Restoration of urbanized ecosystems is inherently constrained by more factors than similar systems in less developed settings. Property ownership, adjacent land use, previous land use, and stakeholder needs are just a few of the many constraints planners and restoration ecologists must consider when attempting to restore an urbanized ecosystem. As a result, often times restoring truly natural function may be at odds with the needs of stakeholders, partners or adjacent land owners. Therefore, successful restoration requires framing ecological goals within the context of these constraints to develop realistic and achievable objectives. This was exemplified by a recent project focused on restoring aquatic and riparian habitat of a portion of the lower Buffalo River, Buffalo, New York.
Results/Conclusions
The Buffalo River is a highly industrial/urbanized corridor where opportunities for restoration are severely limited. Stakeholder discussions regarding restoration objectives and proposed plans for the Seneca Bluffs Restoration Project wavered between two opposing objectives; a fully bio-engineered approach (no stone) meant to fully restore natural riverine function to the fullest extent possible, and a moderately stabilized (stone toe protection) approach meant to provide habitat as well as a moderate degree of bank stability. While the bio-engineered approach maximized habitat benefits and restored natural riverine function, it presented a risk of bank instability that was unacceptable to the County who is responsible for managing the area and has limited funds for adaptive management measures. This project highlighted the need to properly frame objectives in the context of constraints as well as the importance of understanding and communicating risk associated with project alternatives. Working to reach consensus between conflicting stances also made apparent the benefits of an adaptively managed phased approach to construction as a way to mitigate risks associated with less “hardened” approaches.