EP 1165-2-502
30 Sep 99
collaborative, systematic, regional or ecosystem approach. Not all restoration studies will be
watershed perspective takes into account (1) the interconnectedness of water and land resources,
(2) the dynamic nature of the economic and environmental factors, and (3) the variability of social
interests over time. It recognizes that watershed activities are not static, and that the strategy for
managing the resources of the watershed needs to be adaptive.
l. Applying Corps' Expertise. Corps activities in ecosystem restoration should concentrate on
engineering and other technical solutions to water and related land resources problems, with
emphasis on improving degraded ecosystem function and structure. Those restoration
opportunities that are associated with wetlands, riparian and other floodplain and aquatic systems
are likely to be most appropriate for Corps involvement. The Corps will focus its restoration
efforts on those initiatives most closely tied to Corps missions and areas of expertise. There may
be instances where components of ecosystem restoration problems or opportunities are better
addressed by other agencies through their missions and programs. Generally, it will not be
appropriate for the Corps to implement ecosystem restoration activities on upland, terrestrial sites
which are not closely linked to water and related land resources or on Corps project lands.
m. Land Acquisition. Proposals that consist primarily of land acquisition are not appropriate
as Civil Works ecosystem restoration investments. There are a number of other Federal and state
programs through which land acquisition may be pursued to accomplish restoration or protection.
As a general rule, land value should not exceed 25 percent of total project costs. Projects with
land costs exceeding 50 percent of total project costs are not likely to be given a high priority.
n. Operational Effectiveness. Because self-regulation is a key goal of ecosystem restoration, it
is generally more desirable to pursue ecosystem restoration projects that have limited maintenance
requirements. However, because of irreversible cultural modifications in the landscape, there will
be instances where O&M measures may be essential to the functioning of the project. Such
projects may be pursued if they are justified based on the ecological value of the project outputs,
and if the non-Federal sponsor, who will be responsible for the O&M, is willing to commit to these
OMRR&R requirements. Operation and maintenance costs should be considered in evaluating the
costs and benefits for alternatives for ecosystem restoration projects.
o. Stakeholder and Public Involvement. The involvement of stakeholders, providing
opportunities for public involvement, and an increased use of collaborative decision making are
important characteristics of the ecosystem approach. The complexity of ecosystem restoration
issues and opportunities necessitate that such input be integral to the ecosystem approach.
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"Watershed studies" examine and recommend courses of action to address multiple water
resources issues within a study area defined as all or part of a watershed. The investigations and
recommendations address multiple purposes and multiple objectives (e.g., restoration of wetland and
riparian habitat and flood damage reduction) and include, but are not limited to priority Civil Works
environmental and economic objectives. They may also include other water resources management issues.
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