EP 1165-2-502
30 Sep 99
and services. Simply reestablishing certain connections may not accomplish the desired ecosystem
restoration conditions.
h. Attainable Restoration State. The attainable restoration state will be influenced by human
activities and culturally induced changes in the landscape which are likely to persist and influence
system conditions after project completion. For example, dams, roads, public and private land use
activities may constrain the attainable level of ecosystem restoration. The relative value of the
anticipated results of the restoration should be considered in formulating ecosystem restoration
goals and objectives.
i. Selection of Assessment Methods. Habitat models developed for individual species may
have limitations when used to assess ecosystem restoration problems and objectives. They do not
consider communities of organisms and typically consider habitat in isolation from its ecosystem
context. Single species habitat models may be limiting if used to optimize for a particular species,
but they can be useful when carefully applied in the ecosystem context in which the habitat is
situated. They can be helpful in identifying important influential functions or structural
components for ecosystem projects to address. The assessment methodology chosen for a study
should be governed by how well the technique meets the criteria and level of detail for a given
study. The assessment methodology may include habitat models, or information derived from
community or ecosystem assessments using other scientifically based methods that are generally
accepted by state or Federal resource agencies.
j. Collaboration of Multiple Efforts. Corps restoration projects may not be able to address
every functional and structural characteristic, nor may it be necessary where the nature and degree
of impairment are limited to only one or a few of these parameters. Some restoration projects may
only be able to address the symptoms of the disturbance or degradation, and not the cause(s).
However, caution should be exercised in these instances and consideration given as to whether the
recommended action is a wise investment. Addressing the symptoms without understanding
causes of disturbance or degradation, may reduce the likelihood of achieving long-term success
(resilience and persistence), and potentially increase the need for extensive operation and
maintenance, rather than a functional, self-regulating system. It will be advantageous to conceive
restoration initiatives in the context of broader watershed or regional water resources management
programs and objectives, which may involve contributive actions by other Federal and non-Federal
agencies and other stakeholders.
k. Watershed Perspective and Ecosystem Restoration. Consideration of ecosystems within (or
encompassing) a watershed provides a useful organizing tool to approach ecosystem-based
restoration planning. Ecosystem restoration projects that are conceived as part of a watershed
planning initiative or other regional resources management strategy are likely to more effectively
meet ecosystem management goals than those projects and decisions developed independently.
Independently developed ecosystem restoration projects, especially those formulated without a
system context, may only partially and temporarily address symptoms of a chronic systemic
problem. Some restoration problems may only be addressed effectively through an integrated,
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