Regional Restoration

 

In the coming years, many urban environments will be transformed in a way that draws attention to the local environment. Regional restoration is a concept that can be utilized during this process to make sure investments are made wisely.
Regional restoration planning is emerging nationally as a means to promote better coordination among resource managers, planners, and decision makers. It enables stakeholders to work together on a watershed scale to ensure that the most meaningful ecological outcomes are realized.

Restoration, enhancement, and conservation projects are often in reaction to particular program interests, issues, or incidents, without scientific consideration for how they will fit within the broader context of ecological needs. This is particularly true in the large and complex landscape of the Delaware Estuary, where new challenges often threaten the system’s ability to purify our water, provide clean air to breathe, and supply hundreds of other goods and services.

Conservation and restoration of natural habitats is a primary objective of the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. Regional restoration offers us new concepts to ensure that investments are sensible, equitable, and are tailored to specific conditions across the watershed. The objective of our Regional Restoration Initiative (RRI) is to provide a science-based decision-support system that proactively guides restoration activities. This will ensure that:

  • Restoration, enhancement, and conservation activities are prioritized based on the needs and expected outcomes that are most suitable for different sub-watersheds
  • Projects are chosen that address the needs of key signature resources and maximize long-term "bang-for the-buck"
  • Project selection is expedited by a clearinghouse registry that provides fast access to high-value projects and associated scientific decision-making tools

A Regional Restoration Workgroup, affiliated with the PDE’s Science and Technical Advisory Committee, has been formed to implement the RRI. This group is comprised of regional experts from diverse agencies, universities, and non-government entities. Beginning in 2009, pilot case studies will be performed for exemplary resources (tidal wetlands, bottom animals, urban waterfronts, headwater streams) to test RRI concepts and begin assembly of the project registry.

For further details, please contact Laura Whalen at (800) 445-4935, extension 107, or LWhalen@DelawareEstuary.org.