EP 1165-2-502
30 Sep 99
functions. Such measures are most appropriate if they require the Corps' engineering expertise in
accomplishing the protection measure. Protection measures can also be undertaken as part of Civil
Works natural resources management and environmental dredging activities. The focus of projects
implemented under this guidance is the restoration of ecosystems and ecological resources and not
restoration of cultural and historic resources, aesthetic resources, or clean up of hazardous and
toxic wastes.
e. Ecosystem Approach. Ecosystem restoration in the Civil Works program uses a systems
view in assessing and addressing restoration needs and opportunities. Recognition of the
interconnectedness and dynamics of natural systems, along with human activities in the landscape,
is integral. The philosophy behind ecosystem restoration promotes consideration of the effects of
decisions over the long term and incorporates the ecosystem approach5. The goal of the ecosystem
approach is to restore and sustain the health, productivity, and biological diversity of ecosystems
and the overall quality of life through a natural resources management approach that is fully
integrated with social and economic goals. The ecosystem approach recognizes and seeks to
address the problems of habitat fragmentation and the piecemeal restoration and mitigation
previously applied in addressing the Nation's natural resources. Civil Works studies, projects and
activities to meet ecological resource restoration objectives will be conducted using an ecosystem
approach, the elements of which have been incorporated into this pamphlet.
f. System Context. Restoration projects should be conceived in a systems context, considering
aquatic (including marine, estuarine and riverine), wetland and terrestrial complexes, as
appropriate, in order to improve their potential for long-term survival as self-sustaining,
functioning systems. Fish and wildlife resources are dependent on, and functionally related to,
other ecosystem components and therefore interactions among all relevant ecosystem components
need to be described and assessed during a ecosystem restoration study. Rather than limiting
objectives to habitat for a single species or resource commodity, such as mallard ducks or bass
harvest, ecosystem restoration inititatives will consider interrelationships of plant and animal
communities and their habitats in a larger ecosystem context. This is a more systemic approach for
addressing problems associated with disturbed and degraded ecosystem resources than focusing
only on fish and wildlife habitat. When restoration planning focuses on optimizing habitat for a
particular species, the framework for evaluating the natural system is limited to those aspects of
the habitat for the species being considered.
g. Intended and Unintended Consequences. Consideration should be given to the effects of
intended and unintended consequences, both on and off of the project site, when evaluating
ecosystem restoration alternatives. Goal achievement requires consideration not only of the
project site, but also its connections to the broader landscape or ecosystem setting, and the
dynamic nature of ecosystems, including such processes as community succession. Such
connections may be important for determining ecosystem functions, structure, self-maintenance
5
Memorandum of Understanding to Foster the Ecosystem Approach, 15 December 1995. See
Appendix A.
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