Flows in the Urban Santa Cruz River
Elwha Dam Removal and River Restoration
Fossil Creek Watershed and Riparian Restoration
Fostering Resilient, Multimodal Transportation Solutions Along the California Coast
Grassy Point, St. Louis River Estuary (Duluth)
Habitat Restoration for Native Salmonid Conservation in the Lower American River of California
Kerry Island Esturary Restoration
Kissimmee River Restoration Project
Little Snake River Restoration on Three Forks Ranch
Lower Red River Meadow Restoration Project
Lower Yellowstone River Fish Passage
Pennsylvania Protects Coldwater Fisheries & Water Quality from Climate Change
Ten Mile River Aquatic Habitat Restoration of Anadromous Fish Run in East Providence, Rhode Island
The Napa River Basin, California
Upgrading Water Infrastructure to Improve Fish Passage and Habitat in the Yolo Bypass
Watershed-Level Restoration for Landowners and Native Fish in the Bear River
Tools
Iowa's River Restoration Toolbox
Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration of Riverscapes Design Manual
Mitigation Ideas: A Resource for Reducing Risk to Natural Hazards
National River Restoration Scientific Synthesis (NRRSS) Database
Promoting Nature-Based Hazard Mitigation Through FEMA Mitigation Grants
Renewing Our Rivers: Stream Corridor Restoration in Dryland Regions
River Barrier Prioritizations Database
River Restoration Science & Socio-Economic Resources
Stream and Watershed Restoration: A Guide to Restoring Riverine Processes and Habitats
Likely Benefits and Outcomes
This strategy is likely to achieve these project goals. Click to search for strategies with a similar benefit.
Related Green (natured-based) vs. Gray infrastructure
Explore opportunities to replace or supplement gray infrastructure with green infrastructure options.