Post-project Monitoring Research Articles

Post-project monitoring: the experience of the Krasnoyarsk Regional Fund of Science and Technology Support

Introduction: due to the current geopolitical situation, the results of scientific research must go far beyond the fundamental level and find application in the real sector of the economy. This is a key vector of the national scientific and technological policy, justified by the urgent need for import-substituting technologies that have emerged as a result of the global crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and sanctions pressure. The research focuses on analyzing the development of scientific and scientific-technical projects after they have received state support. Objectives: to analyze the experience of the Krasnoyarsk Regional Fund of Science and Technology Support in monitoring the projects' relevance. Methods: post-project monitoring, continuous questionnaires, statistical and graphical analysis, and system analysis. Results: an analysis of the development of projects that received state support, conducted using post-project monitoring, showed that 8% of the total number of respondents commercialized the results of their projects, 37% introduced their results into socio-economic turnover in organizations operating in the Krasnoyarsk Krai. Conclusions: more than a third of all projects supported by the Krasnoyarsk Regional Fund of Science and Technology Support have received some form of further development or practical application in one form or another, which exceeds the average statistical data provided in other studies. However, there is still a need to increase the level of commercialization of scientific projects' outputs. The authors proposed a number of measures to achieve this goal.

Моніторингові обстеження флори ділянки русла річки Турія в м. Ковель по вулиці Сагайдачного

In 2021, the project of reconstruction of the Turia riverbed in the area of Sahaidachnoy Street in the city of Kovel, Volyn Region, in the area of the bridge crossing, was launched. In order to timely identify, prevent and eliminate the negative consequences of the impact of planned activities on the phytodiversity of the Turia River, post-project monitoring was carried out every quarter, which allowed to objectively assess the impact of the performed works on the plant cover. Studies have shown the recovery of typical aquatic and coastal aquatic vegetation in the area of activity. Among aquatic plants Nuphar lutea (L.) Smith., Myriophyllum spicatum L., Potamogeton crispus L., Lemna minor L. Species Salvinia natans(L.) All are typical. recovered on the territory of the planned activity in shallow backwaters near the banks of the river with a projective coverage of 20-40%. Above and below the research site, the species shows high phytocenotic activity with a projective cover of 40-100%. Of the coastal water plants, typical are Butomus umbellatus L., Lycopus europaeus L., Glyceria maxima (C.Hartm.) Holmb, Lythrum salicaria L., Typha latifolia L., Rumexhydrolapathum Huds., Ranunculus sceleratus L., Myosotis scorpioides L, Mentha aquatica L., Bidens frondosa L., Iris pseudacorus L. The groups of Salvinieta natantis formation, Salvinietum natantis purum and Salvinietum (natantis) lemnosum (minoris) associations included in the Green Book of Ukraine were revealed; Nuphareta luteae formation group Nupharetum (luteae) salviniosum (natantis) association. The work carried out on the improvement of the banks of the Turia River had a positive effect on the spread of weeds, a lawn was created, and highly decorative cultivars of maple and willow were planted as solitaires.
 The study of the territory of the Turia River above and below the planned activity proved the dominance of ruderal biotopes of perennial grasses with the dominance of anthropophytes, among which there are species with high phytocenotic activity. Their presence may have threatening consequences for the existence of the already reconstructed part of the Turia River bed. Among them, species dangerous to human health: Heracleum sosnowski Manden. and Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.

ТЕОРЕТИКО-ПРАКТИЧНІ АСПЕКТИ РЕАЛІЗАЦІЇ ПІСЛЯПРОЕКТНОГО КОМПЛЕКСНОГО ЕКОЛОГІЧНОГО МОНІТОРИНГУ В ПРОЦЕДУРІ ОЦІНКИ ВПЛИВУ НА ДОВКІЛЛЯ

Purpose. The results of theoretical and practical research on the development of a conceptual approach to the for-mation of reports on the results of integrated post-project environmental monitoring are presented. Post-project monitor-ing is part of the process of assessing the environmental impact of technogenic objects. Methodology. The scientific component of the analysis of the results of the complex of field observations is provided by the use of methods of com-parative analysis, as well as verification of the results of chemical and physico-chemical quantitative analysis using biomonitoring methods. Originality. The complexity of the conducted monitoring researches is offered to provide inte-gration of various methods of supervision over a condition of the basic components of environment on which probable negative influence can be carried out. An integrated approach allows you to identify priority impacts and provide rec-ommendations on this basis. Taking into account the above recommendations will help increase the level of environ-mental safety in the production process. Practical value. An example of practical implementation of post-project inte-grated environmental monitoring based on the results of the evaluation of the PJSC "Kremenchug River Port" is given. The company continues to develop the Kryachynivsky deposit of construction sands. According to the results of generalization of materials of field observations and control, it is concluded that the planned activities as a result of its practical implementation does not lead to excessive man-made load on environmental components (air, surface water, bottom soils) in the area. The main recommendation for reducing the anthropogenic load in the process of work is the object's compliance with the requirements set out in the environmental impact assessment report. At the same time, taking into account the results of comprehensive scientific monitoring, more specific proposals were provided: 1) strict compliance with technological regulations to prevent oil-containing substances from entering the watercourse; 2) PJSC "Kremenchug River Port" must develop and comply with restrictions on activities during periods of adverse weather conditions. References 10, tables 3, figures 4.

The effect of habitat restoration on macroinvertebrate communities in Shaoxi rivers, China.

In recent decades, the biodiversity of freshwater environments has decreased sharply due to anthropogenic disturbances that damaged ecosystem structures and functions. Habitat restoration has emerged as an important method to mitigate the degradation of river ecosystems. Although in many cases a post-project monitoring has been promoted to access the restoration progress, it is still unclear how aquatic community changes following river habitat restoration in China. Macroinvertebrate communities intermediately positioned within ecosystem food webs play a key role in ecosystem processes within river ecosystem, driving energy flow and nutrient cycling. Here, benthic macroinvertebrates are used as bio-indicators to assess the ecosystem health of degraded urban rivers, restored urban rivers, and undisturbed rivers. This study aims to determine (i) how habitat restoration influences macroinvertebrates diversity and how this compared to degraded and reference conditions; (ii) how did macroinvertebrate community compositions differ in restored, degraded, and reference sites; and (iii) the environmental factors shaping macroinvertebrate communities. Habitat restoration significantly increased the diversity and richness of macroinvertebrate community and intolerant species and shifted the community composition towards reference status. Habitat characteristics and water chemistry, including substrate diversity, water velocity, and both nutrients (TN) and organic pollutants (TOC), appeared to shape the turnover of these communities. Habitat characteristics contributed to most of the variation of the entire macroinvertebrate community. Our research indicates that habitat restoration is an efficient approach to restore the aquatic community and hence improve river ecosystem health for freshwater conservation and sustainable management in Zhejiang province. This study strengthens our understanding of the changes of macroinvertebrate community after habitat restoration and important controlling variables that attribute to these changes, which provides an important guidance for future freshwater management.

Riverbed response to high flows with installed willow spiling using Multiquadric Radial Basis Function (RBFMQ)

To establish the success of any river engineering revetment, post-project monitoring is a critical part of the process. Vegetation structures often lack detailed biological or geomorphological data to aid management procedures and project planning. Apart from the survival and growth rates, data mapping detailed changes on the riverbed and its response to bankfull events are critical. Riverbed adjacent to two willow spilling structures on the River Stour in East Anglia, UK, was surveyed before and after high flow events. The random field data were gridded using Radial Basis Function with Multiquadric option (RBF MQ) to reconstruct the surface most accurately, as it was found to be the most effective out of three methods tested. Data were gridded, sliced and cross-sections were plotted and compared at each site before and soon after high flow events. Image maps were generated, and volumetric changes were calculated. At both sites, erosion dominated in the upstream and sedimentation in the downstream sections of the bed surveyed. Structure undercutting occurred at gravel site up to 29 cm which is a rate that needs a management intervention to prevent project failure.

Integrated planning framework for successful river restoration projects: Upscaling lessons learnt from European case studies

Despite considerable investment in river restoration projects, there is still limited information on the efficacy and success of river restoration activities. One of the main reasons is poor or improper project design, resulting in common problems such as: not addressing the root cause of habitat degradation; not establishing reference conditions, benchmarks and not defining endpoints against which to measure success; inappropriate uses of common restoration techniques because of lack of pre-planning; and inadequate monitoring or appraisal of restoration projects. In this paper peer-reviewed and grey literature and a large database of existing case studies were reviewed to identify the prevailing challenges river managers face when planning and developing river restoration projects. To overcome these current challenges an integrated project planning framework has been developed that incorporates adaptive management and project management techniques. It encapsulates key concepts and decision support tools to advance the existing sequence of project identification, project formulation, project implementation and post-project monitoring to incorporate multidisciplinary decision making to meet specific environmental and socio-economic objectives. The proposed river restoration project planning framework is adaptable and can therefore be applied to any project development scenario locally, regionally or internationally.

Inadequate Monitoring and Inappropriate Project Goals: A Case Study on the Determination of Success for the Forester Creek Improvement Project

In 2008 the “Forester Creek Improvement Project“ was completed near the mouth of Forester Creek, Santee, CA, along a 2-km section historically subject to flooding. With a cost of $36 million (US), the project’s goals were to: 1) improve water quality; 2) improve physical habitat and biodiversity; and 3) improve flood control. We evaluated if the project met these goals for water quality, physical habitat, and biodiversity. We evaluated the project’s monitoring data, conducted post-project monitoring, and analyzed data from other independent sources to assess goal attainment. The project’s required monitoring was insufficient to determine if any goals were met. Our own results found partial success, with only pH and water temperatures improved from pre-project conditions. No improvement was found for total dissolved solids or fecal coliform, for which the creek is impaired, and sediments contained toxic concentrations of urban-use pesticides. While the project’s monitoring was insufficient to document goal attainment, the project’s formal goals were largely infeasible due to degraded upstream conditions. The project should be considered a partial success in that riparian habitat has improved compared to the erosive and invasive species dominated pre-project condition and the original proposal by the City of Santee to line the creek with concrete. Forester Creek’s poor water quality, physical habitat, and biodiversity are driven by flow modification and pollution associated with urban development upstream, which must be addressed at the watershed scale and outside of the stream channel.

Post-Project Monitoring of BMPs/SUDS to Determine Performance and Whole-Life Costs

Post-Project Monitoring of BMPs/SUDS to Determine Performance and Whole-Life Costs

Are alternative livelihood projects effective at reducing local threats to specified elements of biodiversity and/or improving or maintaining the conservation status of those elements?

Abstract Background Alternative livelihood projects are used by a variety of organisations as a tool for achieving biodiversity conservation. However, despite characterising many conservation approaches, very little is known about what impacts (if any) alternative livelihood projects have had on biodiversity conservation, as well as what determines the relative success or failure of these interventions. Reflecting this concern, Motion 145 was passed at the Vth IUCN World Conservation Congress in 2012 calling for a critical review of alternative livelihood projects and their contribution to biodiversity conservation. This systematic map and review intends to contribute to this critical review and provide an overview for researchers, policy makers and practitioners of the current state of the evidence base. Methods Following an a priori protocol, systematic searches for relevant studies were conducted using the bibliographic databases AGRICOLA, AGRIS, CAB Abstracts, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge, as well as internet searches of Google, Google Scholar, and subject specific and institutional websites. In addition, a call for literature was issued among relevant research networks. The titles, abstracts and full texts of the captured studies were assessed using inclusion criteria for the systematic map and the systematic review, respectively. An Excel spreadsheet was used to record data from each study and to provide a systematic map of the evidence for the effectiveness of alternative livelihood studies. The studies that met additional criteria to be included in the systematic review were described in more detail through a narrative synthesis. Results Following full text screening, 97 studies were included in the systematic map covering 106 projects using alternative livelihood interventions. Just 22 of these projects met our additional criteria for inclusion in the systematic review, but one project was removed from the detailed narrative synthesis following critical appraisal. The 21 included projects included reports of positive, neutral and negative conservation outcomes. Conclusions Our results show that there has been an extensive investment in alternative livelihood projects, yet the structure and results of most of these projects have not been documented in a way that they can be captured using standardised search processes. Either this is because there has been little reporting on the outcomes of these projects, or that post-project monitoring is largely absent. The implications of this review for policy, management and future research are provided in relation to this evidence gap.

INFLUENCE OF EXTREME DISCHARGE ON RESTORATION WORKS IN MOUNTAIN RIVER – A CASE STUDY OF THE KRZCZONÓWKA RIVER (SOUTHERN POLAND)

The research was conducted on the Krzczonowka River channel, one of the gravelbedded, regulated mountain river in Polish Carpathians. The main morphological and ecological problem of the river was lack of sediment and channel downcutting. The area is currently associated with an on-going project called “the Upper Raba River Spawning Grounds”. Lowering of an existing debris dam on Krzczonowka River is a part of the project. In 2013 twelve artificial riffles have been created by heaping up stones at points within the segment of the river channel below the debris dam. The riffles are to introduce variety to the longitudinal profile of the river and to reduce the river’s slope. Consequently, these are to decrease sediment transport and to prevent further deepening of the river channel. Post-project monitoring of river restoration works is conducted to determine channel changes and development. In May, 2014, extreme flooding occurred, which caused unexpected changes in channel development. This paper describes maintenance work performed in the riverbed of the Krzczonowka River. Observations and calculations concerning changes in conditions of water flow and sediment transport are also presented. The main purpose is to characterize the influence of an extreme flow event on morphology and functioning of the recently restored gravel-bed river.

Use and performance of in-stream structures for river restoration: a case study from North Carolina

In-stream structures including cross-vanes, J-hooks, rock vanes, and W-weirs are widely used in river restoration to limit bank erosion, prevent changes in channel gradient, and improve aquatic habitat. During this investigation, a rapid assessment protocol was combined with post-project monitoring data to assess factors influencing the performance of more than 558 in-stream structures and rootwads in North Carolina. Cross-sectional survey data examined for 221 cross sections from 26 sites showed that channel adjustments were highly variable from site to site, but approximately 60 % of the sites underwent at least a 20 % net change in channel capacity. Evaluation of in-stream structures ranging from 1 to 8 years in age showed that about half of the structures were impaired at 10 of the 26 sites. Major structural damage was often associated with floods of low to moderate frequency and magnitude. Failure mechanisms varied between sites and structure types, but included: (1) erosion of the channel bed and banks (outflanking); (2) movement of rock materials during floods; and (3) burial of the structures in the channel bed. Sites with reconstructed channels that exhibited large changes in channel capacity possessed the highest rates of structural impairment, suggesting that channel adjustments between structures led to their degradation of function. The data question whether currently used in-stream structures are capable of stabilizing reconfigured channels for even short periods when applied to dynamic rivers.

Building the evidence base for ecological impact assessment and mitigation

Building the evidence base for ecological impact assessment and mitigation

Restoring Ecological Integrity in Highly Regulated Rivers: The Role of Baseline Data and Analytical References

The goal of restoring ecological integrity in rivers is frequently accompanied by an assumption that a comparative reference reach can be identified to represent minimally impaired conditions. However, in many regulated rivers, no credible historical, morphological or process-based reference reach exists. Resilient restoration designs should instead be framed around naturalization, using multiple analytical references derived from empirically-calibrated field- and model-based techniques to develop an integrated ecological reference condition. This requires baseline data which are rarely collected despite increasing evidence for systematic deficiencies in restoration practice. We illustrate the utility of baseline data collection in restoration planning for the highly fragmented and regulated lower Merced River, California, USA. The restoration design was developed using various baseline data surveys, monitoring, and modeling within an adaptive management framework. Baseline data assisted in transforming conceptual models of ecosystem function into specific restoration challenges, defining analytical references of the expected relationships among ecological parameters required for restoration, and specifying performance criteria for post-project monitoring and evaluation. In this way the study is an example of process-based morphological restoration designed to prompt recovery of ecosystem processes and resilience. For the Merced River, we illustrate that project-specific baseline data collection is a necessary precursor in developing performance-based restoration designs and addressing scale-related uncertainties, such as whether periodic gravel augmentation will sustain bed recovery and whether piecemeal efforts will improve ecological integrity. Given the numerous impediments to full, historical, restoration in many river systems, it seems apparent that projects of naturalization are a critical step in reducing the deleterious impacts of fragmented rivers worldwide.

Soft shoreline engineering survey of ecological effectiveness

Historically, many urban waterfront shorelines were stabilized using hard shoreline engineering to protect developments from flooding and erosion, or to accommodate commercial navigation or industry. Today, there is growing interest in developing shorelines using ecological principles and practices that enhance habitat and improve aesthetics, while at the same time reducing erosion, providing stability, and ensuring shoreline safety (i.e., soft shoreline engineering). In 2008–2009, a survey of 38 soft shoreline engineering projects in the Detroit River-western Lake Erie watershed was conducted. In total, $17.3 million (combined U.S. and Canadian currency) was spent on these projects. Of the 38 projects implemented, six (16%) had some quantitative assessment of ecological effectiveness, while the remaining 32 lacked monitoring or only had qualitative assessment through visual inspection. Key lessons learned include: involve habitat experts at the initial stages of waterfront planning; establish broad-based goals with quantitative targets to measure project success; ensure multidisciplinary project support; start with demonstration projects and attract partners; treat habitat modification projects as experiments that promote learning; involve citizen scientists, volunteers, and universities in monitoring, and obtain post-project monitoring commitments up front in project planning; measure benefits and communicate successes; and promote education and outreach, including public events that showcase results and communicate benefits.

BEACH NOURISHMENT IN CHINA: STATUS AND PROSPECTS

Many beach nourishment projects have been performed in China over the last 2 decades since the first project was completed in 1990 in Hong Kong. The history and distribution of beach nourishment in China is summarized in this paper. Considering the development of nourishment design and public perceptions, the history of beach fill in China can be summarized into 3 stages. In general, this paper shows the characteristics of 4 types of nourishment projects based on different environmental conditions, 4 typical nourished sites for each type were selected and described in detail respectively. Considering the current research status in China, recommendations and suggestions for future development are outlined, including such aspects as construction of more and larger projects, development of beach management strategies, a beach nourishment manual, research efforts on numerical models for sediment transport and post-project monitoring and evaluation.

Quantifying Macroinvertebrate Responses to In-Stream Habitat Restoration: Applications of Meta-Analysis to River Restoration

The assumption that restoring physical habitat heterogeneity will increase biodiversity underlies many river restoration projects, despite few tests of the hypothesis. With over 6,000 in-stream habitat enhancement projects implemented in the last decade at a cost exceeding $1 billion, there is a clear need to assess the consistency of responses, as well as factors explaining project performance. We adopted an alternative approach to individual case-studies by applying meta-analysis to quantify macroinvertebrate responses to in-stream habitat restoration. Meta-analysis of 24 separate studies showed that increasing habitat heterogeneity had significant, positive effects on macroinvertebrate richness, although density increases were negligible. Large woody debris additions produced the largest and most consistent responses, whereas responses to boulder additions and channel reconfigurations were positive, yet highly variable. Among all strategies, the strength and consistency of macroinvertebrate responses were related to land use or watershed-scale conditions, but appeared independent of project size, stream size, or recovery time. Overall, the low quality and quantity of pre- and post-project monitoring data reduced the robustness of our meta-analysis. Specifically, the scope and strength of conclusions regarding the ubiquity of macroinvertebrate responses to restoration, as well as the identification of variables controlling project performance was limited. More robust applications of meta-analysis to advance the science and practice of river restoration will require implementing rigorous study designs, including pre- and post-project monitoring replicated at both restored and control sites, collection of abiotic and biotic variables at relevant spatiotemporal scales, and increased reporting of monitoring results in peer-reviewed journals and/or regional databases.

Responses of Aquatic Macroinvertebrates to Stream Channel Reconstruction in a Degraded Rangeland Creek in the Sierra Nevada

Streams on western rangelands are sometimes degraded to the point that reestablishing lost ecological values requires rebuilding their physical structure, shape, and form. We evaluated the biological response to reconstruction of a small rangeland stream channel through comparisons of aquatic invertebrate communities before and after engineering activities and in relation to local and regional reference stream conditions. We measured geomorphic and riparian habitat features along with benthic macroinvertebrates for two years prior to restoration actions and for two years afterward. Stream restoration activities included the construction of a new channel to replace an incised meadow stream reach (including addition of coarse rock substrate, erosion control fabric, and willow planting) and the rehabilitation of gullies and roads in the meadow and its watershed. In postproject monitoring, we found statistically significant changes in the macroinvertebrate community and trophic structure at the restored site. These were exhibited as increases in EPT taxa (mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies) and the proportion and diversity of sensitive taxa, decreased tolerant taxa, and an increase in consumers of riparian organic matter (shredders) and decrease in fine organic particle filter-feeders. A site monitored downstream of the restoration activities exhibited increased deposition of fines and sand one year after project construction, but was similar to preproject conditions in the second year, and the macroinvertebrate community was unchanged. Improved biological integrity at the restored site showed that rapid recovery can occur in rebuilt streams within rehabilitated watersheds, but neither degraded nor enhanced conditions were transferred to downstream habitat, at least over the initial postproject period.

Ecological Restoration and Physiology: An Overdue Integration

ABSTRACT There is growing recognition that opportunities exist to use physiology as part of the conservation and management of populations and ecosystems. However, this idea has rarely been extended to the field of restoration ecology. Physiological metrics (e.g., gas exchange, energy transfer and metabolism, stress response, nutritional condition, gene expression) from a range of taxa can be used to understand the function of ecosystems as well as the factors that influence their structure. Such knowledge can assist the development and implementation of effective restoration strategies that recognize the role of habitat quality on organismal performance. Furthermore, physiological tools can be used to monitor the success of restoration projects during their implementation and as part of postproject monitoring. The often rapid response of physiological metrics provides more immediate information, enabling an adaptive approach to restoration, than can usually be obtained if the focus is solely on populatio...

Systematic Postproject Appraisals to Maximize Lessons Learned from River Restoration Projects: Case Study of Compound Channel Restoration Projects in Northern California

Abstract We conducted systematic postproject appraisals (PPAs) of seven compound channel restoration projects, supplementing available data with new field data and analyses to produce comparable datasets for all seven projects. We describe how systematic PPAs can be developed and illustrate a systematic PPA for compound channel projects organized around performance with respect to geomorphic, habitat, and conveyance objectives. We found that preexisting monitoring programs for a group of similar restoration projects can be supplemented with relatively low‐effort data collection and analyses to produce lessons on a “class” of restoration projects. Using this approach to assess a set of seven compound channel projects, we found that two fully achieved geomorphic objectives, three appear likely to achieve geomorphic objectives with additional time and/or minor interventions, and two did not achieve geomorphic objectives. Further, four projects achieved habitat objectives and three projects appeared likely to achieve objectives if given more time to develop and/or a minor intervention to mitigate limitations on critical ecological processes. Finally, four of the projects satisfied conveyance objectives, and the remaining three appeared likely to satisfy objectives with minor interventions to maintain design roughness and geometry conditions. Based on observations from our new systematic PPA approach applied to compound channels in Mediterranean climates, we suggest application of systematic PPAs for other classes of river restoration projects to evaluate scale and geomorphic setting issues in project design, to refine postproject monitoring guidelines, and to predict vegetation recruitment, growth, and succession patterns to avoid potential vegetation problems.

The successful eradication of introduced roof rats (Rattus rattus) from Buck Island using diphacinone, followed by an irruption of house mice (Mus musculus)

The United States National Park Service and the United States Wildlife Services made a planned and sustained effort to eradicate the introduced roof rats (Rattus rattus) from Buck Island Reef National Monument in the Caribbean Sea during 1998–2000. The rats were causing substantial damage to a variety of the 80-ha island’s floral and faunal resources. An island-wide grid of elevated bait stations containing anticoagulant (0.005% diphacinone; 50 ppm) rodenticide bait blocks were used to eradicate the rats. The bait stations were modified several times to assure ready access by rats while minimising access by non-target animals, especially crabs and birds. Numerous post-project trapping sessions over six years resulted in no rat captures, suggesting that, indeed, the rats had been eradicated from the island. No non-target losses resulting from the baiting program were observed by field personnel, but they noted what appeared to be a recovery of some of the island’s floral and faunal resources. There have been no depredations of endangered sea turtle nests since the eradication. Post-project monitoring sessions revealed the presence of a growing house mouse (Mus musculus) population on the island. The threats posed by, and potential management strategies for, this introduced pest species are being investigated. This is the first successful rat eradication on a sizable island, using diphacinone bait blocks with a unique, elevated bait-station system. Diphacinone can provide an alternative to the highly toxic brodifacoum and may help reduce non-target hazards in some situations, although several applications are generally required.