DEFINING RESTORATION. Restoration can be defined generally as returning an area to a previous condition by improving ecological structure and function. Restoration creates a net increase in the amount, size, and/or functions of an ecosystem or components of an ecosystem compared to a baseline condition (Thom et al. 2005a). The shoreline guidelines define restoration more specifically as follows: “The reestablishment or upgrading of impaired ecological shoreline processes or functions. This may be accomplished through measures including but not limited to re-vegetation, removal of intrusive shoreline structures and removal or treatment of toxic materials. Restoration does not imply a requirement for returning the shoreline area to aboriginal or pre-European settlement conditions.” 2 The guidelines require that restoration goals, policies, and actions “be designed to achieve overall improvements in shoreline ecological functions over time, when compared to the status upon adoption of the master program.”3 Inherent in these definitions is the concept of repairing past damage to natural resources and habitats, but not necessarily recreating historic conditions. Many researchers have cautioned that simply recreating the form or structure of a particular habitat without also addressing the ecosystem processes and their interaction with ecological functions may not fully achieve restoration goals or objectives (Xxxxxxx et al. 2005, Montgomery et al. 2003; Gersib 2001). As a result, this plan emphasizes the need to restore ecosystem processes so that restoration strategies are sustainable and successful in the long term.
DEFINING RESTORATION. Restoration can be defined generally as returning an area to a previous condition by improving ecological structure and function. Restoration creates a net increase in the amount, size, and/or functions of an ecosystem or components of an ecosystem compared to a baseline condition (Xxxx et al. 2005a) What does Restoration Mean? The reestablishment or upgrading of impaired ecological shoreline processes or functions. This may be accomplished through measures including but not limited to re-vegetation, removal of intrusive shoreline structures and removal or treatment of toxic materials. Restoration does not imply a requirement for returning the shoreline area to aboriginal or pre-European settlement conditions (WAC 173-26-020). How is it different from Protection? Protection requires that development be prohibited in some areas and that when allowed, development occur in a way that mitigates adverse effects on the natural environment such that the net result of the development activity is no worse than the pre-development condition. Protection also requires that deliberate measures be taken to ensure that natural ecosystem processes (such as net shore-drift, channel migration, large woody debris recruitment, for example) continue with minimal impairment. Restoration, on the other hand, involves more than simply following and enforcing existing rules or maintaining existing conditions. It requires taking active steps to improve the condition of existing resources and replace resources that have been lost. Restoration measures are intended to supplement shoreline protection efforts such that environmental conditions improve over time. How does Restoration fit into No Net Loss? The concept of no net loss of shoreline ecological functions is rooted in the Shoreline Management Act and in the goals, policies, and governing principles of the state’s shoreline guidelines. The Act states: “permitted uses in the shoreline shall be designed and conducted in a manner that minimizes insofar as practical, any resultant damage to the ecology and environment of the shoreline area.” The guidelines suggest that no net loss is achieved primarily through regulatory mechanisms including mitigation requirements but that restoration incentives and voluntary actions are also critical to achieving no net loss. The SMP requires that proponents of shoreline development fully mitigate impacts caused by their proposed development and although they are not required to improve conditions...
