Incorporation of ecological restoration in agricultural watershed management

Authors: LENHART, CHRISTIAN - University Of Minnesota; Smiley, Peter - Rocky

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/25/2021
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Agricultural watershed restoration is the process of assisting the recovery of ecosystem structure and/or function within watersheds that have been degraded by agriculture. Unfortunately, this approach to watershed management is the rare exception within the Midwestern United States despite the need to offset agriculture-induced environmental damage. Typical restoration approaches in agricultural watersheds either focus on improving water quality or improving riparian and instream habitat quality. Our objective for this presentation is to review theoretical frameworks applicable for designing watershed restoration strategies in the Midwestern United States, to discuss our choice of the most applicable theoretical framework (i.e., Treatment Train Concept), to discuss the conceptual application of the Treatment Train Concept for designing watershed restoration projects, and to provide recent examples of the Treatment Train Concept in designing watershed restoration projects. In summary, our presentation highlights how ecological restoration can be incorporated into agricultural watershed management and can facilitate agricultural watershed restoration strategies that are grounded in theory and facilitate a community-based approach involving local landowners, agencies, and other stakeholders.