Framework for a general restoration model for ecosystems with anadromous fish for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Phase 1 : conceptual model development

Abstract

Salmonid species are critically important ecologically, socially, and economically for North American coastal regions. Alterations to the structure (e.g., channelization) and function (e.g., sediment transport) of estuaries, rivers, and streams have greatly impacted these species, many are now listed as federally threatened or endangered. As part of environmental compliance procedures and policy, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is required to assess the impacts and/or benefits of proposed water resource projects (e.g., levee maintenance, ecosystem restoration, etc.) to the environment. The USACE is required to predict and quantify environmental benefits using models to justify federal investment in ecosystem restoration projects. The purpose of this effort is to develop a general model or model framework that can be used during the USACE planning process that will serve as a unified standard Salmonid model. The primary purpose of the model will be to project future environmental benefits that will result from proposed restoration measures. Additionally, the model needs to be sensitive to different combinations of restoration measures in order to assist the USCAE in the planning and decision making process. This report presents the results of the first phase of model development using the mediated model development process.