Ecosystem (or ecological) restoration—the process of recovering an ecosystem that had been degraded, damaged, or destroyed—has become a priority as cities and towns look to revitalize abandoned and neglected core areas of their community, particularly rivers and streams. Ecosystem restoration projects require an understanding of the ecological ramifications of land- and water-use changes as well as what resources and functions have been lost in order to establish realistic ecosystem restoration goals. CDM’s experts utilize systems hydrology, geomorphic setting, and physical processes (sediment movement), and biological and biogeochemical processes to address human interaction with restored ecosystems in order to achieve long-term sustainability. The goal: creating environments where both biodiversity and human habitats flourish.
CDM’s multi-disciplined team of engineers, scientists, planners, architects, and facilitators work in concert with local, state and federal officials, and public stakeholders that are interested and/or affected by the restoration efforts. Our inclusive decision support tools and strategies help align divergent stakeholder interests to develop comprehensive, integrated plans with win-win results.