Ecosystem Restoration: A Case Study in the Owens River Gorge, California

Abstract

Abstract In 1991 the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, in cooperation with Mono County, California, initiated a multiyear effort to restore the Owens River Gorge. The project aims to return the river channel, dewatered for more than 50 years, to a functional riverine-riparian ecosystem capable of supporting healthy brown trout and wildlife populations. The passive, or natural, restoration approach focused on the development of riparian habitat and channel complexity using incremental increases in pulse (freshet) and base flows. Increasing pulse and base flows resulted in establishment and rapid growth of riparian vegetation on all landforms, and the formation of good-quality micro-habitat features (pools, runs, depth, and wetted width). An extremely complex, productive habitat now occupies the bottom lands of the Owens River Gorge. A healthy fishery in good condition has quickly developed in response to habitat improvement. Brown trout numbers have increased each year since initial stocking, 40% ...