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Water: Restoration

Wetlands Restoration Links by State and Local Governments


Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.

 

Please note that many of the following links will transport you off the EPA server. Use the "back" button on your browser to return to this page. Exit EPA Disclaimer

Links to non-Federal sites do not imply any official endorsement of or responsibility for the opinions, ideas, data or products presented at those locations, or guarantee the validity of the information provided. Links to non-Federal servers are provided solely as a pointer to information on topics related to environmental protection that may be useful to the public.

This site is not all inclusive; all links were in working order at the original time of publication.

To help you identify sites that might be useful to you, we noted unique characteristics and comments in italics and we used these symbols to indicate content.

circle these sites give an overview of a restoration project

hand these sites highlight a scientific study; may be more technically complex

pencil these sites provide reference or policy information

dollar sign these sites provide funding information

arrow these sites are specific to one type of restoration, or one project

scissors these sites give only a "snippet" of information

exclamation points don't miss these sites!!


Select the first letter of the state for which you seek information:

| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | K through N | O through W |

Alabama

pencil Alabama Department of Environmental Management: Home page for this state agency. Contact information. No restoration information, but contacts may be useful.

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Alaska

The Habitat and Restoration Page: This page, sponsored by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, provides information on restoration guidelines and habitat restoration projects under way in Alaska. It also provides links to technical assistance and publications on stream corridor restoration. This information would be useful to anyone looking for stream corridor restoration information.

Streambank Revegetation and Protection: A Guide for Alaska: The Department of Habitat and Restoration in the Alaska Department of Fish and Game hosts a stream restoration web site that offers detailed descriptions and diagrams of various stream bank revegetation and protection techniques. The site also provides numerous pre- and post-project photographs. This site would be useful for anyone looking for information about streambank restoration techniques.

pencil Senate Bill 183 Restoration and Land Acquisitions: From the Alaska state pages, this page describes apportioning of Exxon Valdez settlement for habitat restoration and enhancement projects. This may provide a link to funding for Alaska projects.

circle Dude Creek Critical Habitat Area: From the same home site as above page, this discusses this sensitive area's natural history and present-day threats. No discussion of restoration, but this may provide a reference site or other information.

pencil Alaska DEC Wetlands Program: Alaska's Department of Environmental Conservation wetlands program home page. Discusses state of wetlands in Alaska, jobs wetlands support, state policies, and accomplishments. Good overview discussion. Contact information is difficult to navigate to.

circle Coastal America Projects: Alaska: Links to form descriptions of several river and wetland projects in the state. Descriptions are brief, but informative, and most contain contact information.

pencil B. Forbes Research Interests: This home page provides information on past restoration research this man has conducted, and includes information on how to contact him. This may be helpful, especially if contacting Dr. Forbes could direct you to additional researchers in the area.

circle National Showcase Watersheds, including the Duck Creek Project, (PDF) (226 pages, 7.5 MB, about PDF): This overview outlines problems, actions taken, stakeholders in the project, and provides a contact. This site, in combination with the other site will give a good overall picture of this area and management actions taken.

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Arizona

Riparian Restoration in Action: Over the past 5 years, private landowner Jim Crosswhite has implemented an extensive conservation plan for his 300-acre ranch in Arizona's White Mountains. This web site documents his efforts to restore the degraded riparian areas along Nutrioso Creek. This web site would be useful for anyone seeking a comprehensive pictorial history of a restoration project or for anyone looking for an example of how federal agencies can assist with a restoration project.

circle Riparian Ecosystem Creation and Restoration: Lower Colorado River: Provides three case studies as information about riparian restoration efforts. Includes a table of techniques, successes, and sources. This site provides a good bit of information, though there are no additional contacts provided.

pencil Southwest Center for Education and the Natural Environment (SCENE): Native Habitat Restoration: Briefly discusses this effort to restore native vegetation to urban land. This group may be able to help with additional resources, or may have a project you can get involved in.

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Arkansas

The Arkansas Multi-Agency Wetland Planning Team: This team is made up of state agency representatives that promote wetlands conservation through the implementation of the Arkansas Statewide Wetland Strategy. This site provides a wealth of information on Arkansas wetlands, the Arkansas Statewide Wetlands Strategy, classroom materials for teachers, an informative pictorial tour of Arkansas wetlands, and links to other wetland-related sites.

The Arkansas Watershed Advisory Group: This group assists interested citizens and organizations by promoting local voluntary approaches to watershed management and conservation. Their web site offers a slide show detailing their many watershed restoration projects. This site would be useful for anyone interested in ongoing watershed restoration efforts.

circle Lower Mississippi Delta Initiative: EPA site that outlines problems in this large-scale watershed, actions taken, stakeholders, and contact information. Very helpful information for this area of the country.

circle scissors Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley Wetland Conservation Plan: EPA site that outlines this program giving problems, actions taken, stakeholders, and contact information. Very brief.

circle scissors USGS Programs in Arkansas: Links to various programs. None are solely connected to wetland restoration, but these may be of help for contacts or other information.

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California

Ballona Wetlands Foundation: The Ballona Wetlands Foundation was created by a court action to preserve and protect the remaining Ballona Wetlands on California's coast near Los Angeles. Foundation members offer educational programs for children and adults and coordinate volunteer efforts to protect and restore the wetlands. This site would be useful for anyone seeking information about the restoration efforts taking place at the Ballona Wetlands or for anyone looking for volunteer activities that can be organized to benefit wetlands.

Natural Resources Project Inventory: formerly the California Ecological Restoration Project Inventory is a combined private/nonprofit/government database containing information on restoration projects in California. Projects can be viewed by counties or by vegetation/habitat type. This site would be useful for anyone seeking information on completed restoration projects in California.

California Vernal Pools: This nonprofit organization is dedicated to saving California's vernal pools and distributing information and resources. This web site provides links vernal pool resources including animal and plant species, conservation programs, federal and state regulations, publications, and reference materials. Would be useful to anyone seeking to learn more about vernal pools or organizations seeking to protect vernal pools.

California Wetlands Information System Vernal Pools: This site, part of the California Resources Agency's Wetlands Information System, offers links to information about vernal pools—seasonally flooded depressions underlain by an impermeable layer such as hardpan, claypan, or volcanic basalt. The site offers educational materials about vernal pools, California vernal pool locator maps, and a detailed vernal pool assessment report (complete with maps and species lists) prepared by the California Department of Fish and Game.

Elkhorn Slough: The Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve was established as a field laboratory for scientific research and estuarine education. This site provides information on restoration activities available at the Slough, current research, and outreach activities designed to educate the public about protecting the health of the ecosystem. This site provides an example of how to integrate restoration and educational activities to increase public awareness of wetland restoration.

The Friends of Famosa Slough: (search for Famosa Slough) The Friends of Famosa Slough (FFS) is a nonprofit organization established to protect and restore the Famosa Slough as a natural wetland preserve and to promote public awareness of the importance of wetlands. The FFS site lists locations of trails and benches throughout the wetland, provides information on the history of and future plans for the slough, and includes photos of wetland areas and wetland plants and fish. This site would be useful for anyone interested in visiting Famosa Slough or learning more about southern California native wetland plants and animals.

The Los Angeles River Connection: This web site offers diverse resources related to the history and management of the Los Angeles River. The site, developed in part by students from the Los Angeles area, offers links to a virtual river tour, maps, lesson plans, riparian resources, and river-related organizations. This site would be useful for anyone interested in ongoing restoration and protection efforts in the Los Angeles River watershed.

Madrona Marsh Nature Center and Preserve: Madrona Marsh is one of the last remaining vernal marshes in southern California. This site explores the resources and activities available at the Nature Center and Preserve, including walks, tours, science camps and classes, and habitat restoration work parties. The Madrona Marsh Nature Center and Preserve serves as a good example of the extent to which a community wetland can be used as an educational resource for the public.

The Orange County CoastKeeper: CoastKeeper works to protect and preserve Orange County's marine habitat and watershed through education, restoration, and enforcement. They have also recently received a Five-Star grant for a kelp restoration project off the California coast. This web site provides information on meetings, events, and volunteer efforts sponsored by CoastKeeper, as well as news articles about several nearby beaches and harbors. This site would be useful for anyone wishing to get involved with CoastKeeper or anyone seeking information on kelp bed restoration.

Riparian Habitat Joint Venture: California Partners in Flight initiated the Riparian Habitat Joint Venture (RHJV) project in 1994. To date, 18 federal, state, and private organizations have signed the landmark Cooperative Agreement to protect and enhance habitats for native landbirds throughout California. This site describes the efforts of the RHJV to reinforce other collaborative efforts currently under way that protect biodiversity and enhance natural resources, as well as the human element they support. This site provides ideas for developing collaborative efforts to protect riparian areas.

San Francisco Bay Joint Venture: This partnership of public agencies, environmental organizations, the business community, local governments, the agricultural community, and landowners works cooperatively to protect, restore, increase, and enhance wetlands and riparian habitat in the San Francisco Bay watershed. The site provides information on current projects, events, and community involvement opportunities. This site would be useful for anyone seeking information on or wishing to get involved in restoration activities in the San Francisco Bay watershed.

The San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI): SFEI encourages research, monitoring and communication efforts that support the protection and enhancement of the San Francisco estuary. Information on several projects is available through this web site, including descriptions of the contaminant monitoring and research program, biological invasion program, and regional monitoring program. The Bay Area EcoAtlas is also accessible through this site. The EcoAtlas is a database of past and present ecology data on the bays, baylands, and adjacent habitats of the San Francisco Bay area. EcoAtlas is designed to support regional environmental planning and management efforts. This site provides a wealth of technical information on monitoring programs and controlling invasive species in the San Francisco Bay.

Save San Francisco Bay: This project is sponsored by a partnership between Restore America's Estuaries and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Save the Bay seeks to preserve, restore and protect the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta Estuary as a healthy and biologically diverse ecosystem essential to the well-being of the human and natural communities it sustains. This site contains information on the need for wetlands protection and provides information on the methods Save the Bay is using to protect the San Francisco Bay.

The Sonoma Ecology Center: The Center is a nonprofit organization working toward a condition of sustainable ecological health in the Sonoma Valley through community-supported research, education, restoration, and preservation. The Center offers Sonoma residents and visitors opportunities for discovering the beauty and natural resources of the valley. This site provides opportunities for volunteers to take part in restoration activities in Sonoma Valley, California.

Tennessee Hollow Creek Restoration: This site offers a detailed look at the proposed plan to restore Tennessee Hollow Creek, one of two streams in San Francisco that have not been completely buried and built over with tall structures. The site offers a detailed report that describes the efforts of the Urban Watershed Project to restore the watershed. This site would be useful for anyone planning a watershed-wide creek restoration project.

exclamation points circle California Wetlands Information System: Provides a directory of 16 wetland restoration projects in the state. Each site listing provides standard information about the stage, duration, intensity and success of the restoration. Easy to follow and informative.

circle California Ecological Restoration Projects Inventory: Brief descriptions and links to hundreds of CA restorations. Though hundreds are listed, there is little information about each project; a good source of information nonetheless.

hand Preliminary Geochemical Studies of Pollutant and Natural Organic Compounds in Sediments from Sonoma Baylands: Description of a USGS study of a restoration project in San Francisco Bay. Web page outlined in ~scientific format. Links to complete methodology, results, conclusions. Very complete, but scientific format makes this site less user friendly for the non-scientist.

circle USGS: Riparian Ecosystem Creation and Restoration: a literature summary - case studies: overview of case study in the lower Colorado River. Discussion of methodology and results is understandable and informative.

circle scissors Pacific Estuarine Research Laboratory: recent studies: Discussion of attempts to restore coastal wetlands in California. Indication that salt marsh restoration is not often successful. Nice overview, but cursory at best.

circle scissors Restoration of the Knapp Unit of the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge: Description of hydrologic monitoring program associated with the restoration. Very brief.

circle Hellman Ranch Wetlands: Form description of restoration program. Lots of concise information on the program, complete contact information.

hand arrow Napa-Sonoma Marsh Modeling Project: Discusses effort to numerically model restoration methodology. Includes several figures. Informative but brief, doesn't discuss applications of model elsewhere.

circle California Department of Parks and Recreation: Mission Statement: Scroll down to see "Major Roles and Responsibilities in Wetlands Management". Gives said information and nothing more, but links to official CDPR website.

hand Huntington Wetlands Restoration Project: Scientific description of restoration effort, with contact information. Concise, discusses methodology.

hand City of Arcata Wastewater Treatment Facility and Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary: Same format as above.

circle Bolsa Chica: Form description of restoration project. Lots of organized information including contacts.

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Colorado

circle scissors North Park Intermountain Area: Brief description of wetlands and riparian habitat associated with the North Platte and Colorado River basins. Be sure to scrolldown to the section on San Luis Valley. Contacts at top of page. Not much restoration information, but nice photos.

hand Upper Arkansas River Ecological Restoration: Leadville, CO: Thorough description of biosolids demonstration project with contacts, focus on soil characteristics. Nice photos, information is presented in a technical manner.

hand arrow Wetland Restoration to Benefit Endangered Fish Habitat in the Upper Colorado River Basin: Zoological focus of UCRB restoration efforts. Focus on fish differentiates this site, plus is a detailed description.

circle scissors Rio Blanco Restoration Project : Brief description of Rio Blanco project with links to other pages. Not much information.

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Connecticut

Norwalk River Watershed Association, Inc. : This association is dedicated to protecting the Norwalk River watershed, located in southwestern Connecticut and southeastern New York. The association continues to protect the watershed and remove invasive species along the riverbank. This site gives a good example of how a community organization can mobilize people to protect their watershed.

Riparian Buffers for the Connecticut River Valley: This site offers 10 fact sheets on different types of riparian buffers, including backyard, forestland, habitat, agricultural, and urban buffers, as well as information on community guidance, planting tips, and field assessment.This site would be useful to anyone wishing to learn about the different types of riparian buffers and the characteristics of each type.

pencil Mosquito Control Back in Connecticut: Indicates that mosquito control program is working "hand-in-hand" with the Wetlands Restoration Unit. No restoration information, just may provide someone with a lead somewhere...

circle exclamation points Tidal Wetland Restoration in Connecticut: Gives general description of overall project, and two complete case studies. Great site-make sure not miss the second case study (you'll need to click to chapter 2 at the end of the first page).

circle scissors Winter Time Work in Connecticut Wetlands: Brief synopsis of work completed in wetland restoration projects in the wintertime.Not much restoration information, but a few tips on work in cold months.

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Delaware

We did not find any wetland restoration sites in our search.

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Washington, D.C.

The Anacostia Watershed Society: The Anacostial Watershed Society is dedicated to preserving the watershed of the Anacostia River and improving water quality in the river. Since its 1991 beginning, the Society has removed 225 tons of debris from the river, planted more than 10,000 trees, and involved close to 8,000 inner-city youth. This site provides current activities and future plans of the Society, as well as an on-line version of the Society's newsletter.

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Florida

The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: This web site offers a virtual tour of southwestern Florida's Corkscrew Swamp. Visitors can experience several distinct habitats found along the Sanctuary's 2.25-mile raised boardwalk, including pine flatwood, wet prairie, marsh, lettuce lakes, and cypress forest (the largest remaining stand of ancient bald cypress in North America.) This site would be useful for someone interested in learning about wetland habitats of southwestern Florida.

Everglades Village: The Everglades Village is a resource for nongovernmental and governmental organizations and individuals that are working to sustain the environments and the communities in southern Florida. This web site provides directories of the individuals and organizations working toward Everglades restoration and the services and resources that they provide. An image gallery provides links to diverse sites that offer photographs and other images of the Everglades. This site offers diverse information about South Florida's wetland ecosystems.

Florida Wetland Restoration Information Center: The goal of this information center is to develop the framework for a statewide restoration program for wetlands and their associated uplands in Florida using ecosystem management and ecological principles. The site provides links to restoration activities taking place throughout Florida, a handbook on wetland restoration, funding sources, and a restoration library with current scientific information about restoration. This site would be useful to anyone seeking to learn more about the practice and policy of restoration activities throughout Florida.

Indian River Lagoon Species Inventory: This site provides species lists for plants and animals living in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida. Complete species inventories and descriptions are available on close to 100 species living in South Florida. The site also provides endangered species inventories, biodiversity information, and general information about the Indian River Lagoon. This site provides useful information on survival conditions for a number of native wetland species.

Mangrove Replenishment Initiative: This initiative provides technology, fosters education, and encourages proactive mangrove replenishment for the purpose of promoting biodiversity, creating habitat, mitigating the effects of pollution, curbing shoreline erosion, and improving the water quality of estuaries. This site provides useful technical information about the replenishment of mangrove habitat.

Natural Resources Defense Council: Everglades: The Natural Resources Defense Council works with other environmental groups in south Florida to oversee the decision-making processes that affect water management for the region, pressing for a system that closely replicates the Everglades' natural water flows and safeguards its water quality. Links to related everglades topics and current events are provided by this site. This site would be useful to anyone wishing to learn more about large-scale restoration efforts.

Restoring Florida's Everglades: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District maintain this web site dedicated to the restoration of the Everglades. The site contains information about the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, resources for educators, information about ongoing projects in the Everglades, maps, policy and legislative information, and a photo gallery. This site provides comprehensive information about restoration of Florida's Everglades.

South Florida Wetlands Ecosystems Lab: This lab conducts research on a variety of types of Florida wetlands including mangroves and sloughs as well as on the Everglades. This site provides a variety of research focusing on the effects of nutrients on Florida wetlands.

St. John's Water Management District Streamlines: Streamlines is a quarterly publication from the St. John's Water Management District in Florida. The articles address a variety of water-related topics in Florida, including an artesian well plugging program, wetlands and their functions, an update of wetland restoration and water monitoring activities taking place in Florida counties, and updates describing large restoration projects. This web site would be useful for anyone seeking updated information on St. John's Water Management District activities and current issues facing Florida's water quality.

USGS South Florida Information Access (SOFIA) : The U.S. Geological Service established this web site, formerly known as the "South Florida Ecosystem Program." The site provides a base of scientific information to resource managers who work to resolve or prevent complex environmental problems in specific ecosystem sites, such as the Everglades and Big Cypress Swamp. The site offers maps and publications for download; allows users to search on-line databases containing biologic, hydrologic, meteorologic, and geographic datasets; and provides information about ongoing and completed research projects relevant to South Florida. This site would be useful for anyone interested in wetland issues in southern Florida.

hand Riparian Ecosystem Creation and Restoration: a literature review (Agrico Swamp Reclamation Project): Description of large-scale wetland restoration undertaken in phosphate-mined lands in central Florida. Includes information on post-construction monitoring of vegetation and benthic invertebrates. Thorough description, but a tad scientific.

hand An Evaluation of Plant Community Structure, Fish and Benthic Meio- and Macrofauna as Success Criteria for Reclaimed Wetlands: Scientific description of research on wetlands created on phosphate-mined lands. Very thorough, very technical.

circle scissors Lake Tarpon Management Plan : Management plan for restoration of water quality in a lake. Gives targets and goals, but no methodology.

circle exclamation points South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force: Links to six large-scale restoration projects. Includes goals, maps, contact information. Great site! A must for information on Florida restoration projects.

circle arrow Hydrologic Considerations in the Creation of Wetlands in the Florida Phosphate Mining District 1: Scientific format, descriptive site. Specific to phosphate mined lands, but thorough.

circle arrow Florida Institute of Phosphate Research: Reclamation Publications (1998) : Site where you can find all of the information you ever wanted on wetlands created on phosphate-mined lands. Specific to this topic, but we included it because it's such a big one in Florida.

circle scissors Index of Restoration Projects: A general list of how monies were allotted to various restoration projects in Florida. Not much additional information, no links.

circle Hole in the Donut Project : Information on a part of the Everglades restoration effort. Emphasis on prevention of exotics invasion.Concise description.

circle scissors Ecosystems Restoration Projects: Munyon Island: Thorough description of island restoration with notes on restoring wetlands on the island. Cursory note on wetlands. Big photo, but loads quickly.

circle SWIM Plan for Biscayne Bay, FL: Overview of estuary's problems and goals for restoration. Another nice, thorough site.

circle arrow Accelerating Natural Processes After Phosphate Mining: Thorough, scientific discussion. Again, specific to phosphate-mined lands, but useful for Florida.

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Georgia

Georgia Buffers: Georgia Buffers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving citizens access to technical information and helping them to preserve and restore the banks and vegetation along waterways. This web site offers information about laws and ordinances, restoration techniques, educational resources, funding, the Georgia Stream Buffer Initiative, and many other restoration-related topics.

The Georgia Lakes Society: This society was created by representatives of lake associations, state and local governments, academics, conservation agencies, and interested citizens in response to the many problems faced by lakes in Georgia. The group provides a statewide forum for the exchange of information on lake management strategies and seeks to foster the development of local lake and wetland restoration and protection programs in accordance with appropriate management strategies and techniques. This site would be useful for anyone seeking to start up a local lake restoration and protection program.

Stream Restoration Scrapbook: Developed by a summer intern with Georgia's Conasauga River Alliance, this web site offers a detailed pictorial tour of a streambank restoration project along Sumac Creek, a tributary of the Conasauga River. Numerous clear pictures show the step-by-step process of streambank restoration, including the laying of geo-tile and planting of grass and trees. This is a good site showing a pictorial overview of the restoration process from start to finish, including causes of streambank erosion.

University of Georgia Wetlands Restoration Fact Sheet: Maintained by the University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, this site contains basic wetland information as well as links to research studies about restoring various types of degraded wetlands.This site would be useful to anyone researching watershed restoration methods.

circle scissors The Georgia Lakes Society: Organization that promotes restoration projects. This page links to other lake pages, and provides nice general statements about Georgia waters, but doesn't have much actual restoration information.

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Hawaii

circle scissors Honolulu Star Bulletin-Water Ways: Newspaper column for 2/27/1999 about the Ala Wai Canal Watershed improvement Project. Brief information, but tells you something is going on.

pencil Wetlands Reserve Program in Hawaii: Information on classification of lands under the Wetlands Reserve Program and information on getting the classification. May be useful to individuals trying to initiate wetlands restoration programs in Hawaii.

pencil Wetlands Reserve Program Ranking Criteria for Hawaii: Gives information on point system for ranking lands under Wetlands Reserve Program for Hawaii. No restoration information, but gives an idea of what characteristics this program values.

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Idaho

West Page Swamp Wetland Restoration Project: This web site describes the efforts of researchers at the University of Washington to study the effectiveness of placing a layer of new soil on metal-contaminated wetlands to restore their health and to limit the impact of the buried pollution on ecosystems. The web site features a series of pictures of the restoration efforts, as well as overall pictures of the site from the beginning to the end of the project. This web site would be useful for anyone looking for step-by-step information and pictures about restoring metal-contaminated wetlands.

circle scissors Bunker Hill, Idaho: Ecological Restoration Demonstration: Site describes the restoration of a Superfund site in Idado. Lists goals, photographs of sites. Not specifically riverine or wetland related, but includes discussion of soil stabilization. Photos are nice.

circle exclamation points Coeur d'Alene River Basin: West Page Swamp Wetland Restoration Project: Detailed information on a Superfund site wetland restoration program. Includes diagram, photographs, goals. Excellent site. Diagram of wetland restoratioin is very helpful, and photos are nice.

pencil Case Study: Idaho-TMDL: Discusses changes in Idaho's water quality laws. No restoration information, but may be useful information if planning a restoration in Idaho.

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Illinois

The Conservation Foundation: The Foundation is proactive in protecting and enhancing rivers and watersheds by improving water quality and stream ecosystems, preserving stream corridors, and increasing citizen awareness. This is accomplished through watershed planning, management, and restoration. This Illinois-based organization has a conservation grant program, has worked to complete a Five-Star Restoration project, and sponsors other restoration activities. This site would be useful for anyone involved with a restoration project seeking resources in Illinois.

The Des Plaines Watershed Team: This team is an organization of volunteers focused on flooding, water quality, and related storm water issues in the Des Plaines River watershed in Illinois. This site contains an informative page on what you can do to protect your watershed that has suggestions for anyone interested in watershed protection. This site would be useful for anyone who is seeking information about the Des Plains Watershed or who is interested in the organization of a community based watershed protection effort.

The Frank C. Bellrose Waterfowl Research Center: The Research Center has conducted extensive studies relating to wetlands, waterfowl, and the river environment. The Center has given special emphasis to studies on waterfowl biology and management, the effects of sedimentation on aquatic habitats, and lead poisoning in waterfowl. This site provides information on current research being conducted by the Center, access to waterfowl inventories, and a list of related links.

Kildeer Countryside Virtual Wetland Preserve: This on-line wetland, created by students in the Illinois school system, allows visitors to examine lakes, ponds, bogs, fens, marshes, and other wetlands and learn about the amphibians, birds, insects, fish, mammals, insects, reptiles, and plants associated with each. Information on the benefits of wetlands and the history of their destruction is included. This site is useful for teachers who wish to teach about wetlands and the need to protect them.

Prairie Wolf Slough Wetland Restoration: The Prairie Wolf Slough wetland restoration site provides information about a wetland restoration project along the Chicago River. The site describes the history of the 40-acre wetland and explains how it is used to educate local students and the public. This site is a good example of how a restored slough can be used for public education purposes.

Virtual Field Trip to Volo Bog: This site, developed by Twin Groves School in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, offers a virtual tour of the Volo Bog in McHenry County, Illinois. This wetland is significant because it is the only quaking mat bog in Illinois that exhibits all stages of zonal plant succession. This site offers pictures and descriptions of wetland plants found in Volo Bog, as well as a movie of the bog entrance.This site is a good example of a wetland education school project that also serves as a valuable educational resource for the public.

circle scissors Prairie Wolf Slough: Brief description of a multi-purpose restoration effort. No details , photos or contacts. Small bit of information on the restoration effort.

circle dollar sign Grants will protect and restore wetlands in Chicago metro area: Press release about grant-money release. Notes grant recipients and project name, and gives a contact for the overall information. Leads to follow in regard to other restoration projects, but no real restoration information.

dollar sign Northeastern Illinois Wetlands Conservation Account: Informational press release about this fund dedicated to funding wetland restoration projects. Take note if you need funding for an Illinois wetland restoration project.

circle scissors Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge: Nice web site describing the refuge and its programs. Click on "Comprehensive Conservation Plan" to see goals and color land-use/ecosystem map. Nice site. No restoration information other than goals, though.

circle arrow Proposed Work Plan for the Upper Illinois River Basin: Very complete description of a study plan for this watershed; includes research needs, references. Good to look at if you are concerned with this watershed or needing to complete a similar type of report. Otherwise, this page is very long and exhaustive.

circle exclamation points Wetland Restoration: General wetland restoration information. Links to "Partners for Wildlife" page-an aid to wetland restorers.Though brief, this overview hits on hydrology, vegetation, and soils in two paragraphs. Excellent overview. Additionally, the linked page provides references for help in your restoration project.

circle exclamation points Butterfield Creek: This multi-page site delivers full descriptions of the area being restored and protected, goals, implementation, and an indexed "album" which appears to be a print version of the plan. Excellent site! Beautiful to look at with out loading slowly. Stay at this one until you've soaked up as much information as you can; don't miss the "album" which contains maps, and additional information on the project. Pages are easy to navigate, and it is filled with useful information.

pencil Resources you can use at Rock Island, IL: Wetland Inventory maps aerial photographs, endangered species lists by county, library databases, documents for sale, public outreach materials. Informational. If you need these resources, come here; or, bookmark it for future reference.

circle Wetland Restoration at the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve: Project report from a University of Illinois-UC restoration study.Good site with background information, methodology, results, future goals.

circle Wetlands in the Great Lakes Region: Overview of regions wetlands by type, land use, etc. Includes additional Illinois wetland references. Good site if you will be working in the Great Lakes region.

circle Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley Wetland Conservation Plan: Plan includes portions of Illinois. This site provides an overview of the large-scale conservation plan. Includes problem statements, actions taken, and contacts. Good site for this large scale project, not exhaustive, but informative.

circle The Des Plains Watershed: Another Des Plains site, but with different information. Includes link to "What You Can Do to Conserve Your Watershed". If you're working or living in this watershed (this site also provides a nice map of the area), this is the site to see. Cheers for the "what you can do" page.

circle exclamation points Chicago Rivers Demonstration Project: Gives a general overview of the large-scale project, and a list of "success stories" associated with the project. An excellent site with a lot of information. The case studies are useful, but know that they are Acrobat files, not web pages.

circle Lower Mississippi River Valley Ecosystem Restoration Initiative: Another site focusing on this area, but with different information. Large-scale project is broken up by sub-basins. Lots of information about this project.

hand Riparian Ecosystem Creation and Restoration: A Literature Summary: Case Studies: Des Plaines River Wetlands Demonstration Project: Yet another Des Plains, site, but, again, with different information-this USGS site is more technical than the others. If you're looking for research information, this is the site to concentrate on.

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Indiana

pencil Wetland Restoration Project Exemption (PDF, 50KB): Legislation allowing placement of a wetland restoration project in a floodplain (scroll through definitions to reach the rule). Just legal information that may be helpful.

circle dollar sign Great Lakes Project Summaries: Brief summaries of projects funded by state or federal money in 1996. Scroll to top of page to select for 1997. Informative-lets you know what is out there, and characteristics of grant-receiving projects.

circle Remote Sensing of Wetland Restoration Sites: Churubusco, IN: Descriptions of case studies, methodology, results; includes maps, photographs. This multi-page site is full of useful information, and organized logically. A must see for Indiana.

pencil Wetlands Reserve Program: Indiana overview : An overview of Indiana's participation in the WRP with contact information.Informative about the WRP, but little actual restoration information.

circle Indiana success stories: Provides detailed information on two successful projects. Informative; then, again, it's our site-what can I say?

circle scissors Indiana GAP analysis spin-off projects: Brief notation of project names. Lets you know these are out there, not much else.

circle Success Story: Wetland Restoration in Muscatatuck River Basin, Indiana: Description and photographs of restoration project. Nice site, thorough description.

circle arrow Chicago Wilderness: This area extends into Indiana. Informative if you're planning on working in this ecological area.

dollar sign Money available for citizen environmental efforts: Information on funding sources in Indiana. If you need funding, look here.

circle Proposed Grand Kankakee Marsh National Wildlife Refuge: Good complete environmental assessment for this area. Provides introductory information on the site, goals, public involvement analysis, and impact analyses. Excellent example of a complete EA, not more than a note on restoration, though.

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Iowa

Iowa Wetlands and Riparian Areas: This web site serves as a clearinghouse of information about wetlands and riparian areas in Iowa. The site includes a description of the Iowa Wetlands and Riparian Areas Conservation Plan, as well as general information about wetlands and riparian areas. A series of case studies are included to demonstrate the types of protection and restoration efforts that are taking place in Iowa. A kids' page offers enjoyable learning opportunities. The site would be useful for anyone looking for wetland education and communication ideas, as well as people looking for information relevant to Iowa.

circle exclamation points Prescribed Burning as a Management and Restoration Tool in Wetlands of the Upper Midwest: A complete discussion of the use of prescribed burning in wetlands. Please read this if you have time. Burning may be an essential part of successful wetland restoration.

circle Decision-making for prairie wetland restorations: Assesses various methods of siting for wetland restoration projects. Useful information presented logically.

circle Walnut Creek National Monitoring Program Project: Complete description of restoration monitoring program with maps, budget, and contact information at the bottom of the page. Very complete description.

circle Iowa Wetlands Reserve Program Overview: Discussion of the status of wetland restoration in Iowa with contact information and list of benefits to landowners. Nice site with a lot of information.

circle exclamation points Wetland Restoration and Protection: One of three (see following) listings of projects under the Prairie Pothole Joint Venture Program. With contact information, goals and outlook. Each of these sites is beautiful and succinct with a left-hand border that links you to other restoration projects.

circle Wetland and Grassland Restoration: See above.

circle Wetland Restoration: See above.

circle exclamation points Cool Kids: Web page highlighting kids who aid in wetland restoration projects. Great site geared toward kids, great idea!

circle exclamation points Iowa's wetlands and riparian areas: Web site with tons of information and tons of links to projects. See this one. The site itself is great to look at and the information within is valuable.

hand Herbicides and Nitrate in the Iowa River Alluvial Aquifer Prior to Changing Land Use, Iowa County, 1996: Write up of a scientific study on the fate of fertilizers and herbicides. Discussion includes recommendation to restore wetland areas. Lots of data to read through, but if you're concerned with the effects of herbicides and fertilizers in your area, a must see.

pencil Iowa Great Lakes: Overview of federally funded restoration project including goals, contacts, interested parties. Good, complete site.

circle Effects of habitat restoration on abundance and productivity of mallards in the Eagle Lake Complex (northern Iowa): Background, partners, overview, objectives and contact information included in this write up. No restoration information, but a strongly related topic that should be understood.

circle Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge: Discussion of an attempt to integrate modern agriculture and natural areas in the same vicinity with contact information. Beautiful site with a lot of useful information.

circle exclamation points Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation: Multi-page site with a lot of information throughout. Must see. Get lost in this site, it's packed with useful information.

circle Wetlands of Iowa: This site provides a list of basic questions and answers about Iowa wetlands. The information is basic, but may be useful for education purposes.

circle arrow Project Spotlight: Walnut Creek, IA: Another walnut creek site with similar information. If you're interested in this creek, this may provide you with additional information, otherwise, this site is pretty similar to the other one.

circle pencil Evaluation of Restored Wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region (USGS): This page provides information on a proposed evaluation program with an invitation to help out. If you're looking for a project, this one may be able to use your help, or the help of your group.

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Note: the inclusion of a link on this page does not constitute an endorsement by EPA of any organization's policies or activities.  

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